What does an average Elementary I or II class look like?
All our Elementary I and II classes encourage students to bring their curiosity and imagination with them as they begin exploring classical ballet. Whether students are here for the pure enjoyment of moving and to challenge their bodies or because they also dream of being the Sugar Plum Fairy or the Snow Maiden one day, these classes create a strong foundation for ballet technique as dancers gain strength and develop control of the correct muscles to master the physicality and art of ballet.
What are some of the hidden benefits of dance?
One of the things we love so much about dance is that the physical and mental benefits go way beyond dance itself! In addition to being an exciting way to build coordination, body awareness, and muscle strength, our program provides a positive outlet to have fun, express emotion, and foster confidence.
How does it work in Elementary I?
You and your family choose between one or two classes per week in Elementary I. Elementary I — like all of our classical ballet levels — is a 2-year minimum curriculum based on the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Grades 1 and 2 syllabi.
How does Elementary II prepare my child for future music and dance experiences?
Musicality and performance can now be studied more in-depth and foot, ankle, core, and back strength are stressed as students prepare for pointe work (which begins in the next level). The 2-year curriculum for Elementary II is based on the RAD Grades 3 and 4 syllabi.
Are there requirements at the Elementary II level? What about Summer Dance Camps and preparing for pointe shoes?
There are only requirements for students who wish to be considered for pointe shoes in Intermediate I. These students will need to attend two classes per week for their two years in Elementary II with an attendance record of 90% or better. Elementary II dancers in their first year are encouraged to attend Summer Dance Camp while those in their second year and who are about to join Intermediate I are expected to attend at least two weeks of camp.
Is your child dreaming of being a ballerina or danseur? Wonderful! This will set them up for future success!
While SCD is all about community, positive support of our youth, and having some serious fun, we also have the training and expertise needed for students who want to pursue a future in dance as a performer.
All our Elementary I and II classes encourage students to bring their curiosity and imagination with them as they begin exploring classical ballet. Whether students are here for the pure enjoyment of moving and to challenge their bodies or because they also dream of being the Sugar Plum Fairy or the Snow Maiden one day, these classes create a strong foundation for ballet technique as dancers gain strength and develop control of the correct muscles to master the physicality and art of ballet.
What are some of the hidden benefits of dance?
One of the things we love so much about dance is that the physical and mental benefits go way beyond dance itself! In addition to being an exciting way to build coordination, body awareness, and muscle strength, our program provides a positive outlet to have fun, express emotion, and foster confidence.
How does it work in Elementary I?
You and your family choose between one or two classes per week in Elementary I. Elementary I — like all of our classical ballet levels — is a 2-year minimum curriculum based on the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Grades 1 and 2 syllabi.
How does Elementary II prepare my child for future music and dance experiences?
Musicality and performance can now be studied more in-depth and foot, ankle, core, and back strength are stressed as students prepare for pointe work (which begins in the next level). The 2-year curriculum for Elementary II is based on the RAD Grades 3 and 4 syllabi.
Are there requirements at the Elementary II level? What about Summer Dance Camps and preparing for pointe shoes?
There are only requirements for students who wish to be considered for pointe shoes in Intermediate I. These students will need to attend two classes per week for their two years in Elementary II with an attendance record of 90% or better. Elementary II dancers in their first year are encouraged to attend Summer Dance Camp while those in their second year and who are about to join Intermediate I are expected to attend at least two weeks of camp.
Is your child dreaming of being a ballerina or danseur? Wonderful! This will set them up for future success!
While SCD is all about community, positive support of our youth, and having some serious fun, we also have the training and expertise needed for students who want to pursue a future in dance as a performer.
SCROLL DOWN FOR INFORMATION ABOUT
• Class times and tuition fees • Dancewear • Helpful links • Information about tuition assistance and private lessons
• Class times and tuition fees • Dancewear • Helpful links • Information about tuition assistance and private lessons
Level |
Day and Time |
Monthly Tuition |
Elementary I |
Wednesday 4:45 - 6:00pm Friday 3:45 - 5:00pm |
$102 (one class per week) $163 (two classes per week) |
Elementary II |
Tuesday 4:30 - 6:00pm Thursday 3:45 - 5:15pm |
$190 (two classes per week) |
NOTE: Tuition is due at the beginning of the month and considered late if not paid by the 15th.
