ACADEMIC PROGRAM
The FIBS Academic program is based on gradual development. We accept students on the basis of an entrance interview and the placement in categories is determined by trial lessons during which the pedagogue can evaluate the student’s level of skills. The given age in all of the categories is only approximate.
CREATIVE MOVEMENT (4–6 years) 50 min
Attendance in this category is voluntary - either once or twice per week.
The aim of teaching in this category is to encourage and develop a sense of movement, creativity and imagination.
Children are playfully being taught basic rules of movement. We slowly and in an amusing manner we introduce them to the foundations of ballet terminology. We develop their perception of time, space, rhythm and music. Children learn to recognize their own bodies better, we aim to develop their motor skills, strength, endurance, flexibility and last but not least, we teach them correct posture. This is complemented by an entertaining commentary and by rhythmic music, which is often sung.
PRE BALLET (6–8 years) 60 min
Attendance twice per week is compulsory in this category.
The aim of education in this category is to continuously develop coordination, strength and flexibility. We place great emphasis on the development of physical memory. Many of the fundamental elements are combined into small phrases and variations. We also aim to familiarize students with behaviour and etiquette in ballet lessons. The structure of the classes and the musical accompaniment are starting to resemble classical ballet training. In this category we also place emphasis on concentration and discipline. Children learn basic ballet positions and begin barre work. The goal is to prepare students in all aspects for the study of intensive ballet technique.
BODYFORM (from approx. 8 years and older) 60 min/ 75 min
Bodyform is a unique method that helps significantly improve dispositions and the flexibility of dancers.
The method was initially modified from a training method of the junior rhythmic gymnastics national team. It contains about 50 exercises and is accompanied by rhythmically phrased music. The method was adapted for classical dance training and articulated into six themes:
- Stretching and warming up
- Insteps and soles
- Hips turn out
- Spine
- Maximum flexibility (range of motion)
- Jumps
The entire lesson is constructed to evenly engage all muscles, tendons, joints and the spine. This method is very effective and extremely rewarding for professional dancers, but also is recommended to dancers of all levels, especially beginners.
Upon a personal interview we accept beginner students of all ages, who after a certain amount of Bodyform lessons can be placed into one of the intermediate groups, depending on their age and skills.
We offer Bodyform lessons for kids and adults (Kids Bodyform and Bodyform).
Students of higher and advanced classes have the opportunity to attend Bodyform lessons for half price or free of charge (see Price), attending is greatly recommended at least once a week.
CLASSICAL BALLET I (8–10 years) 60 min
Age in this category is only approximate. Children are placed and later assessed in this category not only by age but also by their abilities and overall physical and mental maturity.
Compulsory attendance in this group is twice per week, but we recommend attending classes at least three times a week (regular lessons twice per week and intensive lessons on Fridays). We recommend participating in regular workshops organized by the school.
Students in this category will learn the basics of classical ballet technique at the barre and later in space. We teach the French terminology of all ballet elements. Besides instilling basic ballet technique, students continue to consistently develop their flexibility and strength. We also focus on improving coordination, perception of movement in space and musicality. Students are expected to fully concentrate on the discussed elements.
CLASSICAL BALLET II (10–14 years) 75 min
Age is only approximate. Children are placed in this category on the basis of provable knowledge of the fundamentals of ballet technique and the readiness of their bodies to study more demanding ballet elements.
The school’s director decides a student’s progress into this category after consulting with various teachers at the end of the school year. We recommend attending lessons at least three times per week (especially the advanced group). Students are recommended to attend classes of lower categories free of charge and improve and intensify their knowledge of the fundamentals of ballet technique. Likewise, students can also attend the Bodyform lessons, which help develop their flexibility. We also recommend participating in regular workshops organized by the school.
The aim is to gradually incorporate more challenging elements of classical ballet technique into the repertoire of motion. All elements are transferred from the barre to space.
CLASSICAL BALLET III (13–18 years) 75 min
Age is only approximate. Children are placed in this category on the basis of provable knowledge of the fundamentals of ballet technique and the readiness of their bodies to study more demanding ballet elements.
The school’s director decides a student’s progress into this category after consulting with various teachers at the end of the school year. Attendance at least three times per week is compulsory, we recommend attending more than three classes per week. Students are recommended to attend classes of lower categories free of charge and improve and intensify their knowledge of the fundamentals of ballet technique. Likewise, students can also attend the Bodyform lessons, which help develop their flexibility. We also recommend participating in regular workshops organized by the school.
This category is meant for advanced students who have managed the basic elements of ballet and have a well-acquired technique. The aim is to teach students to properly and soundly work with their body, deepen and master the technique of classical dance, to handle even the most demanding elements of ballet and expand their repertoire of movement through strength and stability.
Pointe work can be introduced in this level.
TEEN BALLET (14-20 years) 75 min
Age is only approximate. Students are placed in this category on the basis of provable knowledge of the fundamentals of ballet technique and the readiness of their bodies to study more demanding ballet elements.
The school’s director decides a student’s progress into this category after consulting with various teachers at the end of the school year or in the case of new students at the entrance interview. Adult Ballet is divided into two categories – Intermediate Adult Ballet and Advanced Adult Ballet.
Intermediate Adult Ballet is for more mature students who need to work on their basic technique. To students of this category we strongly recommend attending Bodyform lessons at least once per week.
For students of Advanced Adult Ballet, attendance at least three times per week is compulsory, we recommend attending more than three classes per week. Students are recommended to attend classes of lower categories free of charge and improve and intensify their knowledge of the fundamentals of ballet technique. Likewise, students can also attend the Bodyform lessons, which help develop their flexibility. We also recommend participating in regular workshops organized by the school.
This is a category of very advanced students with a demonstrably strong technical capability and preparedness. The aim is to deepen their technical and artistic skills. Teaching pointe work may be included at the discretion of the pedagogue.
A solid understanding of all the classic elements is required for inclusion into this category. The classes are professionally structured, fast paced and teach classical variations.