Classes

Ballet

As ballet technique is the base of all other dance training, our ballet classes are the priority at TBC. Through barre work, centre practice and travelling steps, ballet classes build strength, flexibility, coordination, artistry, basic posture and a dancer’s attention to detail. We offer both open ballet classes and exam preparation classes to our students. Our free ballet classes allow our dancers the opportunity to work on their technique and artistry while building their abilities in learning new sequences and steps. Our exam preparation classes focus on training the dancers in the Cecchetti exam work. 

A pink yoga mat with a pink foam block, a pair of pink dumbbells, and a pink cloth on it, placed on a wooden floor.

Conditioning

Full body conditioning is necessary to support dancer training. Our Conditioning classes are designed specifically to aid in training the ballet dancer’s body. Every class consists of cardio and full body strengthening with a focus on turnout, core strength and footwork. Many of our instructors are certified in PBT (Progressive Ballet Technique) and CI Training (Conditioning with Imagery) as well as have training backgrounds in Dance Kinesiology and Pilates. 

Pointe and Pre-Pointe

A ballerina in a black lace leotard and white tutu practicing ballet on pointe, performing a graceful pose against a plain light background.

Pointe is one of the most difficult dance forms that dancers learn. Ballet dancers are trained to make pointe work look easy; however, pointe requires an immense amount of strength and training for the dancers to be successful. At The Ballet Company, we require dancers to be above the age of 11 to register for Pointe classes as the classes require a certain level of strength and physical maturity. A short audition process is necessary for new pointe dancers so that we can assess their abilities. Pointe classes are available in our Recreational, Pre-Competitive and Competitive programs. Dancers must also attend Ballet Technique classes in order to train in pointe work. 

Pre-Pointe classes are available for dancers that wish to pursue Pointe training or simply build their overall strength and coordination. This class is recommended for dancers that are between the ages of 9-11 or older dancers that need to build leg strength before going on Pointe. The class focuses on exercises to strengthen the feet, ankles, lower legs, hamstrings, and glutes. Work on postural alignment and core support are also integral in this class. Registration in Ballet Technique classes is required in order to join a Pre-pointe class.

Lyrical

A woman in a beige dress dancing in a sunlit studio with curtains and shadows on the wall.

Lyrical classes combine the technique of ballet with the dancer's ability to portray emotion through their movement. The dancers will learn how to use expression and artistry to bring song lyrics and emotions to life through their movements. Lyrical classes follow a similar format to jazz classes with a warm up, across the floor work and combos.

Jazz

Silhouettes of three women in dance poses against a red and purple gradient background.

Jazz classes use agility and strength through turns, large jumps, high leg extensions and a fast paced style. Jazz classes use the fundamentals trained in ballet technique in a more upbeat way with more body isolations. Jazz classes consist of a warm-up, across the floor work and combos. Our jazz classes at TBC focus on building cardio and strength training to support our ballet focused dancers.

Contemporary

A woman with long dark hair dancing on stage, wearing a black lace top and wide-leg white pants, with arms extended and expressive posture.

Contemporary classes are characterized by natural and organic movement patterns. Through the use of suspension, being off balance and self expression, this dance style can sometimes be less traditional than the other classical dance forms. Contemporary classes consist of a warmup, various forms of improvisation and a combo. Similarly to our jazz and lyrical programs, our contemporary focuses on elements that support our ballet programming.

Adult Ballet

Silhouette of a ballet dancer in a tutu, standing on pointe with arms raised, against a gradient background.

We offer adult ballet classes for beginners as well as more experienced dancers. Our Level 1, or beginner classes, move at a slow pace to allow our more mature dancers the opportunity to embody the fundamentals of classical ballet training while conditioning their bodies and working on their artistry. Our Level 2, or experienced classes, are geared toward adults that have previous dance training. These classes move at a quicker pace with less time spent on training the ballet fundamentals. Both Level 1 and Level 2 classes consist of a warmup with conditioning, barre work, centre practice, travelling steps and could down.

Private Coaching

We offer private or semi-private coaching classes to dancers that wish to work on specific skills or strengthen their abilities through one on one coaching. Private coaching can be scheduled in any of our offered dance styles. Our private coaching is open to students registered with The Ballet Company or other dancers looking for specialized assistance. Please email info@theballetcompany.ca to schedule a time.