Class Offerings
Each level at Dance Theater of Florida has its own syllabus and students must master the skills in that level before they may advance. The syllabi were developed by the director of DToF to ensure that the School’s students receive the best training possible. Movement through the Levels is purely up to the discretion of the faculty. The faculty may require a student to repeat a level as necessary to ensure the proper training and development of the student.
The Children’s Division includes Dancing with Mommy, Creative Movement, Pre-Ballet 1 and 2 and Level 1
Mommy and Me
Mommy and Me is meant for the 2-3 year old student. This level introduces young students to music and movement. Students, along with a care giver, learn dance etiquette, discipline, and group interaction while developing coordination and musicality. Classes meet for 45 minutes.
Creative Dance
Creative Dance is meant for the 3–4 year old student. This level introduces young students to music and movement. Students learn dance etiquette, discipline, and group interaction while developing coordination and musicality. Classes meet for 45 minutes.
Pre-Ballet
Pre-Ballet serves as an introduction to the classroom and body movement for students ages 4–6. Pre-Ballet 1 classes meet for 45 minutes per week. Pre-Ballet II classes meet for one hour per week and includes tap.
Level 1
When students enter Level 1, they can expect more intensive training. Classes meet once a week for one hour. Level 1 begins to develop a strong foundation for all dance disciplines.
The Children’s Division includes Dancing with Mommy, Creative Movement, Pre-Ballet 1 and 2 and Level 1
Levels 2/2X
Level 2 continues to develop a strong foundation with more repetitive work for the development of strength. In both level 2 and 2X, ballet classes are held once a week for 1.25 hours. Level 2X includes an introduction to longer combinations of steps and more intricate musicality.
Levels 3/3X
Level 3’s syllabus and schedule is more rigorous, Ballet classes focus on strengthening feet and ankles to prepare students for pointe. Level 3 ballet is the Pre-Pointe year, when classes meet two times per week for 1 1/2 hours. Depending on their strength and development, Level 3X ballet students may begin pointe during the late fall or early spring semester.
The Pre-Professional Division requires an audition.
Levels 4/4x
In Level 4/4X students are required to attend ballet classes 3 times each week for 5.5 hours per week. Level 4 includes rigorous ballet training technique and an increased amount of pointe work. They also must choose at least one contemporary, jazz or modern class. All level 4 requires ballet training. Level 4 emphasizes core work, quick thinking and attention to detail.
Levels 5/5X
Level 5 and 5X must attend at least 3 ballet classes per week. The focus in this level is on more intricate foot work and dance sequencing, including more rigorous ballet vocabulary and pointe work. They must also choose another 2 elective classes from modern, pilates, contemporary, jazz or more ballet classes depending upon their future goals.
Level 6
Level 6 continues the rigorous pre-professional training, taking a minimum of 3 ballet classes each week plus at least 3 other classes in modern, pilates, contemporary, jazz or more ballet depending upon the student’s goals.
