Preparatory Dance FAQ
Do I have to audition to be a student at Preparatory Dance?
- In the Pre-Ballet Division (ages 4-6), students are welcome to join a class at any time before March, space allowing. Placement is determined by age and school grade.
- In Level I, II, III, students may join at any time, space allowing and in consultation with the teacher and Director.
- In Levels IV and in the Intermediate and Advanced Divisions students must have previous training and will be evaluated by the Director and faculty of the Preparatory Dance Program and Director for placement in the appropriate level.
At what level/age do students begin performing in the Preparatory Dance Nutcracker?
- Preparatory Dance students may perform in the Nutcracker when they are enrolled in the Primary level.
- These students must maintain excellent attendance and be able to actively listen and work as part of a group.
What kind of time commitment is involved with training at Preparatory Dance?
The time commitment starts at 60 minutes per week for students in Creative Movement (age 4) and increases to 11-15 hours per week for high school students.
- Creative Movement/Pre-Primary/Primary (ages 4-6) – one day/hour per week
- Level I (age 7) – one or two days/hours per week
- Levels II & III (ages 8-9) – two days per week. In level III classes increase to 1.5 hours.
- Level IV & Intermediate I (ages 10-11) – three days per week
- Intermediate II (age 12) – four days a week
- Advanced (ages 13-18) – five days per week
- With the addition of Special Techniques, Modern and Junior Company this commitment could increase to six days per week.
Are there any boys at Preparatory Dance?
Yes, there are boys training at Preparatory Dance, and we always welcome more!
What age is a good starting point for ballet?
The Preparatory Dance Program offers creative movement classes to children ages 4 and up. Ballet I (for students 7-9 years of age) is offered once and/or twice a week to the young dancer who is mature enough to understand the structure and demands of a ballet class. At this level, the student is introduced to the basic ballet positions and begins working at the barre (a rail attached to a wall at about hip height, used by ballet dancers when exercising). Students often repeat this level.
When do you start pointe work?
Pointe work is the end result of slow and gradual training of the whole body and Pointe readiness is contingent upon many factors. Students entering Intermediate Ballet I may be considered candidates for Pointe work. However, the faculty assesses each student independently to determine the appropriate timing. Physiologic development, anatomic facility, strength of technique, hyper mobility of the feet and ankles, length and frequency of study, attendance habits, maturity and past injury are all taken into consideration. Students often begin the study of Pointe work at around 12 years of age. The study of pointe is not a requirement for advancement through the levels or participation in the performing company.
How many performance opportunities does the prep program offer?
Students in the Intermediate and Advanced levels are encouraged to join the Junior Dance Company. The company performs twice a year presenting The Nutcracker in December and then in the spring a mixed repertoire concert. Rehearsals take place on Saturdays and students must be committed to the rehearsal schedule. All Preparatory Dance Program students may participate in a Year End Demonstration in the Poncho Concert Hall.
What is your attendance policy?
The Preparatory Program is designed for the serious dance student. The acquisition of skill, endurance and the understanding of dance vocabulary cannot be achieved without consistent attendance. Advancement in the program and standing in the company is impacted by attendance. We do take daily attendance and hold the student accountable for their ability to progress and be successful in the program. In the event of illness, family emergency or extenuating circumstances we ask that parents call the office and notify us of a student’s absence. Make up classes during the semester are encouraged.
Do you have a dress code?
Each level is required to wear the appropriate leotard and color assigned to their level. Ballet tights are worn at all levels, except in the Creative Dance-Primary levels. Children in Creative Dance, Pre-Primary and Primary level wear pink anklet socks. Hair must be neatly tied back in a bun. Boys wear black tights, white short-sleeved t-shirt or leotard and white ballet slippers with white socks. Preparatory Dance Students are required to wear leather ballet slippers in performance. Please check the complete dress requirements »
Where do you recommend I purchase shoes, leotards, tights etc.?
Dance boutiques in the area that have our dress code requirements:
- Dancewear Center 425.827.6343
- Centerstage Dancewear 206.527.4697
- The Dance Collection 800.828.4030 or 253.838.4030
Do you have an open house?
For new students, we encourage you to make an appointment and we are happy to give you an orientation to our program at any time. Parents are welcome to attend our open house in November.
Do you have observation days?
Twice yearly we open the studios to family for class observations.
How do I apply to the prep program?
A placement class for levels IV through Advanced is required. Please call ahead to make an appointment - 206.726.5034. Students coming in to the program in the fall should check the calendar for the open audition date. Students coming in to the program midyear participate in a scheduled class and then are placed in a level appropriate for their skills. As the prep program does not discriminate, we always accommodate the student who is interested in investing in our program if they are able to meet the demands of the schedule and have the appropriate skills.
Is there an evaluation process for each student?
Students in the program receive a written evaluation in the New Year. In addition, the older students may schedule a conference once a year with their teacher or the director of the program. Once students reach high school additional counseling is available to the student who is interested in pursuing a career in dance or wishes to continue their training at the college level. This mentoring helps prepare students for the next phase of their life.
Is there a summer program?
The Cornish Summer Program provides a great opportunity to explore the visual and performing arts in a unique college environment. This year’s program offers an exciting array of courses in dance, design, visual arts and music, as well as academic courses for college credit. Our small classroom setting ensures individual attention from faculty and the opportunity to become well acquainted with fellow students. Flexible enrollment options make it easy to tailor the program to busy summer schedules and diverse course offerings encourage cross-disciplinary explorations. Courses will be held at both our historic Kerry Hall campus on Capitol Hill and at our Main Campus Center in downtown Seattle.
In the dance program teachers from the Preparatory Dance program are joined by guest teachers to provide students with a rich program that expands the offering of ballet, point, modern, creative movement and pre-ballet to include jazz, musical theatre, hip hop, composition, yoga, pilates, world dance and evening adult ballet.
Where do your students go after they graduate?
The Prepatory Dance Program boasts an illustrious alumni. Among many of the fine institutions to which our students have been accepted are American Musical and Dramatic Academy, Barnard College, Boston College, Cornish College of the Arts, The Julliard School, Lines Ballet/Dominican University BFA Program, Harvard University, Mt. Holyoke College, Tisch School of the Arts at NYU, Graham Company, Houston Ballet, Juilliard, Fordham, Interlochen Arts Academy, Bill T. Jones/Arne Zane Dance Company, Colorado Ballet, Dayton Ballet, Miami City Ballet, National Ballet of Canada, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Pearl Lang Dance Theatre, Atlanta Ballet Pre-Professional Program, N.C. School of the Arts, and S.F. Ballet School.