Ballet is an elegant and graceful form of dance that has been a part of the performing arts for centuries. It can be traced back to 15th-century royal courts in Italy and France, and today is a beloved art form that is performed in ballet companies, theatres, and other venues around the world.
Ballet is typically broken down into 8 different levels or grades. Each level represents a new set of steps and positions that students learn as they progress through their ballet training. The 8 grades are: Pre-Primary, Primary, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Intermediate Foundation, Intermediate, and Advanced 2.
Pre-Primary is the first grade in ballet class. This level focuses on basic positions such as pliés (knee bends) and relevés (standing on the toes). At this level students wear soft ballet shoes instead of pointe shoes.
Primary is the second grade in ballet class. In this level students learn more complex steps such as single pirouettes (turns) and petit allegro (small jumps). Students also begin to wear pointe shoes at this grade if they are ready for them.
Grade 1 focuses on perfecting basic steps from previous grades while introducing more complex steps such as double pirouettes and grand allegro (big jumps). Students also learn how to use their arms appropriately while dancing at this grade.
Grade 2 introduces more difficult steps such as triple pirouettes as well as small traveling jumps across the floor called chassés. At this grade students also begin to learn short sequences of steps called combinations.
Grade 3 continues to build on skills learned in earlier grades while introducing even more complex steps such as fouetté turns (turns with one leg whipping around) and grand jetés (large jumps across the floor).
Intermediate Foundation, Intermediate, and Advanced 2 all focus on refining technique learned in previous grades while introducing even more complex step combinations for students to master. These levels are designed for serious dancers who want to pursue a career in ballet or those who just want to continue their training at an advanced level.
In conclusion, there are 8 different levels or grades in Ballet: Pre-Primary, Primary, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Intermediate Foundation, Intermediate, and Advanced 2; each one representing a new set of steps and positions that students learn as they progress through their ballet training.