What is the Ballet School?
DTI's Ballet School offers eight levels of age - appropriate progression. Our ballet curriculum includes technique, pointe and barre a terre (floor barre)/conditioning/stretch.
Students are encouraged to take other classes listed in the Other Styles page to supplement their ballet training.
Students audition for parts and perform in our San Jose Youth Ballet's "Nutcracker" in December and in "Midsummer Night's Dream" in June. Performances are at the Evergreen Valley Performing Arts Theater. Please save the dates listed on our Calendar page.
DTI students ages 5-20 ready for DTI Company membership will be invited. DTI Company members are given priority in performances, receive more performance opportunities, community outreach, and /or competitions in various dance styles.
Why start with Classical Ballet?
Classical Ballet is an invaluable foundation for dance forms. It builds the necessary technique which promotes freedom of movement, artistic expression and strength. It is best known for pointe dance for advanced dancers, turn-out of the legs, high extensions, and its effortless qualities.
Recommended classes per week
Students who cannot attend the recommended classes per week in their level should register in the lower level. Students taking less than the recommended hours should expect slower progress and level repetition. Please contact us if you have schedule questions.
Attire
Ladies attire: hip alignment belt; hair up away from the face in a secure bun (no ponytails);Balera brand leotard/Style CL161/ Colors as specified per level; pink tights; pink ballet shoes
Gentlemen's attire: Black t- shirt, black tights and ballet shoes.
Beginning Levels
Basics (Ages 5- 6) Minimum of one class per week / Light blue leotard
Level 1 (Ages 6+) Minimum of one class per week / Purple leotard
Level 2 (Ages 7+) Minimum of two classes per week for curriculum completion and promotion into higher levels/ Navy Blue leotard
Intermediate Level
Level 3 (Ages 8+) Minimum of two classes per week for curriculum completion and promotion into higher levels / Yellow leotard
Intermediate / Pre - pointe Level
(Dancers interested in pointe training are required to take all the Level 4 pre-pointe classes)
Level 4 (Ages 9+) Minimum of three classes per week for curriculum completion, promotion into higher levels and pointe preparation / Royal blue leotard
Intermediate / Beginning Pointe Level
Level 5 (Ages 10+) Minimum of four classes per week for curriculum completion, promotion into higher levels and pointe preparation / Black leotard
Intermediate / Intermediate Pointe Level
Level 6 (Ages 11+) Minimum of four classes per week for curriculum completion, promotion into higher levels and pointe training / Red leotard
Intermediate / Advanced Pointe
Level 7 (Ages 13+) Minimum of four classes per week / Any color and style leotard