Nicole (Coco) Liboiron’s classes are based on Royal Academy of Dance comprehensive examination syllabus. The underlying philosophy of these levels expands upon embodied knowledge and understanding of ballet technique. The syllabus challenges and inspires students technically, artistically, musically and creatively. It helps them become 'thinking dancers'. The exercises and variations encourage critical thinking and physical fitness; develop a sense of theater, movement dynamics, and musical interpretation; uphold the elements of traditional ballet as well as ballet movements aligned with the changing styles of today.

These classes provide students with an increasing ability to demonstrate in-depth knowledge and practical skills in ballet.

Learning objectives:

• Gain knowledge and understanding of fundamental and relevant techniques required at Level 2;

• Improve co-ordination, control, and accuracy in a range of sequences;

• Perform with an awareness of line and spatial dynamics of the body in traveling movements and turning actions;

• Deepen awareness of the appropriate dynamic values in the performance of the vocabulary.

• Gain understanding of a range of movements within different rhythmical frameworks;

• Learn to perform with an awareness of phrasing and the appropriate use of musical dynamics.

• Learn to project an understanding of interpretation and expression;

• Learn to communicate in performance;

• Learn to interpret music and display sensitivity to musical content and movement style.

This level focuses on the understanding of ballet technique, and ability to co-ordinate  and combinations of steps. Students will increase their ballet vocabulary and learn how to communicate to an audience with increasing confidence. They will learn how to interpret music and display an enhanced sensitivity to musical content and style.

Introductory level ballet is intended for novices or beginners who want to take a close look at the common elements of classical ballet vocabulary. The class will follow the structure of traditional ballet classes: warming up at the barre, stretching and strengthening the limbs and joints, and then moving through space in the room. However, it will not cover a full ballet syllabus every week. Instead, it will focus on a particular set of skills in periods of three week increments. People with no ballet experience are welcome at any time, but class will begin absolutely afresh in January, assuming no knowledge of ballet at all. Every week will include opportunities for beginners to improve their execution of the steps they see in Beginner I and II classes already held at Shawl-Anderson.