Attendance & Advancement
Ballet study is progressive, built upon careful repetition of movements. It is in the systematic repetition of exercises that the body begins to develop strength and fluidity. Not unlike other athletic disciplines, desired mastery of movement is sought through multiple practice sessions. We strongly recommend multiple technique classes per week as a proven method for achievement in ballet.
Recommended Number of Classes by Level
| Level | Recommended number of UIYB classes per week | Optional additions |
|---|---|---|
| Wee Dance | 1+ | Wee Dance (2nd weekly) |
| Creative Movement 1 | 1+ | Creative Movement 1 (2nd weekly) |
| Creative Movement 2 | 1+ | Creative Movement 2 (2nd weekly) |
| Creative Dance 3 | 1+ | Pre-Ballet or Ballet 1A (age dependent) |
| Creative Dance 4 | 1+ | Ballet 1B, 2A, or 2B (age/placement dependent) |
| Pre-Ballet | 1+ | Creative Dance 3 Pre-Ballet (2nd weekly) |
| Ballet 1A | 1+ | Creative Dance 3 Ballet 1A (2nd weekly) Pre-Ballet |
| Ballet 1B | 1+ | Creative Dance 4 Ballet 1B (2nd weekly) Ballet 1A |
| Ballet 2A | 2+ | Creative Dance 4 Ballet 1B |
| Ballet 2B | 2+ | Creative Dance 4 Ballet 2A |
| Ballet 3 | 3, plus conditioning | Level 2B |
| Ballet 4 | Four, plus modern and optional pointe | Level 3 |
| Ballet 5 | All level 4/5, plus modern, supplementals, and optional pointe | Level 3, 4 |
Makeup Classes
Students have the additional option of taking class at the same or a lower level when space permits and when requested in advance. Makeups are allowed up to two times per person per semester (once during the shorter summer session).
Reach out to DNC-CommunityDance@uiowa.edu so a staff member can offer options or approve a makeup class. This step is important so our office can inform the instructors to expect an additional student.
Late Arrival
If a student is more than ten minutes late, they will be asked to observe the class. This is a UI Dance Department policy to avoid injury.
Advancement
When the student has mentally understood the ballet technique concepts and when the students’ body has become strong enough to accomplish those movements, then, at the discretion of the instructor, the student is moved to the next level. In this way, the student begins to assimilate the layers of knowledge that form the foundation of ballet. Indeed, the primary levels are some of the most important levels and should not be rushed.