ABT Exam Classes
A Parent's Guide to Student Examinations
ABT Student Examinations benefit students by serving as a skill assessment to document students’ progress, build their confidence, and improve their training. Each participating student receives an individual rubric outlining his/her proficiency both technically and artistically with comments from the Examiner. Students who successfully pass the exam will also receive an official certificate listing the level of the examination class they took along with their level of distinction. The four levels of distinction are Pass, Pass with Merit, Pass with Honors, and Pass with High Honors.
In May 2006, the United States Congress officially acknowledged American Ballet Theatre as America’s National Ballet Company®. With this honor, ABT is committed to taking a leadership role in dance training in the United States and created the ABT National Training Curriculum.
Studies have shown that ballet training can have astonishing benefits for students, benefits that will stay with them throughout their lives, such as: improved proprioception, coordination, posture and cardiovascular health; as well as discipline and realization of the importance of fulfilling commitments and team-work. Other benefits include self- esteem, communication skills, cultural enrichment and better cognitive abilities, including reading and mathematics.
To raise the quality of training, ABT offers teachers the opportunity to become Certified Teachers of the ABT National Training Curriculum. The ABT National Training Curriculum provides teachers the information and tools needed to implement the best practices in pedagogy, child development, dance psychology and anatomy. To this end the ABT National Training Curriculum established student examinations that
provide teachers clear models of what are suitable parameters and expectations.
Primary A Ballet (Ages 5-6)
An introduction to the joy of ballet through creative movement and basic coordination. Following the ABT® National Training Curriculum, this class develops musicality, rhythm, and spatial awareness in a nurturing environment. Dancers begin to learn basic ballet positions and steps while building focus, confidence, and a love for movement. Requires no prior dance experience.
Primary B/C Ballet (Ages 6-8)
Designed for dancers ready for more structure, this class builds on foundational ballet skills using the ABT® National Training Curriculum. Students will refine posture and placement, expand their movement vocabulary, and continue developing strength, flexibility, and musical expression—all while preparing for Level 1 Ballet. Requires no prior dance experience.
Level 1A Ballet (Ages 8+)
Level 1A is the first level of formal ballet training in the ABT® National Training Curriculum. Dancers begin structured barre and center work, focusing on proper placement, posture, and alignment. This class emphasizes strength, flexibility, musicality, and coordination, laying the groundwork for classical ballet technique in a disciplined yet supportive environment.
Level 1B Ballet (Ages 8+)
For ages 8+. A placement class is required before registering for this level. Please keep in mind that the age range is given as a guideline. Students will be placed by the ballet faculty in the appropriate level based on technique demonstrated at your placement class.
Level 2A Ballet (Ages 9+)
For ages 9+. A placement class is required before registering for this level. Please keep in mind that the age range is given as a guideline. Students will be placed by the ballet faculty in the appropriate level based on technique demonstrated at your placement class.
Level 3A Ballet (Ages 11+)
For ages 11+. A placement class is required before registering for this level. Please keep in mind that the age range is given as a guideline. Students will be placed by the ballet faculty in the appropriate level based on technique demonstrated at your placement class.
Level 4B Ballet (Ages 12+)
For ages 12+. A placement class is required before registering for this level. Please keep in mind that the age range is given as a guideline. Students will be placed by the ballet faculty in the appropriate level based on technique demonstrated at your placement class.
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