Elementary I — Continuing the principles of our pre-ballet syllabus, our Elementary I classes encourage students to bring their curiosity and imagination with them as they begin classical ballet technique. These classes create a strong basis for excellent ballet technique by emphasizing correct and safe placement of the body as dancers gain strength and develop greater use and control of proper muscles. Choose the one or two (1 or 2) class meeting times that are best for your dancer and family. Students are encouraged but not required to attend both ballet classes per week. Typically, students spend two (2) years of training at this level in order to master the movement vocabulary of the Royal Academy of Dance Grade 1 and 2 Syllabi.
Elementary II — Building on the skills learned in Elementary I, Elementary II classes encourage students to continue to bring their curiosity and imagination with them as they delve ever more deeply into classical ballet technique. At this level, we continue to build the foundations of excellent ballet technique begun in Elementary I by emphasizing correct and safe placement of the body as
dancers gain strength and develop greater use and control of proper muscles. 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. Students wishing to progress to pointe shoes in Intermediate I are required to attend a minimum of two (2) class meeting times each
week, preferably both at the Elementary II level. Students should plan to spend a minimum of two (2) years of training at this level in order to master the movement vocabulary of the Royal Academy of Dance Grades 3 and 4 Syllabi; some students may spend more than two (2) years should the teaching staff feel that is what would best serve the overall development of the dancer. The two (2) year
minimum is usually met by those students who consistently attend at least two (2) classes each week as well as attend SCD Summer Dance Camp(s).
Please note the following information
- As there are so many ways to create a dance schedule at Sonoma Conservatory of Dance, we ask you to refer to the Tuition Information grid below. After adding the number of hours of weekly dance classes, please refer to the chart for the monthly tuition. Should you have any questions, please contact the studio for assistance.
- Students are encouraged and expected to make up missed classes as soon as possible. Please inquire at the front desk if you need more information.
- When scheduled and as appropriate, Elementary I & II students may also attend Master Classes in Character, Drama, Flamenco, Jazz, Modern or other movement styles (look for information in the enewsletter and in the studio lobby).
- Keep in mind that students enrolled in more than the minimum requirement each week, who participate in as many performance opportunities as possible, 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 dancing professionally, are strongly encouraged to consider continuing to attend Elementary I classes for extra practice and to participate in our full-length productions.
Elementary I & II Uniform for Girls:
- Bloch #CL5405 royal blue tank leotard
- Bloch Endura tights (footed or adaptatoe) or similar
- Bloch Dansoft full sole ballet slipper (Elementary I)
- Bloch Tensus Demi Pointe Shoe Pink (Elementary II) or similar (order ribbons and sew before wearing)
Elementary I & II Uniform for Boys
- Black shorts or leggings and white t-shirt (plain)
- White or black ballet slippers and socks
General Dress Code Information for Girls in Elementary I & II
- No jewelry
- Long hair secured up and away from the face and neck. For these classes, this may be a simple ponytail; however, a classical bun is strongly encouraged. If the hair is too short, it may be pulled away from the face and neck with a headband.
- Leg-warmers and/or ballet sweater may be worn in cold weather.
Tuition for Elementary I and Elementary II
Class Hours Per Week |
Monthly Tuition |
Drop-in Rate |
1 |
$83.00 |
$22.00 |
1.25 |
$97.00 |
$26.00 |
1.5 |
$107.00 |
$28.00 |
1.75 |
$117.00 |
$30.00 |
2 |
$127.00 |
Not Applicable |
2.25 |
$137.00 |
Not Applicable |
2.50 |
$147.00 |
Not Applicable |
2.75 |
$156.00 |
Not Applicable |
3 |
$165.00 |
Not Applicable |
3.25 |
$174.00 |
Not Applicable |
ZOOM CLASSES AVAILABLE — Monthly or Drop-In Classes Billed at 50% of In-Person Fees
PRIVATE LESSONS
Patty O’Reilly, ARAD, Artistic Director: $90/hour — $50/half-hour
Private Lessons with Conservatory Staff: $65/hour — $35/half-hour
FINANCIAL AID IS AVAILABLE FOR FAMILIES IN NEED
Should you have any questions about the program or anything else, please contact our office staff at
707.938.1424 or email info@SonomaConservatoryofDance.org.
We know you have other options and thank you for choosing to dance with us, Miss Patty and the Staff of SCD
PRIVATE LESSONS
Patty O’Reilly, ARAD, Artistic Director: $90/hour — $50/half-hour
Private Lessons with Conservatory Staff: $65/hour — $35/half-hour
FINANCIAL AID IS AVAILABLE FOR FAMILIES IN NEED
Should you have any questions about the program or anything else, please contact our office staff at
707.938.1424 or email info@SonomaConservatoryofDance.org.
We know you have other options and thank you for choosing to dance with us, Miss Patty and the Staff of SCD