Our promise to you
At VSD strive to provide your dancer with a safe, healthy, and enjoyable dance experience. All classes are taught by qualified instructors and content is appropriate to age, development, and ability. Feedback, corrections, criticism, and discipline will be offered with compassion and positivity, with the intent of helping the student realize his or her full potential. Conflict between students and or parents will be addressed if it is apparent that the dynamic of the class/backstage is being disrupted. All music selections for classes and performances are carefully vetted for language and content. All costuming decisions will be made with age, modesty, and functionality in mind. Tights will always be worn, there will be NO bare legs either in class or onstage. Families with questions and concerns are always welcome to initiate a discussion in depth with Ms. Victoria.
V's SCHOOL OF DANCE IS A CERTIFIED ACROBATIC ARTS STUDIO!
V's SCHOOL OF DANCE IS A PROUD MEMBER OF THE CECCHETTI COUNCIL OF AMERICA
WE take pointe safety seriously
When am I ready for pointe?
Every little girl in ballet has this burning question: "When can I get my pointe shoes?" The answer isn't always as clear-cut and satisfactory as might be hoped or, but following are a few of the factors that go into the decision to either begin or delay a student's journey into pointe work. It is worth noting that every case is individual and will be treated as such. There is no formula that will apply to every dancer.
Age and experience
Age is not a default qualification, but a minimum threshold. Time spent in class, as well as a student’s level of focus, are more important factors than age. Most students will need to put in years of dance training to reach a level of proficiency conducive to learning pointe. A student should be no younger than 11 years old to be considered a candidate for pointe. 12 or above will be the case for most.
Frequency of classes
In order to practice pointe safely and effectively, certain standards of practice must be observed. Those desiring to be considered for pointe MUST attend a MINIMUM of 2 ballet technique classes per week. Students are encouraged to take as many classes as possible to progress faster. Breaks in training will interfere with fine motor skills and specific muscle memory. Therefore, students who drop out and return later will likely need to be reevaluated. Once pointe training has commenced, students must maintain this minimum of 2 ballet technique classes per week, and will be expected to take at least one ballet class en pointe per week. Again, more classes result in faster progress. Dropping below the required minimum will result in the privilege of pointe being revoked until standards are re-established. Mastering pointe work
Pointe requires sufficient strength, not only of the feet and legs, but of the entire body. In order to be considered for pointe, a dancer must demonstrate adequate strength and control in the muscles of the core, hips, legs, and feet. Ballet becomes exponentially more difficult in pointe shoes, so comprehension and mastery of basic concepts of technique must be apparent prior to beginning pointe. This includes but is not limited to: articulation of the feet, maintaining a high demipointe position, control over the alignment of hips, pelvis, and spine, fully straightening the knees, strongly pointing the feet, maintaining turnout from the hip, solid balance en demipointe on two feet and on one foot. Sufficient mastery of skills will be determined by Ms Victoria.
Attitude
Pointe is a challenge that can be very frustrating at times. A dancer must demonstrate a positive attitude in class toward instructors, accepting corrections and feedback graciously and without argument. A dancer should also demonstrate respect for other students, teachers, parents, and other adults.
Final approval
Ms Victoria has final say in the decision to begin, postpone, or end any student's study of pointe at VSD. This also pertains to new students who may have been placed en pointe by teachers at other studios.
