Due to the ever-rising popularity of dance throughout the world and the different interests in concentrations of study, Robin Cotler Dance Center offers a program that is unique to these various levels. Each level is to be respected and categorized by commitment, technical accomplishment, strength and stretch/flexibility that go along with mastering different forms of dance. We respect and honor the various interests and activities of each student and want to meet the needs of those who want to master the art form.
RCDC Level Explanation Specific to Ballet/Pointe, Contemporary/Modern, and Jazz
LEVEL I:
Introduces the student to a formal, hour long class of the dance discipline chosen. The focus of this class will be on developing a strong foundation in that style with an emphasis on building the student’s confidence in a nurturing environment.
LEVEL II:
A minimum of 2 dance classes per week including 1 ballet and another class(es) of the dancer’s choice. The focus of this level will include the above with an emphasis on proper alignment, flexibility and musicality. Musicality is the matching of movement and form to their rhythm, melody and mood of the music being played.
LEVEL III:
A minimum of 3 dance classes per week including 2 ballet and another class(es) of the dancers choice. This level will expand on the material from the previous levels along with a more extensive conditioning and combinations which will strengthen the dancer to perform more complex movements and prepare them for pointe.
LEVEL IV:
A minimum of 4 dance classes per week including 2 ballet classes and another 2 or more classes of the dancers choice. This level will expand on the previous levels and continue to develop a mastery of the dancers movement, strength and style. Dancers at this level are eligible to start pointe.
LEVEL V:
A minimum of 5 dance classes per week including a minimum of 3 ballet classes and 2 other classes of the dancers choice. The students will continue learn more advanced steps and movements. With muscle memory now working in the dancers favor, more attention may be placed on their artistry.
PRE-PROFESSIONAL ENSEMBLE:
Dancers will be enrolled in the Level V program along with another ballet technique class and the pre-professional ensemble. This is for students whose love for dance is their main focus outside of school academics. The ensemble will be involved in extra performances throughout the season.
- Any student enrolling in classes Level III and over must have prior approval from the staff at RCDC.
- Level III and over classes may enter into regional dance competitions if the class is interested and the teacher feels that they are ready.
- A student enrolled at RCDC may apply dance requirements needed for upper level classes that are taken as part of their school curriculum if it meets the same standards of the particular class as determined by the staff at RCDC.
- Note: Tap classes will have varying levels, but do not have to take the above requirements to progress in levels, however, it is strongly suggested.
COMPETITION TEAM ETIQUETTE
Competition students should maintain good grades in school. Team members should exemplify good manners at all times in the studio and outside the studio. Respect must be shown to your parents, teachers/staff, studio property, classmates and yourself at all times.
The purpose of the program audition is to place your child in a dance class that will be conducive to their overall development in dance in an age appropriate environment. However a student may be moved within the first few months if necessary to assure that vital aspects of training are not skipped over.
All performance/competition teams will be required to take the appropriate classes listed that are designed for different age groups and levels of study.
A student in the program classes must be taking the same amount of hours that is required to compete with the team level whether they choose all competition classes or just one.
Any class missed must be made-up by attending another program class during the same week. Any student that misses more that 3 classes that have not been made up may be dismissed from the team whether or not costumes have been ordered.
Each team will attend two regional competitions, in which all members are required to attend. (Dates and fees for such competitions will be handed out as soon as they are available).
Periodically guest Master Teachers may come in and teach at the studio. If we have scheduled the teacher for your particular level it is expected that the performance/competition students attend the classes. There is an additional expense to have their services, depending on the teacher and how many students are involved in taking the class. We do this as an educational experience for the student to take from some of the most respected instructors in the country.