Find all our Financial Policies here: https://www.sonomaconservatoryofdance.org/policies-and-procedures.html
Find all our Financial Policies here: https://www.sonomaconservatoryofdance.org/policies-and-procedures.html
TUITION ASSISTANCE
Tuition assistance is available for qualifying families. Contact our office staff at 707.350.8923 or send an email to [email protected] if you would like further information.
Tuition assistance is available for qualifying families. Contact our office staff at 707.350.8923 or send an email to [email protected] if you would like further information.
Please consider making a contribution to our Tuition Assistance Program
PRIVATE LESSONS
with Patty O'Reilly, ARAD, Artistic Director: $100/hour — $55/half-hour
with SCD Staff: $65/hour — $35/half-hour
with Patty O'Reilly, ARAD, Artistic Director: $100/hour — $55/half-hour
with SCD Staff: $65/hour — $35/half-hour
RECOMMENDED DANCEWEAR FOR GIRLS
o Bloch #CL5405 royal blue tank leotard o Bloch Endura tights (footed or adaptatoe) or similar
o Bloch Dansoft full sole ballet slipper (Elementary I)
o Bloch Tensus Demi Pointe Shoe Pink (Elementary II) or similar (order ribbons and sew before wearing)
o Bloch #CL5405 royal blue tank leotard o Bloch Endura tights (footed or adaptatoe) or similar
o Bloch Dansoft full sole ballet slipper (Elementary I)
o Bloch Tensus Demi Pointe Shoe Pink (Elementary II) or similar (order ribbons and sew before wearing)
RECOMMENDED DANCEWEAR FOR BOYS
o Black shorts or leggings and plain white t-shirt o White or black ballet slippers and socks
o Black shorts or leggings and plain white t-shirt o White or black ballet slippers and socks
GENERAL DRESS CODE INFORMATION
- Street clothes are not allowed for dance classes.
- For dancewear purchases, we recommend the following.
- Arrange for a fitting at SCD before ordering online.
- Order from www.metronomedancewear.com and support a small business!
- Click “Shop Online” and type “Sonoma” in the search box.
- www.discountdance.com
- Jewelry is discouraged.
- Dancers with long hair are encouraged to have it secured up and away from the face and neck. A simple ponytail works, and a bun is preferred for Elementary II.
- Legwarmers and/or ballet sweater may also be worn and are encouraged in colder weather.
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION
- Classes and rehearsals are held at our studio (561 Broadway Suite B, Sonoma CA 95476).
- Students are encouraged and expected to make up missed classes as soon as possible. More information can be found on our Policies and Procedures page under "Class Information." Please inquire at the front desk if you need more information.
- Performance opportunities are planned during the School Year, and students enrolled in these levels will be considered for roles in our productions, which are performed at the Sebastiani Theatre. As we approach the start of rehearsals for each production, all families with eligible students will be given an agreement with all the details to review.
- Keep in mind that students enrolled in more than the minimum requirement each week, who participate in as many performance opportunities as possible, and who attend the Summer Dance Camps and/or who attend Master Classes when offered will most likely progress more quickly than students who participate at the Conservatory at a minimal level only.
- Elementary II students, particularly those interested in progressing to the Advanced level and/or dancing professionally, are strongly encouraged to consider participating in our full-length productions as well as continuing to attend classes from which they have graduated for extra practice.
HELPFUL LINKS
- Schedule of Classes for 2023-24: https://www.sonomaconservatoryofdance.org/schedule-and-placement.html
- School Year Calendar: https://www.sonomaconservatoryofdance.org/calendar.html
- Tuition Information: https://www.sonomaconservatoryofdance.org/tuition.html
- Policies and Procedures, including Financial Policies: https://www.sonomaconservatoryofdance.org/policies-and-procedures.html
- Registration Form (we do require one to be filled out each year)
- If you have danced with us in previous school years, use this link: https://app.jackrabbitclass.com/jr3.0/ParentPortal/Login?orgId=508291
- If this is your first year with us, use: https://app.jackrabbitclass.com/regv2.asp?id=508291
We know you have other options and thank you for choosing to dance with us,
~ Miss Patty and the Staff of SCD
~ Miss Patty and the Staff of SCD