Classes at Nunnbetter Dance Theatre
Nunnbetter Dance Theatre (NDT) proudly boasts a rich dance curriculum complete with an award winning Ballet program, Contemporary, Jazz, Broadway dance, Tap and Modern. We offer classes for students as young as age 3 thru adult.
We are happy to offer free trial classes so that students can explore our different classes and find the right fit for them. To schedule a free trial class, please contact Jodi@nunnbetterdance.com or call our office at 201-385-9638.
Below are some class descriptions to help you begin your journey with Nunnbetter Dance Theatre.
NDT’s BALLET PROGRAM:
Creative Movement: Creative Movement is a music and dance based class for our youngest of dancers ( ages 3 - 5) Students will learn cooperation, movement and music all while embracing the very fundamentals of ballet.
Intro To Ballet: Intro To Ballet is a pre-ballet curriculum class for our students ages 5.-6 years old and not yet entering first grade. Here dancers will begin to learn ballet terminology, positions and while still creatively embracing movement, start to learn some of the building blocks of ballet training.
Ballet 1, 2 and 3: NDT’s Ballet curriculum begins with Ballet 1 as students are entering fist or second grade and around age 6 or 7. They will begin barre work and learn ballet terminology, posture and basics. NDT Ballet 1 Uniform is required.
Ballet 2 students have completed Ballet 1 and mastered the very basics of ballet. In Ballet 2 they will continue to expand upon their terminology and skills. Ages 7 and up. Those students wishing to progress at a quicker pace may take both Ballet 2 classes offered. NDT Ballet 2 Uniform is required.
By Ballet 3, students are now third grade and higher (minimum age 8 and up) and have completed Ballet 1 and 2 courses. The dancers are feeling confident in their ballet barre progression and beginning center floor work. Students wishing to progress quicker may take both Ballet 3 classes offered. NDT Ballet 3 Uniform is required.
Ballet 4/Ballet 4 Fast Track: At Ballet 4 students have the choice of taking once a week (Ballet 4 General) or choose the Ballet 4 Fast Track program. If they chose the once a week class, they will automatically join the Fast Track program the following year. We suggest younger students take the general class program and those students 9.5 and up consider the fast track program. Students who are ready to proceed at a faster pace and/or who are looking to study with a more concentrated effort can choose to take the Ballet 4 fast track program which is a mandatory Tuesday and Thursday class schedule. NDT Ballet 4 Uniform required for both programs.
Ballet 5: Ballet 5 is a turning point level where students who have mastered adequate strength will be allowed to go en pointe mid year. This level is a mandatory twice a week Ballet 5 class, with a strong suggestion of taking an additional ballet class to maintain consistency, and continue to build strength. Not all students will be ready for pointe and individual evaluations will happen mid year to assess strength, age and competency. Ballet 5 students will not automatically be passed to the next level as from this point forward, it is important that not only the dancer not only understand the curriculum, but also are able to competently demonstrate the strength and agility needed to move forward into a stricter curriculum. NDT Ballet 5 Uniform is required.
Ballet 6: Ballet 6 is a minimum of 3 classes per week. Dancers are eligible to audition for the NDT Company, which does have additional class requirements. Pointe work becomes very important in Ballet 6 and students should expect to be working at a much higher degree of difficulty. Students remain at level 6 for two years. NDT Ballet 6 Uniform is required.
Intermediate Ballet: The Intermediate Level is a very big transition level for our dancers. Intermediate Ballet students must take a minimum of 4 classes per week. There are additional requirements for Intermediate dancers auditioning for the NDT Company. Students remain at Intermediate Ballet a minimum of 2 years. NDT Intermediate Ballet Uniform required.
Advanced Ballet: Students who reach our advanced ballet levels have a fine knowledge of ballet vocabulary, a mastery of many of ballet’s skills and are committed to working at a focused and intense level. Students in the advanced level are required to take a minimum of 4 classes per week, with additional requirements for those auditioning for the NDT Company. We are very proud of our dancers and for those in our Advanced level, we expect a level of commitment to uphold the high standards of the school. Our students are proud of their accomplishments and take their training into their adult lives whether or not they pursue a career in dance.
Pointe Classes:
As dancers enter levels Ballet 6 and higher, they begin taking Pointe classes along with their ballet classes. Pointe classes are in addition to ballet and not a substitute for technique classes. To maintain proper strength and technique, and to avoid injury, NDT is very strict about attendance and participation.
Teen Ballet: Students who want to start Ballet classes but are older are invited to join our Teen Ballet class. This class meets once a week and is a wonderful way for those students who come to the studio as a middle school or high school student to start dance in a relaxed environment.
Additional Styles & Levels at NDT
NDT offers classes in Jazz, Broadway Dance, Modern, Hip-Hop,Contemporary and Tap
Jazz is a high energy, contemporary style that our students throroughly enjoy. Broadway Dance, like Jazz, is a high energy jazz style, but focuses on musical theater music and style. Modern is a technique based style that is very creative and gives dancers a chance to explore how they express themselves. Hip Hop is fast hitting, modern style that is sharp and rhythmic. Contemporary is a lyrical style that uses ballet technique to modern and contemporary music. Tap is tap! Fun, fast and great for rhythm, balance and coordination.
NDT has three class levels for each of these styles of dance. All of these styles can be stand alone classes or can accompany our ballet schedule.
Specific age requirements, dance level requirements and other factors for each of the classes is listed on our registration page. However, if you have any questions on what classes are best for you, please reach out to us at any time. 201-385-9638 or Kim@nunnbetterdance.com
The levels we offer in the above styles are :
Level 1 is generally for younger dancers, a beginner to advanced beginner level. Ages for some styles start as early as age 6,
Level 2 is generally for dancers around the age of 11 and older who have had 2-3 years of dance.
Level 3 is generally for our older dancers, ages 14 and up, who have had 4 years plus of dance training. These dancers are typically in our Intermediate and Advanced levels.
Other Classes at NDT
Broadway Bootcamp
Broadway Bootcamp classes are an exciting mix of voice, dance and acting. Students will sing, dance and act as they put together musical theater pieces. This is a great class for budding superstars and class clowns alike. It is also a perfect class to help those shy students come out of their shells. B’way Bootcamp 1 is for ages 6-9. Broadway Bootcamp 2 is for students ages 10 and up (who have graduated from B’way Bootcamp 1).
Stretch and Core Conditioning
Every dancer relies on their core strength and flexibility as they progress and learn. The Stretch and Core Conditioning classes are specifically designed to work on elongating dancer’s muscles while building a strong core and support. A minimum of at least one Stretch and Core Conditioning class is required for dancers wishing to audition for NDT Company.
Private Lessons at NDT
Nunnbetter Dance Theatre is happy to provide access to students for private lessons upon request. Private lessons can be arranged with any of the NDT faculty by first checking in the NDT office. Together with the teacher, we will schedule studio time as available. Additional fees do apply for studio rental and teacher compensation.
