Pure Ballet Studios FAQ’s

• What is the Cecchetti Method of Classical Ballet?
  • Established by ENRICO CECCHETTI (1850-1928) an internationally renowned dancer and teacher who performed throughout Europe and America. He was the Ballet Master for Ballets Russes and instituted System of Examinations for ballet training.
  • The Cecchetti system offers a sequence of grades (levels of ballet study), carefully measured as to degree of difficulty and physical development, and provides a system of accredited examinations to test the students’ proficiency within those grades.
  • Cecchetti provides a consistent progression of material and vertical alignment. This system is scientifically based and age/advancement appropriate.
  • The Cecchetti Method begins in the early years with the Primary I syllabus (age 4) and follows the student all the way through Diploma level coursework (advanced professional level.)
• How does Pure Ballet Studios utilize The Cecchetti Method?
  • Students can enroll in private classes with the distinct goal of working through the Cecchetti material.
  • Students can enroll in group Cecchetti classes and work with other students through the material.
  • Students can enroll in freestyle ballet classes that I offer from time to time. In these classes the Cecchetti technique is taught, but not through the standardized syllabus. Class combinations differ each week, different style of music is utilized, etc.
  • Teachers can enroll in the Cecchetti Teacher Training program and become certified to teach The Cecchetti Method and take students through the student training program. The teacher training is fully accredited and more comprehensive than most of the ballet/dance programs available at local universities.
• Please click the links below for detailed syllabus information.  Each graded level requires the student to commit to two classes per week and each student can plan to spend anywhere from 6 months to 2 years in any given level. Progression through the material depends on many individualized factors.
  • Primary I, II and III:  For the very beginning students. These primary grades provide a foundation for moving into the graded work. Primary I, II and III is used primarily for ages 4-9.
  • Grade I: Grade I is the first grade that students prepare for and are presented for student exams. Age is not a factor; all beginning Cecchetti students must pass through the Grade I work.
  • Grade II, Grade III, Grade IV:  For students who have passed through the prior levels.
  • Professional Elementary (More info coming soon.)
  • Professional Intermediate (More info coming soon.)
  • Professional Advanced*
  • Diploma*
  • *These courses are not presently available through Pure Ballet Studios. The Professional Intermediate course will be available in 2011. San Antonio is presently lacking anyone who is qualified to teach these levels.
  • Additionally, there is a difference between taking Cecchetti classes and taking a “freestyle” ballet class. The Cecchetti work is technique that moves toward style, artistry and expressive movement. Freestyle ballet class typically focuses on the ability for a dancer to pick up combinations quickly, adapt to the different teaching styles of their teachers, and expanding a dancers exposure to different styles of music and ballet styles. Cecchetti classes focus more on technique and ability. I often refer to it as “concrete ballet” vs. “abstract ballet.”
• When is Pointe introduced at Pure Ballet Studios?
  • This is a great question!  Students are assessed for pointe readiness. Generally by Grade III a student is strong enough to begin working in pointe shoes and by the Professional Elementary exam the student is performing on pointe.
• Why does a student need to go through a ballet exam? And when are exams offered?
  • Exams provide an objective evaluation of the student’s ability and the teachers effectiveness and is based on an international standard of performance expectations. Additionally, exam certificates can bolster a student’s credibility when applying to colleges, apprenticeships, and when auditioning for placement in a performance and/or company. In some cases the CCA certificates are used as accredited high school PE credits for home school, private school and public school students.
  • Exams are offered when a student has mastered the material in whatever level he/she is working in.
  • Exams are offered in conjunction with the Southwest Committee which holds exam sessions in October and March of each year. Additional exams are available through other Southwest Committee Member Studios during other times of the year and arrangements can be made if necessary.
  • Pure Ballet Studios encourages students to plan to take their exams in October each year during the fall exam session. Doing so requires a committed effort to study for the exams over the summer, but alleviates the issue with preparing for exams while simultaneously preparing for winter or spring recitals and/or spring/end of year finals.

Please email with any additional questions!  sarahwalston at pureballetstudios . com