The Conservatory, using the accompanying “Dance Technique Evaluation” forms for each dance style — ballet, jazz, modern, and tap dance — requires the following technical and artistic skills at each corresponding level. With some flexibility inherent in the subjective assessment of such abilities, the range of progress and achievement is as follows:

• Level I Basic (Beginning)
• Level II Adept (Intermediate)
• Level III Technically & Artistically Accomplished (Advanced)

Dance training is progressive and sequential in ways that clearly build upon earlier foundations. Therefore, moving on to each subsequent level requires a proficient and consistent, demonstrated fluency at the previous level(s) AND a grade of B or higher. In consultation with the dance technique faculty, if a student is not progressing properly in the artistic and technical elements of any particular level, they must continue studying at the same level at least once more in subsequent semesters in order to develop satisfactory and consistent fluency in those elements.

In order to determine technical and artistic competency, all students must audition/be adjudicated the previous semester for placement in the appropriate dance technique level.

Due to the length of summer break, fall semester technique placement will be re-assessed by individual course instructors on the first day of class. Students are encouraged to continue their training and technique work throughout the summer months.

In order to maintain proper artistry and technical skill and continue to progress in level at a particular style, the student must enroll in the level in which they were placed as well as continue taking a class in that style at least once per year.

If a student a) does not take a particular style at least once per year and/or b) does not make the required progress in the level of placement, that student may be moved down in level in order to better address the skills and competencies required of that particular technique and level. It is highly recommended that BA Dance majors enroll in ballet, modern, and jazz dance techniques every semester.

Level I

In addition to the artistic and technique-specific skills for each dance style, all students at Level I in any style — ballet, jazz, modern, and tap — must be able to demonstrate the following skills to move on to Level II:

• Understanding of the proper balance in the five feet positions (not Tap I)
• Understanding of the proper balance and body alignment in turned out and parallel position
• Understanding and ability to perform the basic ballet vocabulary (plié, tendu, dégagé, rond de jambe,45 degree developpés…) with proper body alignment (not Tap I)
• Ability to accurately pick up at least 16 counts of movement quickly and reverse it to the other side
• Familiarity with and ability to perform all positions of the leg: coup de pied, arabesque, attitude, etc. (not Tap I)
• Ability to properly balance with stability and strength in one leg alignment
• Awareness of the body in space, ability to control the body in space, and an understanding of directing and projecting energy of the body into space
• Ability to investigate movement qualities such as elevation, groundedness, transference of weight, etc.
• Demonstration and understanding of basic rhythms such as 4/4, ¾, and 2/4
• Development of a committed and motivated work ethic and healthy principles of conditioning, nutrition and lifestyle habits 

Level II

In addition to meeting all of the requirements of Level I, all students at Level II in any style — ballet, jazz, modern, and tap dance — must be able to demonstrate the following skills in order to move on to Level III:

• Understanding of more complex and sophisticated rhythmic patterns (3/4, 6/8, etc.) and phrasing
• Clearing technical and artistic musicality
• Ability to accurately pick up at least 32 counts of movement within a short period of time and reverse it to the other side
• Ability to perform to various musical styles and rhythms with the appropriate movement qualities and dynamics
• Good control of the body in space and increased drive-through space
• Knowledge of basic anatomy for dance injury prevention
• Continued practice of good work ethics and health principles
• Increased ability to adapt to new teaching methods and styles

Level III

Students must pass levels I and II first. In addition to the artistic and technique-specific skills for each style, all students at Level III in any form — ballet, jazz, modern, and tap dance — must be able to demonstrate the following skills in at least one style in order to graduate as a BA in Dance Major:

• A sound balance of flexibility and strength based on body type
• The ability to problem-solve particularly difficult movements and fulfill those movements spatially, qualitatively and musically
• The ability to demonstrate complex rhythms and dynamics with seamless transitions and sophisticated phrasing
• The ability to perform and interpret a variety of styles and genres (with professionally-ready technique and artistry in at least one style) in such forms as ballet, jazz, modern, and tap dance, including but not limited to sub-categories such as:
  • Ballet: Romantic, Classical, Neo-Classical, Contemporary, etc.
  • Jazz: Giordano, Mattox, Kidd, Fosse, etc.
  • Modern: Graham, Limón, Horton, Release Technique, etc.
  • Tap: Jump Rhythm Jazz, Glover, Bufalino, etc. 

• Ability to present through a full range and potential of all movement materials pertinent to the particular style, such as elevation, groundedness, efficient transference of weight, etc.
• Based on the pertinent style, the ability to observe, learn and accurately reproduce given material after being shown the first time (as in an audition)
• Ability to commit to movement and follow through with clarity
• Properly apply all feedback, whether personal or general
• Be comfortable with the inherent strengths and challenges of one’s body but be willing to investigate new movement information
• Ability to correctly reverse movement sequences on both sides
• Ability to apply with personal investment proper technique and artistry beyond the classroom within a performance venue
• Demonstrate mature work ethics and healthy lifestyle habits consistent with professional members of the dance field