Classical Ballet Program
Ages 7 and up
North State Ballet’s Classical Program is designed to develop dancers of exceptional technical strength, artistry, musicality, confidence, and character. Our aim is not only to cultivate accomplished dancers, but to support each student as a whole individual, encouraging healthy development, resilience, discipline, and a lasting appreciation for the art of dance.
Progression through the program is based on a number of factors, with a student’s ability to safely and consistently execute the required material taking priority over age alone. Because classical ballet training is closely connected to each dancer’s individual physical and technical development, students may remain in a level for more than one year when additional time is beneficial to their progress.
Placement decisions are made by the North State Ballet faculty and staff and are considered final. These decisions reflect each student’s technical readiness, physical development, maturity, work ethic, and overall training needs. In order to maintain continuity and progress within the program, students are expected to attend all scheduled classes required for their assigned level.
Transfer students are required to complete a placement class series prior to enrollment so that faculty can determine the most appropriate level and training path.
The Classical Program is divided into two distinct divisions: Academy and Trainee.
Academy Division
The Academy Division is designed for dancers seeking exceptional classical training while maintaining greater flexibility for academics, other extracurricular activities, or additional interests.
The classical ballet curriculum is complemented by carefully structured training in other dance disciplines, including lyrical and jazz, with the option to add acro, tap, and hip hop. Academy dancers may also be considered for North State Ballet’s competition and performance team (ATP) by invitation.
This division provides students with a strong, well-rounded foundation while allowing them to pursue serious dance training in a balanced and supportive environment.
*Beginning Pointe is by invitation only and is based on individual readiness.
Trainee Division
The Trainee Division is designed for dancers beginning at approximately age eight who demonstrate particular aptitude, focus, and potential in classical ballet.
Training is rooted in the principles and fundamentals of classical technique and is structured to prepare students for increasingly advanced study, including the possibility of collegiate, conservatory, or professional dance pathways.
Trainee students are expected to approach their training with a high level of commitment, consistency, discipline, and personal responsibility. Because of the intensity and specialized nature of this division, students must be prepared to make their ballet training a primary extracurricular focus.
Placement in the Trainee Division is by audition and invitation only. Continued participation is based on a student’s technical progress, work ethic, focus, attendance, and overall readiness for the demands of the program. When another training path would better support a dancer’s development, faculty may recommend placement in the Academy Division.
*Beginning Pointe is by invitation only and is based on individual readiness.
Outside Competition Teams
North State Ballet maintains a firm policy regarding participation on competition teams at other local studios. Students enrolled in either the Academy or Trainee Division of the Classical Program may not actively participate on a competition team at another studio located within 25 miles of North State Ballet.
Students who participate on competition teams at other studios within this area are welcome to take classes through NSB’s Open/Recreational Program, or through the Children’s Program when age-eligible.
Placement Priority
Returning and continuously enrolled North State Ballet students receive priority placement within the Classical Program. New students are admitted as space becomes available and following appropriate placement evaluation.
Class Dress Codes:
North State Ballet’s dress code is designed to support professionalism, consistency, safety, and equality in the classroom. Proper attire allows faculty to clearly observe alignment and technique while helping students develop the discipline and presentation expected in classical ballet training.
Ballet
Each level within the Classical Program is assigned a designated leotard color for female students. Required leotards and uniform pieces must be purchased through Dance Away in downtown Chico. Simply provide your dancer’s assigned level, and their staff can assist you with the appropriate items.
Academy 1: Light pink leotard with matching waistband
Academy 2: Medium pink leotard with matching waistband
Academy 3: Dark pink leotard with matching waistband and black Bullet Pointe skirt
Academy 4: Purple leotard with matching waistband and black Bullet Pointe skirt
Trainee 1: White leotard with matching waistband
Trainee 2: Light gray leotard with matching waistband
Trainee 3: Medium gray leotard with matching waistband and black Bullet Pointe skirt
Trainee 4: Dark gray leotard with matching waistband and black Bullet Pointe skirt
Trainee 5: Black leotard with matching waistband and black Bullet Pointe skirt
Female students should also wear pink tights and pink ballet shoes, with hair neatly secured in a traditional ballet bun.
Unless specifically required for pointe or variations class, skirts should not be worn. Baggy warm-ups and jewelry are also not permitted during class, as faculty must be able to clearly observe the dancer’s alignment and movement.
Hair color should remain within a natural range for performances. Bright or unconventional hair colors are not permitted for stage appearances, and students who do not meet performance grooming requirements may be unable to participate.
Male uniform pieces may also be purchased through Dance Away. Male students should wear a fitted black shirt or leotard, fitted black dance shorts or tights, an appropriate dance belt, black socks, and black ballet shoes.
Lyrical / Contemporary
Students may wear a leotard or fitted tank top in any color with black dance shorts and lyrical shoes.
Jazz
Students may wear a leotard or fitted tank top in any color with black dance shorts and/or black leggings. Caramel/tan jazz shoes are required.
Hip Hop
Students may wear a tank top or leotard with dance shorts, leggings, or loose-fitting dance pants. Light-colored, supportive sneakers are required and must be clean and reserved for studio use only. Black shoes and street-worn shoes are not permitted.
Tap
Students may wear a leotard or fitted tank top with black dance shorts or leggings. Black lace-up tap shoes are required.
Acro
Students should wear a leotard or fitted tank top with black dance shorts or leggings. Clothing must be fitted for safety and ease of movement; loose clothing is not permitted. Acro classes are taken barefoot.