Preparatory Ballet Program
Under the direction of Gayle Parmelee, the Loyola Preparatory Ballet
Program offers noncredit classes for students aged seven and up at levels
ranging from beginner through advanced. Classes in partnering, pointe,
character, and men’s work are offered. These classes are also available
to university students and alumni.
Loyola Preparatory Music Program,
Ballet Division
Preparatory Program Curriculum and Class Descriptions
Level 1 Preparatory (suggested ages 7-9)
Beginning students are introduced to the basic principles of classical
ballet according to the Russian ballet technique developed by Agrippina
Vaganova. Elementary barre exercises are designed for the mastery of the
basic stance of the body and the positions of the feet, arms, and head
used in classical dance. In a progressive manner, students learn the basic
structure of a ballet lesson, including barre, center, adagio, and allegro
movements. In Level 1, the beginning student is introduced to the fundamental
concepts necessary to achieve movement coordination.
The first half of the first year of the eight-year syllabus as outlined
by Agrippina Vaganova will be covered.
Level 2 Preparatory (suggested ages 9-12)
The topics covered in Level 2 are designed for students who have had
an introduction to the art of dance. Fundamentals in the use of the ballet
barre are further explored, as is the refinement of elementary exercises.
In a progressive manner, students are introduced to the concept of epaulement
in more complex exercises, with an emphasis placed on the development
of stability in adagio and varied allegro steps.
The second half of the first year of the eight-year syllabus as outlined
by Agrippina Vaganova will be covered.
Level 3 Preparatory (intermediate level)
The medial study of classical ballet continues through amalgamated exercises
at the barre and in the center with increased quantity, difficulty, and
speed. The development of strength in the foot and instep is achieved
by alternating movements on the whole foot and on demi-pointe, and the
execution of movements on pointe. The pirouette is introduced in Level
3, as is the elementary study of movements en tournant, basic batterie,
and the development of elevation in big jumps. A study of the basic forms
of tours en l’air for the male dancer and the origin and proper
use of pointe shoes for the female dancer is included.
The second and third years of the eight-year syllabus as outlined by Agrippina
Vaganova will be covered.
Level 4 Preparatory (advanced/professional level, minimum age 13)
Students are accepted to Level 4 Preparatory by audition only. Those
who possess an advanced knowledge of ballet begin to achieve the full
coordination of body movements that is necessary in classical dance. Advanced-level
students are led through a repetition of the exercises already learned,
in greater quantity and at a faster tempo. The development of increased
agility and mobility is achieved through exposure to complicated adagios.
Emphasis is placed on allegro movements, which at this level become an
important foundation to the intricacy of classical ballet.
Advanced technique lessons are followed by rehearsals and performances
with the Loyola Ballet. Performance opportunities enable the dancer not
only to grow on a technical level, but artistically through the infusion
of ideas and moods into the movements learned in technique classes. Performing
students study and learn through faculty and self-evaluation of video
tapes of their rehearsals, lecture-demonstrations, and performances.
Students who choose to perform with Loyola Ballet are required to participate throughout the entire class and rehearsal period, which includes evening and weekend rehearsals.
