Ballet Academy
Levels 2 - 7
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Children ages 8-18 enter the Student Division by audition. If accepted, the student is placed in one of curriculum levels. Students learn progressive levels of ballet technique following the school syllabus for each age-appropriate level. Classical classes are taught using principles from French, American, and Russian technique and styles. Taught by classically trained instructors, students are instructed in classroom etiquette, attire, vocabulary, wellness, injury prevention, nutrition, ballet history, career paths, and ballet conditioning to fully round out the dancer.
Yearly advancement is based on faculty evaluations of the individual student’s technical ability, physical aptitude, strength, classroom effort and attendance.
Isabella Shilliday
Instructor
Isabel trained in various styles of dance, including Ballet (Cecchetti, Vaganova, Classical, RAD and ABT); Contemporary; Jazz and Acrobatics as well as Rhythmic Gymnastics. Her training started at a young age in South Africa, where she grew up. Isabel trained at Cassandra Lambert School of Ballet as well as Attitudes Ballet where she completed her Checetti Examinations with honors. She received Her Acrobatic and Contemporary training at Life Performing Arts Connect – a performing arts school her family started in Somerset West, South Africa. Isabel moved to Michigan prior to high school, where she was part of a competitive dance team at Mary Skiba’s School of Dance. During this same time she participated in her High School Competitive and Side line Cheer Team at Chippewa Valley High School. Isabel continued her Ballet Training at Christian Arts Academy, where she also started her teaching career, teaching Ballet and Jazz. She choreographed several pieces for Studio recital and community outreach programs. Isabel also joined The Macomb Ballet Company in Macomb, Michighan where she had the opportunity to perform in live stage productions including The Nutcracker and The Wizard of OZ. She received an invitation from The Link School of the Arts and The Ark Initiave to perform in several performances under the direction of Lauren Anderson from Houston Ballet. One of the most meaningful experiences of her training, was spent with Ballet Magnificat in Jackson, Mississippi. After moving to Nashville, She spent her last year of High school dancing at Nashville Ballet Academy where she had the priviledge of performing in the classical version of The Nutcracker. Her love for dance connected her with Unveiled Dance Productions where she had the opportunity to be part of a dance film and could explore her love of dance in a different medium. When Isabel is not in studio, she can be found helping students find the best fit for their dance needs and pointe shoes at Bellissimo Dance Boutique. She loves teaching little ones and love to see them grow in their love for dance too. She spends her time off loving on her beloved pitbull, Blu and dresses her in little puppy dancewear too!