classes offered

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

  • 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 4: 11 to 13 years of age
  • Ballet 5: 11 to 13 years of age
  • Ballet 6: 12 to 14 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
  • Ballet 12: 15 to 17 years of age

 


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
  • Primary 2 (children in grade 1): 6 to 7 years of age

recreational ballet

MHSB offers Recreational Ballet to dancers who have either little or no training, or those who wish to limit 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

  • 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 four 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

  • Pre-Pointe: 12 + years of age with teacher recommendation
  • Pointe 1: 1 year of experience
  • Pointe 2: 2 years of experience
  • Pointe 4: 3 years of experience
  • Pointe 5: 5 + years of experience

jazz

The MHSB Jazz program was developed in 1995 and has proved tremendously popular. 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 recorded, 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 10: 14 to 18 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 8a: 13 to 16 years of age
  • Jazz 9a: 14 to 17 years of age
  • Jazz 10a: 14 to 18 years of age
  • Jazz 12a: 15 to 19 years of age

Recreational Stream - attend classes once per week

  • 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 3 + years of experience

hip hop

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: 7 to 8 years of age
  • Hip Hop 2: 9 to 12 years of age
  • Hip Hop 3: 9 to 12 years of age
  • Hip Hop 5: 11 to 15 years of age
  • Hip Hop 6: 12 to 16 years of age
  • Hip Hop 7: 15+ years of age

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 Modern: 13 to 17 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 4: 15 to 18 years of age with 3+ years of experience
  • Modern 5: 15 to 18 years of age with 3+ years of experience

musical theatre

Musical theatre is a form of theatre combining songs, spoken dialogue and dance. No prior experience is necessary.

Levels Offered

All levels attend classes once per week

  • Musical Theatre: 12 + years of age

body conditioning/stretch

Body conditioning/stretch class improves your technique and performance in all dance forms by strengthening the body's core (abdominal and back muscles) while improving coordination, balance, and alignment and optimizing flexibility.

Drop in anytime or purchase a card of 5 or 10 classes for greater savings.

Levels Offered

The class is held on Sundays at 10:45 - 11:30 at 2384 Yonge St.

  • Body Conditioning: 15 to adult

MHSB Student and Parent Pricing:

Single Class          $10
5 Classes             $45
10 Classes           $80
30 Classes         $215

Non-MHSB Student Pricing:

Single Class         $15
5 Classes            $65
10 Classes         $120
30 Classes         $300