The Professional Program

PostedSeptember 28, 2018

Last Updated OnJuly 10, 2020

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The Professional Program consists of the Lower School (Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4) and the Upper School and Companies (Level 5, Level 6, Level 7 and BVII). Dancers will be placed in a level by the Directors that is best suited to their ability. New students require a placement class audition for this program.

The Lower School Program is the beginning of the Professional Program. Students in this program generally range in age from 7 to 14. Dancers must be committed and possess the physical requirements needed to facilitate classical ballet movement. Beginning in Level 3, they must train year-round, including a pre-approved summer study program or continue their training with Ballet Virginia’s Summer Programs. These levels are a progressive course of study designed to train technically strong and artistically expressive classically trained dancers. Optional electives available in various dance forms.

The Upper School and BVII is designed for the serious dancer generally in the age range of 12 to 20 whose goals include a professional career in dance or acceptance to a major college or university dance program. These levels are a progressive course of study designed to bring a dancer from the intermediate level of ballet to the technical prowess and artistry of a professional dancer. These levels meet several times per a week to prepare the student with a more rigorous schedule of study, ensuring proper training and physical strength. Continuous emphasis is placed on terminology, muscle memory, proper technique, and body placement. Dancers in both the Upper School and Companies must be committed and possess the physical requirements needed to facilitate classical ballet movement. They must train year-round, including a pre-approved summer study program or continue their training with BV’s Summer Programs.

The Professional Program levels below are a way of grouping students into classes that best meet their individual needs, meaning physical strength, mind/body connection, flexibility, and maturity:

Learn more under “Academy” on our website

Adult Program

This program is designed for adult dancers ages 16 and up. Six to eight week sessions happen throughout the year. If you’ve always wanted to give ballet a try or find a fun way to gain strength, flexibility, balance, and grace, this is the perfect place to get started!

Dress Code for Community Program:

Women – Solid colored leotard, convertible pink tights, ballet/tap shoes. Yoga/work-out pants and skirts are allowed.
Men – Should wear dance belts, but tights are not required. Shorts or tighter fitting sweat pants are acceptable. Black ballet/tap shoes required.

Students of all ages should wear clothing over their dance attire when outside of the building. Dance shoes should never be worn on any outside surfaces. Hair should be well secured away from the face and eyes.

Men’s Scholarship Program

Ballet Virginia offers a men’s scholarship program to boys age 10 to 18 by audition only. This program requires each dancer to take a certain amount of classes per week, audition for all of BV’s productions, and take summer session and workshop classes.