We understand that not everybody learns the same way, or at the same pace. A one-size-fits-all approach is not what we are about, as our goal is to keep students healthy and dancing for a long time - while furthering the enjoyment and deepening the understanding of the art of ballet and dance as a whole.
Students are thoroughly evaluated and placed in the appropriate level to ensure training is set at a pace that will yield the most progress, promote dancer health, while remaining challenging and enjoyable. We keep our class sizes small and our Director Crystal Petzel teaches the dancers throughout their development from level to level. She works directly with the other Instructors on the class syllabus and individual needs of each student.
Classes
Pre-Ballet & Beginning Ballet
Ages 5-7
The Pre-Ballet Program serves as an introduction to the classroom and general body movement for young students. Students will develop the strength required for the barre, basic ballet positioning, rudimentary vocabulary, and correct placement. This class also teaches beginning musicality and is designed to ignite a passion for dance.
Students will discover movement and expression in a fun, encouraging atmosphere. They will also learn basic classroom structure, along with developing coordination, rhythm, and physical awareness.
Graded-Professional Ballet Training
Please note that student's are placed into graded levels, dependent upon the students technical abilities, not necessarily age. This will be determined by a placement class and evaluation. As students progress, they can expect to increase the amount of classes they attend.
Beginning Levels: Children study basic ballet movements and vocabulary, and get an introduction to combinations and moving through space. Students build strength, endurance and basic technique. We begin to incorporate age-appropriate core and strength training (conditioning) including Pilates and Progressing Ballet Technique along with basic anatomy for injury prevention and care.
Intermediate Levels: Students will perform entire sentences of varied choreography as dictated by their instructor. More difficult variations are introduced along with classical pas de deux. Students at this level and have a high technical skill level are beginning to truly come into form as a dancer. Pre-pointe and pointe work begins around age 11.
Advanced Levels: Students are able to execute difficult combinations and choreography requiring strength and versatility. Students at this level have an extensive vocabulary in ballet and have a high technical skill level with very strong pointe skills. Students are able to execute the most difficult choreography with grace. Advanced students of this level are accomplished technicians and performers. All classes for this level are of professional quality allowing students to fine-tune their skills in preparation for acceptance into professional companies and universities.
“My daughter had a wonderful experience at Academy of Classical Ballet. She is an advanced dancer who came to Crystal in search of an environment where the focus was on the health and well being of the dancer as well as attention to technique and artistry. Everything about her/our experience at AOCBallet was positive and memorable. We cannot thank Ms. Crystal and her staff enough for their positivity and expertise. From photo shoots and videos for college dance programs to a beautiful outdoor performance during Covid, AOCB was a complete package for us and by far the best experience for my dancer.”
— Jenny Bogomilsky, parent
"Crystal Petzel's teaching integrates her knowledge of classical technique with her passion for dancing. She not only coaches her students, but mentors them as well. She is able to build personal relationships with her students through her classes and rehearsals. Throughout my years of training with Crystal I grew both as a dancer and an artist, through her insightful and extremely rewarding teaching process."
-Rachel Talley, graduate at Purchase College
"I want to express my deepest admiration for the work that you do. Your talent as an artist became quite obvious to me watching the beautiful choreography that you put together for the Four Seasons. I was already impressed with your leadership and your ability to teach and motivate the kids. With what I witnessed last week, the beauty of the show, the sense of accomplishment and joy on the dancers' faces, I was blown away. All I can say is thank you. I feel extremely lucky to have found such a magnificent opportunity for Cass to develop a wide variety of skills through your Academy."
-Alejandra Velasquez, parent