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Placement And Advancement

The faculty and staff of the Jordan Academy of Dance are committed to the technical and artistic growth of their students. They strive to bring them to the peak of their potential and interest in an atmosphere that encourages the appreciation and enjoyment of dance at all levels. This instructional philosophy endeavors to develop the "whole" student. In keeping with this philosophy, the placement policies and procedures at the Academy are geared to the individual and not to a set "standard". There are, of course, certain minimum criteria that a student must meet in order to advance from level to level, but the decision as to when advancement is appropriate is made with the best interest of the student at heart.

In the Lower School, students are advanced by age and move to the next level at the beginning of the Summer 2 Term. In the Middle School and the Pre-College School students are promoted only by the recommendation of the faculty. Poor attendance will be a major factor in the promotion of the student.

In April of each year, the Director will call for the faculty of the Middle and Pre-College Schools, to prepare recommendations for level advancement. Should there be any disagreement among the faculty's recommendation for advancement, the Director will meet with the faculty members in question to determine the student's final level placement.

At Jordan, we are very concerned with the proper and safe advancement of all of our students. Therefore, we wish to be sure that a student is both physically and mentally ready to advance before they are moved up to the next level. In order to continue to derive pleasure from dancing for a long period of time it is essential that the body be in proper alignment and the muscles well strengthened before more complex exercises are undertaken. To advance too quickly is to invite injury and we wish to protect against that as much as possible, therefore the faculty may deem it necessary for a student to repeat a level. This is not to be considered as a set-back but more as a chance for the student to be fully prepared before moving on to the next level. We take the level placement of a student very seriously and decisions are made carefully and in consultation with all faculty when appropriate.

Levels are based on a one or two-year syllabus. During the second year of a two-year syllabus, the student is expected to refine the materials learned in the first year and to broaden their understanding of the quality and dynamics of the movement.

Pointe Placement

Placement For Pointe Classes Is Highly Individualized

At the Jordan Academy Pre-Pointe classes typically begin in connection with Ballet 2B Level with the student moving on to Beginning Pointe at the Ballet 3A Level. However, students will only be able to go on pointe if they are able to do so safely, without risking injury to the growing bones and joints. To ensure this safety, faculty will only grant permission to go on pointe if the student can physically demonstrate the following:

1. Adequate flexibility of the foot to allow the student to align the bones of the foot with the tibia ("get over their arches") when on pointe;
2. Adequate strength of the foot, ankle, leg and torso to sustain the pull-up required;
3. Adequate turn-out and strength of the turnout muscles to sustain proper alignment;
4. General physical maturity that indicates stability in the development of the bones and joints.

A young dancer who successfully meets all of these requirements will minimize the likelihood of injury, will progress more rapidly, and will find the work less difficult. It is our belief that this very conservative approach is in the best interest of the student's long-term career and health.

To be eligible for Pointe classes a student must be enrolled and attending a minimum of three ballet classes each week, any exceptions to this policy will be at the discretion of the Academy faculty.

Any student who has questions concerning their level placement and/or advancement should contact the office to make an appointment with the appropriate faculty member to discuss their concerns.