I would like my child to study dance at ADI, what level should I sign him/her up for?
A placement evaluation is required for all students ages 8 and older. Pre Ballet students ages 3-7 are placed by the child’s age. Birthday cut off for Pre Ballet students is September 1st. All placement evaluations are scheduled through ADI’s Artistic Director, Pamela Bjerknes. Ms. Bjerknes can be contacted directly at: pbjerknes@americandance.org or call (301) 984-3003 ext. 13.
Will there be performance opportunities for my child?
Yes. Students ages 8 and older have the opportunity to participate in the annual End Of Year Student Demonstration. Some students may participate in the December performances, which includes our annual producation of the Nutcracker. ADI's Chamber Ballet, the Institute's resident compnay, serves as an opportunity for pre-professional students to work with professional dancers and choreographers. Participation in the Chamber Ballet is determined by the Artistic Director.
The Pre Ballet Division hosts in-studio Parent Visiting Days in December and June. Students perfrom for friends and family during tehir regularly scheduled class time.
When will my child go on pointe?
Students are evaluated for pointe readiness after they have completed Level 3 in the Pre Professional Division. Foot flexibility, strength and individual accomplishment of the ADI syllabus are factors in determining pointe readiness. Pointe readiness evaluations are made by your child's teacher and ADI's Artistic Director.
What is the difference between the Pre-Professional, Teen Ballet, Modern, and Jazz divisions?
The Pre-Professional Ballet division trains students ages 8-18 in classical ballet technique, modern, and jazz. The faculty uses a curriculum based on the Vaganova syllabus together with knowledge gained from the latest studies on child development creating a solid foundation of classical ballet technique, strength, musicality and coordination. Students are required to attend classes multiple times per week as determined by the child's level and placement. Attendance for all classes is mandatory.
Students completing the pre-professional program have a strong sense of their bodies and knowledge of techinical styles. They are prepared for a career in dance, if they choose, as well as having solid preparation and knowledge for entering a college dance program.
The Teen Ballet, Modern and Jazz divisions are uniquely designed for students to obtain excellent dance training in a less formal setting while developing their own program of classes. This division allows students to continue dance during the years when school, social and family commitments overtake their time and energy. Students may enroll for 1-5 of these classes per week, thereby creating their own schedule. All classes are taught by ADI's nationally recognized faculty.
Can my child try a class before registering?
A class placement evaluation must be scheduled for children ages 8 and older prior to participation in the programs. ADI has open viewing windows for visitors into all its classrooms. This gives new students and their families an opportunity to observe ongoing classes. Please check in at the Front Desk when you arrive and they will assist you.
In addition to it regular class schedule, the Institute hosts special events throughout the year for adults and children of all ages. These include open houses, workshops, and Master Classes.
