Academic Ballet Program
The Academic Ballet Program is designed for students interested in building strength, consistency, refinement and artistry through frequent study and repetition. This type of training offers students the opportunity to pursue dance in college, as a professional career or as a strong singular hobby.
Students take three or more classes per week with the option to perform numerous times yearly. Performance opportunities include the annual spring concert with the Harford Ballet Company. This program may only be attended by students registered solely at DCM to ensure consistency of training.
Students are invited to participate in the Ballet III level and the academic program at the discretion of the DCM Artistic Director and faculty. Younger students who are interested in the academic program should inquire about the Ballet Select classes which prepare students for more rigorous training.
The academic program offers a substantial discount to students taking multiple classes per week. Payment options are available for unlimited classes for dancers at the advanced level and dancers who wish to participate in extra ballet classes or contemporary dance forms as well.
Academic Program Requirements:
Ballet III
At least 3 Ballet III classes per week(extra ballet classes at the IIx level and Pre Pointe class are optional but recommended)
Ballet IV
At least 4 Ballet III/IV classes per week(extra ballet classes at the Ballet III level and Pre Pointe/Pointe I are optional
The Pre Pointe/Pointe I class is required for dancers who wish to study en pointe)
Ballet IVx
At least 5 Ballet IVx/V classes and one Pointe class per week(extra ballet classes at the Ballet IV level are optional)
Ballet V
At least 5 Ballet V classes and one Pointe class per week
Performance Classes:
Performance classes give students the opportunity to prepare a piece of choreography for classes participating in the Harford Ballet Company's Spring Production. Performance classes are held in the Winter and Spring sessions only and students wishing to perform will have an additional 30 minutes each week in addition to technique classes to learn and refine their dance for the performance. This ensures a high quality production with well rehearsed choreography and it also offers students a higher level of training. A better learning environment is offered by giving students more time to focus on learning and perfecting new skills and vocabulary during technique classes.
The following performance classes are offered for students in the Academic Ballet Program: Ballet III/IV Performance and Ballet IVx/V Performance. Students on unlimited class plans must pay for performance classes separately. Students must register for both the Winter and Spring sessions and return a signed concert commitment form in order to participate in the performance.
Workshops:
Workshops are offered in shorter sessions or single days periodically throughout the year, some sponsored by the Harford Ballet Company. Workshop topics may include modern, adagio (partnering), composition, and social and cultural dance forms.
Scholarships:
The Dance Conservatory of Maryland offers scholarships for boys ages six and older who must meet all other eligibility standards. Scholarships are also available for girls at advanced levels of study under the work scholarship program. Contact the school office for details.
Private Coaching:
Private lessons and coaching are only offered to academic study students enrolled at DCM. They are available by appointment in one-hour sessions. Contact the school office for scheduling and studio availability at 410-877-3281. At least 24 hours notice of cancellation must be given or student will be charged the rate of the lesson.