Ballet Curriculum
The training of students is conducted from the classical tradition of Russia’s Kirov Ballet. This regimen nurtures the individually paced progress of students beginning with pre-ballet and progressing through seven levels of classical dance training from beginner through intermediate to advanced. This approach is designed to cultivate a healthy self-esteem, personal and artistic maturity, and develops sound technique in support of achieving an authentic aesthetic vision. The appropriate curricular level for each dancer is determined by the faculty.
Faculty
The primary instructors of the Ballet Center at the Wilkes Conservatory are past Artistic Staff members of the Degnan Ballet Center and Ballet Northeast. Biographical information on these talented professionals is available under the Faculty and Staff section of the website. Various professional artists teach master classes throughout the academic year. This guest faculty includes members of major ballet companies, professionals in the industry as well as university professors.
Master classes with be advertised as they become available and are open to both Conservatory students and the community.
Prospective Students
New students are welcome to tour the beautiful studios and facilities located in the Darte Center on the campus of Wilkes University, observe a class or take a complimentary placement class in order to become acquainted with our school. These arrangements can be made by contacting the Conservatory office at 570.408.4426. All new students must participate in a placement class to assure the student be enrolled in the appropriate level for proper growth and development.
Attire
Ballet Class attire for ladies is pink tights and black leotard with pink ballet slippers. There is a specific black leotard and a white alignment belt that has been designated as the Degnan Ballet Center uniform. Please contact the Conservatory Coordinator for uniform information at 570.408.4426. Hair must be pulled back into a bun unless the hairstyle is very short. Gentlemen are to wear black tights and a white T-shirt with black or white ballet slippers.
| Type | Tuition |
|---|---|
| 1 class per week for each five week sessions | $100 |
| 2 classes per week for each five week sessions | $160 |
| 3 classes per week for each five week sessions | $210 |
| 4 classes per week for each five week sessions | $230 |
|
Variations | 1 class per week for each five week session Conditioning [ 1 class per week for each five week session |
$75 $75 |
| Charge per single class or Master Class | $30 |
| Registration Fee (paid once for entire Aug. - June season) | $30 |
Class Requirements
Beginner Ballet I, II, & III - two (2) classes per week
Intermediate Ballet I, II, & III - three (3) technique classes per week and conditioning class once a week
Advanced Ballet - (3 or 4) technique classes per week and conditioning class once a week
**A Master Class, Conditioning or Variations class may NOT be substituted for a REQUIRED ballet technique class
Checks must be made payable to Wilkes University
A $25 surcharge may be added to any overdue tuition payment after the second week of the session has begun.
2025-26 Season Sessions
- Session 1: August 18 to September 21
- Session 2: September 22 to October 26
- Session 3: October 27 to November 30
- Session 4: December 1 to January 18
- Session 5: January 19 to February 22
- Session 6: February 23 to March 29
- Session 7: March 30 to May 10
- Session 8: May 11 to June 14
Recesses
- Labor Day: Monday, September 1 (1 day)
- Thanksgiving Recess: Thursday-Sunday, November 27 to November 30 (4 days)
- Winter Recess: Tuesday- Monday, December 22-January 4 (14 days)
- Martin Luther King Day: Monday, January 19 (1 day)
- Spring Recess: Monday- Sunday, March 30 to April 5 (7 days)
- Memorial Day: Monday, May 25 (1 day)