MCPA Ballet Academy
Proper training in classical ballet is the cornerstone of the MCPA Ballet Academy. MCPA is proud to have exceptional teachers on staff to help train our students in this beautiful art form.
2009-2010 Summer and Fall Ballet Academy Class Schedules
Click Here to see students recognized
at the 2009 MCPA Achievement Awards!
The Ballet Academy at MCPA consists of two distinct schools - the Classical Training Division and the Professional Division.
The Classical Training division offers levels for ages 7 to adult. Students attend class two to three days per week, depending on the level of the class. All levels in both divisions require a uniform, consisting of a leotard in the color for their level, pink tights, pink ballet slippers, and hair back in a neat classical bun. Students receive required brands and styles for uniform at the beginning of each season.
Proper classical training begins in the Ballet Fundamentals and Primary levels, where beginning students of all ages learn classroom etiquitte, poise, and correct body alignment.
As the students move through the Elementary and Intermediate levels, the emphasis is always on proper techinique. Students in the Intermediate levels, who are taking three 90 minute ballet classes per week, are introduced to pointe work around age 12.
MCPA also offers Ballet for Adults, for dancers looking for a basic barre and center work once a week in a relaxed setting.
The Professional division at MCPA offers a unique opportunity for select students who show an exceptional aptitude for classical training. Students are selected by audition to enter the Professional Preparatory class when entering third or fourth grade.
Miranda, age 12, Level 3
As the students develop in the professional division, they learn an appreciation for the dedication and perseverance required to succeed in the world of dance. By setting high standards, MCPA has created a professional training program which will prepare these students for a career in the field if they so choose.
Kara, age 14, Level 2
The MCPA staff selects students from the professional division to train for the Youth America Grand Prix ballet competition each year. We are very proud that our students consistantly medal at the regional level in both the contemporary and classical divisions, and achieve the scores needed to compete with the top dancers in the world at the International Finals in NYC.
MCPA has been named "Outstanding School" , and Ensemble pieces have been invited to finals in NYC many times. In 2008, MCPA was honored to have an Ensemble piece place in the Top 12 at the YAGP Finals.
Professional Division students are consistantly accepted to summer intensives all over the country, including Boston Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, The Rock, NC School of the Arts, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, and many others.
Amanda, age 17, Level 1
The first graduates from the program have been accepted into numerous universities and training programs with scholarships, including NYU Tisch, North Carolina School for the Arts, Shenandoah University, Point Park, Illinois University, Giordano Professional Training school, and more.
Sample Class Schedule for Professional Division
Students in both the Classical and Professional Divisions have the opportunity to perform in the annual Nutcracker, presented by MCPA. This is a professional, full-length production, which allows the students to perfect their performance skills in the art of dance.
All students in the Academy participate in the June performance, where students again practice their performance skills as they perform for family and friends in the Spring Gala.