Girls: pink tights, black leotards, and pink ballet shoes. Hair tied up securely, no jewelry. Leg warmers or a close fitting shirt may be worn if warmth is needed. No skirts or shorts!

Boys: Black tights, white T-shirts and white ballet shoes.

Pre-ballet: Anything they want!... and ballet shoes.

Adults: Close fitting work out clothing is fine..and ballet shoes.

Pilates: please do not wear anything lose. Tights and leotards are best. Please have socks.

Modern dance: black tights over a colored leotard are ok.

No visible underwear.

It is vitally important for the studio that our young dancers observe proper hygiene and that dance clothing is always clean. We want to work happily together!

Level III students have royal blue and berry colored leotards which they may wear for modern dance. Level I students have berry leotards from last year’s concert. They may be worn to classes on Saturdays.

There is to be no junk food in the studio, nothing crumbly like chips or cookies. If your child has a long day with us, please pack something nutritious or a protein bar. Water is always ok. Absolutely no gum of any kind!

Pre Ballet: ages 3 and up. Inventive age appropriate games which can help with comprehension of movement principles when the children grow older and stronger.

Level I: Ballet basics, 1st-3rd positions. Beginning understanding of posture and turn out. Students practice simple ballet steps which can help them grow stronger and can prepare them for the next level. 5-6 years old and up. Students must take 2 classes per week.

Level II-III: Continued work on posture and turn out. Addition of the 4th and 5th positions. Simple dance combinations. Students at this level must take at least 2 ballet classes each week, and at 10 years old, a Pilates Mat class may be added. Additionally, there is an introductory modern dance class . 2-4 classes per week. 9-13 years old.

Students who are aspiring to go on pointe will be evaluated individually. They must demonstrate sustainable technical strengths, and they must be 12 years old and taking at least 3 ballet classes each week.

Level IV-V: 13 and up. These dancers are prepared for more complex combinations. Classes challenge both the body and the mind. Dancers prepare for professional level work, for auditions for highly regarded summer intensives and for college conservatory programs. Note: Every Cooper River Ballet student who has auditioned for outside programs has been accepted! Students are encouraged to take as many classes as possible. At least 3 or more ballet classes with pointe each week, at least 1 modern dance class, and at least 2 Pilates Mat classes for continued core support and understanding of the body.

Pilates Mat classes: Vital core support using the long intrinsic muscles which dancers must activate. Joint release. Vital athletic training to prevent injury, promote better physical understanding and stronger technique.

Modern Dance: Essential for any student who wants to continue with dance in college or as a career. Real modern technique. Students must show strengths necessary to withstand modern demands. Beginning modern explains the basics for entrants, and advanced class includes compelling and complex choreography.