Dance is a Science of Body and an Art of Mind!
Tri-Cities Academy of Ballet's curriculum nurtures both mind and body. Based on a carefully developed syllabus derived from the Vaganova (Russian) and Cecchetti (Italian) ballet traditions, it provides for the logical progression of training that embraces the development of the dancer from the first day of class to the emergence of the professional. The syllabus gives careful consideration to the anatomical capabilities and limitations of each individual dancer, as correct training is vital to develop a body with superior coordination and flexibility without injury. Since ballet allows the dancer to adapt to any form of dance and other dance disciplines enhance the artistry of the ballet student, quality instruction in jazz, musical theatre, and tap is also available. Tri-Cities Academy of Ballet provides a true dance education that takes students to the very limits of their own desires and abilities.

Our Pre-Ballet program is specially designed to provide children between 3 and 5 years of age with a strong foundation in dance and movement.

It teaches the young dancer the basic elements of movement and dance: space and how we relate to it, both as an individual and as a member of a group; basic loco motor skills; musical rhythm, beat and time; opposites and directions; and some elementary positions of ballet. Integrated with these physical concepts are self-awareness, creative expression, imagination, teamwork, and basic body/health awareness.

Tap is an integral part of our Pre-Ballet program. Fifteen minutes of every Pre-Ballet class is devoted to nurturing musicality through the rhythms and patterns of Tap dance.

Through participation in these classes, students also learn the basics of classroom behavior and classroom etiquette, which remain the same throughout their dancing years. These concepts include learning how to take turns, following another dancer or leading the way, waiting patiently, working together with others, and having a positive attitude.

Educators now know that training young children in the concepts of movement sequencing, patterning, and spatial relationships lays a strong foundation for the later development of reading, mathematics, and other educational skills. Children in our Pre-Ballet program work actively in all of these areas.

Enrollment in classes are determined by age: Pre-Ballet 3 is for 3 year olds, Pre-Ballet 4 is for 4 year olds, and Pre-Ballet 5 is for 5 year olds

Primary
Primary is for children from 6 to 7 years of age, students add more structure to their class work. Continuing to explore movement and creativity, the technical groundwork is laid for structure of their further classical training

Ballet Beginning Rose
Beginning Ballet is for children age 7 through age 12 who have not had any ballet training. Formal ballet training begins at this level.

Ballet Beginning Lime - Ballet Advanced Lime
The placement of students into levels Beginning through Advanced is based solely on ability, not age. Students are placed in the level where it is felt they will benefit the most. Even though the Tri-Cities Academy of Ballet uses a specific syllabus derived from a combination of the Italian, Russian, and American syllabi, the levels are taught according to the ability of the students in each level and not necessarily according to a pre-determined syllabus for a specific level.

Students progress through these levels as through grades in any school; however, all students move at different rates. Some may spend more than two years in one level while the mind and the body learn to work together; some may progress much faster. When the student has learned the ballet technique appropriate for each level and when the student’s body has become strong enough to accomplish those movements, then, at the discretion of the Artistic Director, the student is moved to the next level. In this way, the student begins to assimilate the layers of knowledge that form the foundation of ballet. Advancement is based on ability, not age.

Jazz
Jazz dance is the dance form of the time. It has been categorized as the dance of TV and stage. It reflects our popular culture, and as the culture changes so does the face of jazz dance. Jazz helps develop coordination, flexibility, strength and movement. Like Jazz music itself, Jazz Dance is a truly American art form. Beginning level Jazz classes are age specific - - 6 to 9 year olds, 9 to 12 year olds, teens, and adults. Enrollment in Jazz 1 through Jazz 6 is determined by the teacher.

Musical Theatre
Musical Theatre is for ages 7 and up. Students learn dance routines and songs from the world of the American Musical Comedy. Enrollment in Musical Theatre 2 is determined by the teacher

Tap
For ages 3 through 5, tap is offered in our Pre-Ballet program. Tap 1 is for beginning students age 6 and up. Tap for Ballet is for Intermediate ballet students and up. Boys Tap is for boys age 6 and up. Enrollment in Tap 2 and 3 is determined by the teacher.

Hip Hop
Hip Hop is the newest style of “street” jazz dance. It is the style of dance that is seen in many music videos and is frequently performed by high school dance teams. It comes from the world of rap music. Hip Hop classes are age specific - - 5 to 7 year olds, 7 to 9 year olds, 9 to 12 year olds, 12 to 14 year olds, and 15 and up.  Placement in Hip Hop 2 is at the discretion of the teacher.

Ballroom
We are thrilled to offer Ballroom, Latin, and Swing dances. Students will learn the waltz, the Night Club 2 Step, Cha Cha, Salsa, Swing, and more. Classes are for ages 10 and up and adults.

Adult Classes
Adult Classes are designed for the adolescent or adult student who wishes to engage in a movement-oriented class in order to stay in shape.  This program explores different dance-related exercises, such as Ballet and Tap.

ZUMBA®
The newest fitness craze!! Zumba® fuses hypnotic latin rhythms and easy to follow moves to create a dynamic fitness program that will blow you away. Zumba® Fanatics achieve long term benefits while experiencing an absolute blast in one exhilarating hour of caloric-burning, body-energizing, awe-inspiring movements meant to engage and captivate for life!

Serving Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco
Tri-Cities Academy of Ballet & Music
21 Aaron Dr., Richland, WA 99352  946-1531

Summer Office Hours: 10am-5pm M-F