Curriculum
Proven Curriculum
Experience our proven, incremental curriculum
Ballet Etude Academy uses the renowned curriculum from Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet (CPYB), created by founder Marcia Dale Weary.
The curriculum progresses in an incremental and logical way that prepares students for success in dance and beyond. Our instructors are trained in the CPYB curriculum, which emphasizes correct alignment, technique, strength, and artistry.
Dancer Development
What dancers develop here
Technique: Placement, turnout, coordination, and safe mechanics at barre and center
Strength & stamina: Conditioning woven into combinations to support jumps, turns, and pointe readiness
Artistry: Musical phrasing, épaulement, quality of movement, and stage presence
Character: Discipline, focus, and commitment that carry into academics and life
Advancement Process
How advancement works
Students are placed by ability and readiness.
Teachers use milestone skills to determine promotion, and pointe work is introduced only when strength, alignment, and maturity are present.
Level Overview
Leveling snapshots
Foundations: Positions, pliés and tendus with correct alignment; musical awareness and coordination
Developing: Clean demi‑pointe, single‑turn preparation, small jumps with safe landings; vocabulary growth
Intermediate: Double‑turn goals, petit allegro clarity, adagio control; appropriate introduction to partnering concepts
Advanced: Consistent turns, articulate footwork, sustained adagio, expressive performance quality
