Conservatory & Pre-Professional Classes

Our specialized program for dedicated ballet students

Scarsdale Ballet Studio offers unique opportunities for very committed ballet students who wish to make dance their primary after-school activity.  Whether aspiring to a professional career in dance or planning to pursue their dance studies in college, Conservatory and Pre-Professional students have the unique privilege to study and perform George Balanchine ballets. Our advanced dancers are consistently accepted into the most prestigious summer intensives, college programs, and professional companies.

Conservatory 1, 2, Con-pro and Pre-Pro

Conservatory 1 and 2 and Pre-Pro Our Conservatory is dedicated to serious dance students ages 11-15 (Con1/2) and Pre-pro (Age 15 and up) who have a significant understanding of ballet terminology and technique and who wish to make ballet their primary after-school activity. Our faculty will teach and mentor each student toward the fulfillment of their specific dance goal, whether it be a professional career, or for the physical, emotional, artistic, and social rewards of formal dance training. Conservatory 1 requires a minimum of 3 technique classes per week and Conservatory 2 and Pre-Pro requires a minimum of 4 technique classes per week. Supplemental classes are Character, Contemporary, Pointe and Classical Variations, and a stretch class. We encourage dancers to attend all classes available for their level, but we will tailor a program suitable for each student. Feel free to discuss your dancer’s program with Artistic Director. Our Conservatory 2 and Pre-Pro dancers may be invited to participate in the Youth America Grand Prix, which will require additional fees and time commitments.

Conservatory Pro (New Program!) is for our most advanced students age 12 and older. This program is headed by Carmen Banu and by invitation only. It is designed for students with a significant classical training and a thorough knowledge of ballet vocabulary. Ms Banu will teach and mentor each student towards the fulfillment of their specific dance goal, whether it be a professional career, college admission, or for the physical, emotional, artistic, and social rewards of formal dance training. Focused training runs three times a week for three hours per session.  In addition, two technique classes, Character, Partnering and Stretch are required for this program. Classes are physically demanding and require stamina, strength, and mental focus. Artistic expression and musicality are further developed while stylistic differences are discussed and explained. Dancers may be invited to participate in the YAGP, which will require additional fees and time commitments.

Character Dance is a representation of traditional folk or national dances adapted for the ballet or opera stage or performed on their own. Taught by Master Teacher, Yana Volkova, Character is considered a vital part of classical ballet education and repertory. Musicality, complex footwork, stylized arms, bravura turns and jumps, beautiful presentation, and lots of energy and passion are just a few highlights of this branch of dance training and performance. Dancers may be invited to participate in the YAGP, which will require additional fees and time commitments.

Private coaching is available. 

• Dress Code Con 1 – Teal Leotard, optional matching skirt, flesh color tights, matching ballet shoes, hair secured in a bun.
• Dress Code Con 2 – Burgundy Leotard, optional matching skirt, flesh color tights, matching ballet shoes, hair secured in a bun.
• Dress Code Pre-Pro – Color of choice Leotard, optional matching skirt, flesh color tights, matching ballet shoes, hair secured in a bun.
• Dress Code Con-Pro – Plum Leotard, optional matching skirt, flesh color tights, matching ballet shoes, hair secured in a bun.
• Dress Code for Boys – White t-shirt, white socks, black tights or shorts, black ballet shoes.