Ballet 1 & 2

Ballet 1 & 2 provides a deep dive into ballet technique and practice for beginning- to intermediate-level young students. Far from being just a "copy the teacher" approach, this class trains students to think critically about what ballet dance asks of our moving bodies in order to integrate physical and mental awareness and strengthen performance quality.

Who Is Ballet 1 & 2 Designed for?

This is a "combined level" class, which means it is built to challenge students who have prior dance experience as well as beginners who have experience in ice skating, gymnastics, other rhythmic movement practices, or sports. This class is geared toward students with some to no prior dance experience and those who are eager to learn ballet. It is also a class suitable for students coming from other physical practice backgrounds or who simply have a deep and abiding interest in dance and structured movement.

Ages: 7–14 years.

Prerequisite: None, though some familiarity with ballet is helpful.

Ballet terms (e.g., first position, plié, tendu, relevé) will be explained as part of this class, which is appropriate for a beginning to intermediate-level ballet. Students will be provided with learning tools custom designed for this particular class to facilitate their acquisition of ballet-specific vocabulary and comprehension.

So, while students are not expected to already know ballet terms entering the class, those who do have some familiarity already will find themselves well prepared and well supported by Mr. Brendan's style of instruction, which includes using the language of ballet and exposure to related French-language terms to better understand what it is that ballet movement is trying to do and how the language can help enchance our understanding of the movement.

What Makes Ballet 1 & 2 Unique?

Ballet 1 & 2 is intended to prepare students who have an interest in or passion for dance to help them think critically and comprehensively about their dance training and to inspire them to grow as young artists. Mr. Brendan is a professional dancer and choreographer with decades of performance experience. He has taught at institutions like Millikin University and Univeristy of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, but more importantly, his approach to ballet technique is kind, deeply intentional, and thoughtfully crafted. His teaching has been recognized as patient, understanding, and highly inviting while also based in rigorous engagement with physicality and the latest pedagogical research.

His unique approach steps away from older models of "right or wrong" or competitive "star student" models in order to embrace and play off each students' unique qualities and skills with the goal of enriching everyone's learning experience.

Mr. Brendan is also a fluent speaker of French, which he uses to enhance student learning and ballet training.

Ballet Class Structure

This hour-long dance class begins with a barre warm-up followed by center-floor exercises as well as across-the-floor activities. We end class with a short dance sequence based in the day's lesson.

Class Length, Location, & Schedule

The Ballet 1 & 2 class meets once weekly for one hour on Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the dance studio on the second floor of the Robert Crown Community Center in Evanston, Illinois. Class ends right before the new Tap Dance class at 11:30 a.m. which shares a similar age range for those interested in signing up for tap right after.

Attire, Footwear, & Gear

Clothing should be comfortable, non-obstructive, and support dynamic movement in all spatial planes. I highly encourage students to wear whatever makes them feel comfortable and at home in their bodies, and as such, I do not require leotards, unitards, or tights, although students who feel at home in traditional ballet class attire are of course encouraged to wear whatever helps them to feel the most ready to participate fully and effectively in class.

Footwear requirement: ballet slippers are required.

Please bring a water bottle to class.

Accessibility & Inclusivity

As a professional educator who cares deeply about access and inclusion and as part of my personal commitment to overturning ballet's reputation and history as an inaccessible practice, Mr. Brendan makes accessibility considerations a routine part of lesson planning and studio teaching. This includes but is not limited to: sensory considerations (music volume, light levels, olfactory stimuli, etc.), regular inclusion of movement modifications, language and communication access (e.g., the use of auditory, visual, and kinesthetic instruction techniques as well as multi-language instruction), instruction that appreciates and considers body diversity, and more.

This ballet class does not center certain body types as "ideals" and encourages students to wear clothing or use equipment that makes them feel comfortable and supports their physical and psychological well-being, emotional safety, access, and success.

Accessibility and inclusivity are core values at Robert Crown Community Center. See below for information on how to make an ADA service request:

The City of Evanston is committed to promoting a city-wide culture of accessibility and inclusivity. To request an accomodation for a program, service, or activity, please call 847-866-2919 to make an ADA service request or fill out a request form online at evanstonil.qscend.com/311.