Introducing Class Tracks at Kingsport Ballet
In an effort to share the love of ballet with all types of students, we have created two paths for our dancers to take. Starting at Level III, our dancers may choose the Recreational Track, for a lighter, more flexible schedule, or the Company Track, for a more dedicated schedule that allows dancers to hone their skills with pre-professional training.
Recreational Track
Weekly Commitment:
1 or more ballet classes per week
Recommended Add-On: Add Contemporary class for well-rounded dance training
Eligibility: Students in level BIII and higher may choose to follow the recreational track. You may select the number of classes per week for the level you are placed in* DENOTE BIIIR, BIVR, etc. if you choose this option when you register.
Class Level: Determined by evaluation or teacher placement. Promotion from year to year will be determined on an individual basis. Level options are BIIIR, BIVR, BVR, BVI R.
Note: Dancers who are interested in learning to dance on pointe, must attend ballet classes a minimum of 3x per week.
Performance Eligibility: Yearly Spring Concert in May is optional, as it is for all students. Can audition for Nutcracker (ages 7+) for corps roles*
Why Recreational?: Still receive high quality training but opt for a part-time, light schedule option.
Registration Code: On registration form select the level that has an “R” next to it.
Is the Choice of Track Reversible?: If you choose to take the R track but decide next year you would like to be more involved - no problem! We will evaluate you for placement in the Company Track curriculum.
Example: Alicia has been placed in level BIIIB but is not able to attend 3 ballet classes per week. She may choose to be in BIIIR and attend class in the BIII level just on Mondays (or another convenient day) and add Contemporary class at the BIII level. She will not participate in company.
*Exceptions may be made for adult dancers, those in higher education, or those who are already professional dancers, or on a case-by-case basis.
Company Track
Weekly Commitment:
4 ballet technique classes* per week, depending on level, not counting Saturday company class.
Friday evening and Saturday company classes and rehearsals
Contemporary and/or Partnering classes
Additional evening rehearsals may be added commensurate with roles being rehearsed for productions.
Eligibility: Students must be enrolled in BIV or higher, audition for company, and attend a minimum of four ballet classes per week* and have had a minimum of one year of pointe work.
Class Level: BIVA, BIVB, BV, BVI - determined by evaluation or teacher placement. (BIII company candidates from 2023-2024 - may audition to be candidates once again in 2024-2025)
Company Level: Junior Apprentice, Junior Company, Senior Apprentice, Senior Company (this latter receives a headshot and bio included in program books) Dancers may be in the same company level for multiple years.
Performance Eligibility: Yearly Spring Concert in May. Expected to audition for Nutcracker and all other company performances. All roles assigned are at the discretion of the Artistic Staff.
Why Company?: Receive pre-professional training with world-class performance opportunities. Mainstage performances and community outreach. Opportunity to receive training in pas de deux and learn high level classical variations.
Financial Commitment in Addition to Classes, Monday through Friday: Starting August 2024 a $50 monthly company fee will be assessed to offset the cost of company activities.
Performance Contracts and Fees: A signed contract and appropriate fees are required upon auditioning for a performance. Absence request forms are required of all company track members.
*Exceptions may be made for adult dancers, those in higher education, or those who are already professional dancers, or on a case-by-case basis.