Class Levels & Descriptions at Patuxent Youth Ballet
Participation in the ABT exams is completely voluntary and in no way will
reflect in any student’s learning experience at PYB.
Class uniform for the ABT exam is noted. Any leotard, (and skirt if required for ABT)
may be worn for class, but must be similar color.
Pre Ballet Age - 3yrs. Any style, light pink leotard with skirt (may wear ankle socks in warm weather) Students will learn to listen & follow basic instruction & to develop basic motor skills through movement, music, and a structured environment. There will be a basic introduction to tap rhythms & should make & bring a simple instrument to class.
Beginning Ballet Age - 4yrs. Any style light blue leotard with skirt (may wear ankle socks in warm weather)
A continuation of pre-ballet, students study to develop posture, spatial awareness, musicality & interacting with other students.
Primary A Age 5yrs.
Primary B Age 6yrs. ABT exam – Capezio leotard 1481C with skirt 1483C in light pink
Students at this level will learn to be aware of other students & space. They will dance musically and with musical phrasing. The focus will be on introducing natural turn out strengthening the abdominals, the back and the feet.
Level I Ages –7yrs. & 8yrs. ABT exam – Capezio leotard 1481C with skirt 1483C in mint (the mint color has been discontinued so light blue is also acceptable)
Students at this level will continue with what they learned in Primary. They will also begin to learn vocabulary, correct alignment & placement. Barre exercises will be introduced at this level. No Tap
Level II Ages – 9yrs. & 10yrs. ABT exam – Capezio leotard 1481C no skirt in lavender
Students should now have a working knowledge of the basic vocabulary & theory from previous levels. Turn out & correct posture should be maintained throughout barre work, with most barre work done now with one hand. Students will work extensively with allegro to help develop bone density & strength. No Tap
Level III Ages – 11yrs. & 12yrs. ABT exam - Capezio leotard 1480C skirt 1471 “forget me not”, (blue)
Students should now have a working knowledge of the vocabulary & theory from previous levels. All work at barre must maintain maximum turn out and correct posture. Correct placement & alignment of the feet will be stressed to avoid injuries. No Tap
Level IV Ages – 13yrs. & older ABT exam – Capezio leotard 1469, skirt 1471 “dark rose”, or any solid color for class
(Prerequisite – at least 2 previous yrs. of ballet training and permission from instructor)
Level V Ages - 15yrs. & older ABT exam – Capezio leotard 1470 “Damson Plum” or any solid color for class
(Prerequisite- at least 3 yrs. of previous Level IV, and permission from the instructor)
**** All ballet students are required to wear pink tights and pink ballet slippers with elastic straps ****
Jr. Jazz/Tap I Ages 6-8yrs.
Jr. Jazz II Ages 9-11yrs. – Tan or beige footed or cropped tights with solid color leotard. No tee shirts or pants allowed. Black tap shoes, black jazz shoes
Each week, the student alternates between 1 hr. jazz and 1 hr. tap. Students will study musicality, coordination, correct technique and choreography appropriate for their age.
Teen/Adult Tap Ages 12 & up
Teen/Adult Jazz Ages 12 & up
Private Classes
Private classes are now being offered to our students in levels II and above. The classes are a minimum of one hour and will be individually designed to each student.
Patuxent Youth Ballet is proud to include ABT® Affiliate Teachers Kristin Mesa and Rebecca Mesa who are certified in the AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE® National Training Curriculum.
An ABT® Affiliate Teacher is a level of distinction for ABT® Certified Teachers that successfully present their students for examinations. Primary through Level 5 is taught by ABT® Affiliate Teachers, Kristin Mesa and Rebecca Mesa, who have successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Primary through Level 5 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum.