The Ballet Society of Colorado Springs

Ballet Society is about balance � excellence is always our goal, but we are first and foremost focused on the physical and emotional health of our students. This is accomplished, of course, in the dance studio.

We are a studio that is also about family. We welcome mothers, fathers and siblings into our comfortable surroundings to join in the process of making superior dancers and well-rounded human beings. We feel miracles happen on a regular basis between our superb roster of instructors and their young aspiring artists, and we welcome everyone to be a part of the process.

Does it really matter in which dance studio you decide to enroll your child? YES! There are four important things that can make a huge difference in the quality of instruction your child receives and the overall enjoyment and satisfaction they experience by being involved with a dance program. Here are four things that every parent should consider before deciding on a dance studio.

Dance is about movement and therefore it is important for students to be able to move across the floor uninhibited. A large studio gives students the advantages of having room to express themselves and move freely. For more advanced dancers, a professional-sized studio allows them to learn variations and works from the classical repertoire without compromise while rehearsing for upcoming performances.

The best way to prevent potential injury is by choosing a studio with a professional sprung floor. Dance is a very physical activity that requires much jumping which can put stress on the bones and joints. Most dance footwear does not provide cushioning or support, so the shock of dance movement can place pressure on the ankles, knees, and back of the dancer. A sprung floor is a dance floor that rests on a system of padding to absorb the shock of jumping. It is superior to a raised floor, which usually consists of wood built on top of a concrete floor.

The top layer of the dance floor is also an important factor. A "marley" floor is accepted worldwide as the best surface for recreational and professional dance. Facilities such as American Ballet Theater in New York and the Royal Academy of Dance in London use marley floors as their dance surface. A marley floor allows dancers to move with a degree of control so there is less risk of slips and falls.

Our four studios are very large (40 x 56, 40 x 40, 40 x 30, and 45 x 28) and have sprung floors with a marley surface. Our special floors help reduce the risk of injuries and allow students to dance longer without tiring. Our state-of-the-art facility includes beautiful large viewing windows from a welcoming lobby, air conditioning, and a Pilates room.

A dance teacher can give a class or teach a class. The difference is enormous. A well taught class will bring out the best in each student. Imaginations are sparked as individuals develop their gifts and grow in confidence. This is done by having a professionally trained faculty following a written school syllabus. Teachers get to know each student personally as they challenge and mentor them.

Our school trains its faculty and follows a written syllabus of clean, well-rounded American technique that draws the best components from different styles. Our faculty holds regular meetings to discuss the progress and goal for the different levels. Our faculty also gives each student regular feedback and corrections to guide them to personal satisfaction. Full classes incorporate a teaching assistant for more personalized contact.

A healthy environment is a question of training the "whole person" rather than just a physique. It is also constant guidance in educating the students about their bodies and how to take care of them. Proper training also ensures less wear and tear on a young body and creates a positive atmosphere.

It is common for studios to put on a year-end performance for all students where parents and guests may be uncomfortable with either the costumes, type of movement in the choreography, or the music used for the performance.

We provide several performing opportunities throughout the year with modest and age appropriate costumes, choreography, and music. All music is screened for classes and a dress code is followed. We believe in a balanced approach that looks at the student as a whole and invites them to be an active part of their dance experience. Our pre pointe program incorporates physical therapy and Pilates exercises, information on the anatomy of the foot and pointe shoe, and history and care for feet and shoes. We also have an in-studio physical therapist who comes on a monthly basis to address potential problems before they become chronic. There is opportunity through this program to have follow-up visits in a clinic at a discounted rate. We also offer a full Pilates program for cross training and strength building, and weekly massage appointments.

Most schools offer one end-of-the-year performance opportunity where each class performs a piece of choreography chosen by their teacher individually. Classes are offered in several styles of dance broken down into levels. Priority is given to different areas in different schools. Is this a good fit for your family needs?

We have three divisions in our program to offer something for each student's chosen expression: Children's Division, Studio Division, and a Pre Professional Division. Each one has a year-end performance that has a unique theme created specifically with our students in mind. This teaches the students the value of being part of a larger production and unifies the school. It is also very entertaining and engaging for our audience members. We also offer performance opportunities throughout the community with other arts organizations of distinction and have three resident companies: Colorado Youth Ballet, Jazzart, and Praise!

Summer programs are offered in each Division. For the Pre Professional division there is the special Summer Ballet Intensive with guest teachers from around the world, which includes specialty classes not offered during the school year. Young Dancers Workshop is a program for the intermediate students in levels 2 and 3. And fun, theme inspired Dance Camps are held for our youngest dancers.