classes offered

creative movement

MHSB offers creative movement classes for children aged 3 to 6. Young students will be taught an appreciation of movement and music in a caring and relaxed environment. Emphasis is placed on enjoyment, expression and the learning of simple pre-ballet concepts and steps. Live piano music is used for each class.

Levels Offered:

Pre-Ballet (children in nursery school): 3 to 4 years of age
Pre-Primary (children in junior kindergarten): 4 to 5 years of age
Primary 1 (children in senior kindergarten): 5 to 6 years of age

ballet

At MHSB once children reach 7 years of age they follow the more structured format of a traditional ballet class.

The Martha Hicks School of Ballet teaches the Cecchetti method of ballet. The solid unmannered Cecchetti base enables dancers to embrace any choreographic style.

Creativity continues to be encouraged as sense of presentation and artistry is developed. Emphasis is placed on the more technical aspects including posture, coordination and muscular awareness.

Every other year MHSB prepares eligible students for ballet exams in the Cecchetti syllabus.

Dedicated older students are required to come to class twice a week and will have the opportunity to be considered at 12 years of age or older for Pointe work. It is offered to advanced students when they have developed the necessary strength in the body, legs and feet.

For older, experienced students it may be necessary to undergo an assessment to ensure placement in the appropriate level.

Levels Offered:

Regular Stream

Primary 2 (children in grade 1): 6 to 7 years of age
Ballet 1: 7 to 8 years of age
Ballet 2: 8 to 10 years of age
Ballet 3: 9 to 11 years of age

Regular Stream - must attend 2 times a week and will be eligible to complete an exam

Ballet 5E: 11 to 13 years of age
Ballet 6E: 12 to 14 years of age
Ballet 7E: 13 to 15 years of age
Ballet 8E: 13 to 15 years of age
Ballet 10E: 15 to 18 years of age
Ballet 11E: 15 to 18 years of age

Regular Stream - when combined with an 'E' level class attend twice a week but will NOT enter exams:

Ballet 4: 10 to 12 years of age
Ballet 7: 13 to 15 years of age
Ballet 8: 13 to 15 years of age
Ballet 9: 14 to 17 years of age
Ballet 10: 15 to 17 years of age

recreational ballet

MHSB offers Recreational Ballet to dancers who have either little or no training, or those who wish to continue their ballet training just once a week, and prefer a slightly less serious approach to ballet. Basic technique is covered, with an emphasis on posture, musical interpretation and an appreciation for movement.

Levels Offered:

All levels attend classes once per week

Beginner Junior Ballet: 12 to 14 years of age with no experience
Beginner Senior Ballet: 15 to 18 years of age with no experience
Junior Ballet 1R: 10 to 11 years of age with 2+ years of experience
Junior Ballet 2R: 11 to 12 years of age with 3+ years of experience
Senior Ballet 1R: 12+ years of age with 1 year of experience
Senior Ballet 2R: 13+ years of age with 2+ years of experience
Senior Ballet 3R: 14+ years of age with 4+ years of experience

pointe

Pointe work is an important addition to a ballerina's dance training. This is offered to the serious student who has reached, at least, 12 years of age. MHSB offers seven levels of pointe classes, one introductory and six with specific experience requirements. Students are individually assessed for strength and control before being accepted into the Pointe program.

Levels Offered:

All levels attend classes once per week

Beginner Junior Pointe: 12 to 13 years of age with teacher recommendation
Beginner Senior Pointe: 14+ years of age with teacher recommendation
Pointe 1: 1 year of experience
Pointe 2: 2 years of experience
Pointe 3: 3 years of experience
Pointe 4: 4 years of experience
Pointe 5/6: 5+ years of experience

jazz

The MHSB Jazz prgram was developed in 1995 and has proved tremendously popular. Pre-Jazz classes have recently been added so now children only need to be five years of age in order to start taking jazz! The pace is lively and the atmosphere is fun as children learn steps and combinations to taped, current music.

