ELEMENTARY DIVISION

PDT's Elementary Division introduces the dancer to movement  though creative play and the use of imagery. Through a series of simple, appropriate exercises utilizing skipping, syncopation and imagination the students learn to take turns, gaining the confidence to move alone or in a group. Our Elementary Division is made up of Creative Movement, geared toward 3-5 year olds, and Pre-Ballet, geared towards 6-7 year olds.

CREATIVE MOVEMENT

Wednesday 4:00pm-4:45pm

Saturday 9:00am-9:45am

​

​

PRE-BALLET

Monday 4:00pm-5:00pm

Saturday 10:00am-11:00am

PRE-PROFESSIONAL DIVISION

BASIC 1, 2, 3

The basic levels introduce a broader range of technical skills based on the ballet syllabus. There is continued emphasis on proper alignment, posture, and placement based on the individual student’s physique. Dancers develop strength, control and flexibility. Head and Body direction are introduced by the end of the Basic 2 year and will become more integrated into larger movement patterns in Basic 3. Musicality in emphasized,  rhythms and musical accents are explored well as the difference between a tango, waltz, mazurka and a polonaise.

BASIC 1

Monday 4:00pm-5:00pm

Thursday 4:00am-5:00am Upon invitation only

​

​

BASIC 2

Tuesday 4:00pm-5:15pm

Thursday 4:00pm-5:00pm

​

​

BASIC 3

Tuesday 4:00pm-5:15pm

Wednesday 4:00pm-5:15pm

Friday Pre-Pointe 4:00pm-5:15pm

PRE-PROFESSIONAL DIVISION

TECH 1, 2, 3

The Technique levels focus on greater physical awareness where  artistic qualities are emphasized. Training becomes personal. There is a greater awareness of applying corrections as well as an understanding of technically principles and philosophy. Strength, elevation, extension, control are instrumental  through adagio, pirouettes, petite allegro and grand allegro.  By the Technique 3 level there is exploration through interpretation, different styles and musical sensibility. The partnership between the artistic and athletic aspects of dance performance become much more physically defined.

TECH 1

Monday/Tuesday/Thursday 5:30pm-7:00pm

Wednesday Pre-Pointe 5:30pm-7:00pm

Friday Beginning Pointe 4:00pm-4:15pm

​

​

TECH 2

Monday/Tuesday/Thursday 5:30pm-7:00pm

Wednesday/Friday Pointe 5:30pm-7:00pm

​

​

TECH 3

Monday/Wednesday/Friday 5:30pm-7:00pm

Tuesday/Thursday Pointe 5:30pm-7:00pm

Friday Pas de Deux 7:00pm-8:00pm (Upon invitation only) Commences January 2022

PRE-PROFESSIONAL DIVISION

ADVANCED

The advanced level develops greater capacity in all areas. Utilizing breath, control, quality of expression and self-confidence. Exercises are more complex,  ease of transition in movement, speed, elevation, dexterity, clean line,  professional carriage and attitude are emphasized.  Students are encouraged to find their own personal voice  through musicality and artistic expression.

ADVANCED

Monday/Wednesday/Friday 5:30pm-7:00pm

Tuesday/Thursday Pointe 5:30pm-7:00pm

Friday Pas de Deux 7:00pm-8:00pm (Upon invitation only) Commences January 2022

Launched in the spring of 2015, PDT's Boys Scholarship Program is aimed at recruiting boys from underserved communities interested in dance. Led by program director and professional dancer, Richard Bradley, the tuition-free program offers a place for boys to feel encouraged to pursue the art of dance in an environment that stresses discipline, focus, grace and presentation, hard work, and dedication.  This program is designed to foster creativity, enhance athletic skills, increase flexibility, build muscle strength and help develop coordination.  

PDT's Conservatory is dedicated to bringing ballet and contemporary dance as well as other forms of dance into the lives of boys to provide performance opportunities whether they desire a professional career in dance or not.

​

TRAINING

Boys participate in technique class corresponding to their level as well as boys ballet and contemporary dance. Boys are required to audition and commit to 4-6 dance classes per week from September through May in addition to production rehearsals.  

During the Summer Intensive participants who take advantage of this program usually advance their technical, artistic, and performance skills.  Boys will also be exposed to a wide variety of dance styles, workshops, and special guest artists.  

PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

Boys will have the opportunity to perform in Pasadena Dance Theatre's annual production of The Nutcracker.  In addition, boys will also have another opportunity to perform if they participate in the Conservatory's Summer Intensive Program end of session showcase, Summer Showings. 

ADMISSION

Participation in this program is by audition only.  Auditions are held in the fall.  Please see audition calendar for more details.  All boys accepted into the program must re-audition every year on the scheduled audition date.  

​​

AUDITIONS

There are no audition scheduled at this time.

The PDT Trainee Program is an 11-month educational experience that is immersive and designed for pre-professional dancers aged 14 - 20  who aspire to join a professional dance company.  The program is designed for the serious dancer who is able to commit a minimum of 10 hours of training in addition to 6 - 10 hours of rehearsal weekly.  

The year consists of 3 trimesters (39 weeks) during which trainees take company class, rehearse, and perform.

In addition to regular class and rehearsal hours, trainees receive one-on-one mentorship with Artistic Director Cynthia Young. At the conclusion of the training year, each trainee will be prepared to embark on auditions. With Cynthia, the trainee will develop their audition package that is targeted toward the companies or universities that are most suitable for the trainee’s artistic voice.

​

AUDITIONS

The Trainee audition for the 2021 has passed. There are no Trainee auditions scheduled at this time.