Jazz classes help develop the ability to interpret contemporary rhythms and dance forms. Although not mandatory, students are encouraged to take ballet in addition to jazz.

Levels Offered:

Regular Stream - attend classes once per week

Pre-Jazz: 5 to 6 years of age
Jazz 1: 6 to 7 years of age
Jazz 2: 7 to 9 years of age
Jazz 3: 8 to 10 years of age
Jazz 4: 9 to 11 years of age

Regular Stream - must attend classes 2 times a week

Jazz 5: 10 to 12 years of age
Jazz 6: 11 to 13 years of age

Regular Stream - must attend classes 2 times a week and usually only take jazz

Jazz 7: 12 to 15 years of age
Jazz 8: 13 to 16 years of age
Jazz 9: 14 to 17 years of age
Jazz 10: 14 to 18 years of age
Jazz 11: 15 to 19 years of age
Jazz 12: 15 to 19 years of age

Advanced Stream - must attend classes 2 times a week and usually come to other dance forms

Jazz 7a: 12 to 15 years of age
Jazz 8a: 13 to 16 years of age
Jazz 9a: 14 to 17 years of age
Jazz 10a: 14 to 18 years of age
Jazz 11a: 15 to 19 years of age

Recreational Stream - attend classes once per week

Beginner Junior Jazz: 12 to 14 years of age with no experience
Beginner Senior Jazz: 15 to 18 years of age with no experience
Junior Jazz 1R: 10 to 11 years of age with 2+ years of experience
Junior Jazz 2R: 11 to 12 years of age with 3+ years of experience
Junior Jazz 3R: 12 to 14 years of age with 4+ years of experience
Senior Jazz 1R: 12 to 14 years of age with 1 year of experience
Senior Jazz 2R: 13+ years of age with 2+ years of experience
Senior Jazz 3R: 14+ years of age with 4 years of experience

hip hop

Hip Hop was introduced to MHSB in 1999, and since then the demand for it has skyrocketed! Hip Hop classes begin with a vigorous warm-up, followed by street based dance routines. Students seven and up, with or without previous training, can jump right in and learn the most current dance moves.

Levels Offered:

All levels attend classes once per week

Pre-Hip Hop: 7 to 8 years of age
Hip Hop 1: 8 to 9 years of age
Hip Hop 2: 9 to 12 years of age
Hip Hop 3: 11 to 13 years of age
Hip Hop 4: 12 to 15 years of age
Hip Hop 5: 13 to 17 years of age
Hip Hop 6: 16+ years of age
Hip Hop 7: 16+ years of age

tap

Tap is an energetic class in which children explore rhythm and music. Students will have the opportunity to develop motor skills and coordination in a light hearted environment.

Levels Offered:

All levels attend classes once per week

Pre-Tap: 6 to 8 years of age with no experience
Tap 1: 8 to 10 years of age
Tap 2: 9 to 11 years of age
Tap 3: 10 to 13 years of age
Tap 4: 11 to 14 years of age
Tap 5: 12 to 17 years of age
Tap 6: 13 to 18 years of age
Tap 7: 14 to 18 years of age
Tap 8: 14 to 18 years of age

Recreational Stream

Beginner Tap: 12+ years of age with no experience

modern

Modern class is a contemporary form of dance which incorporates ballet and natural movement. This is offered to the older student preferably with some ballet experience.

Levels Offered:

All levels attend classes once per week

Beginner Junior Modern: 12 to 14 years of age with no experience
Beginner Senior Modern: 15 to 18 years of age with no experience
Modern 1: 13 to 15 years of age with 1 year of experience
Modern 2: 15 to 18 years of age with 1 year of experience
Modern 3: 15 to 18 years of age with 2 years of experience
Modern 5: 15 to 18 years of age with 3+ years of experience

musical theatre

Every well-rounded dance school should ultimately expand its horizons and give its students the opportunity to dance, sing, and act.

Levels Offered:

All levels attend classes once per week

Junior Musical Theatre: 12 to 14 years of age
Senior Musical Theatre: 14 to 17 years of age