Ballet classes stress anatomically-correct use of classical ballet technique, acknowledging the skeletal structure of each student in order to prevent injuries in the future.  Level 3 is the introduction to pointe work, or ‘prepointe.’  Pointe work is not a requirement at FSPA and many students continue their ballet training without it.  Students that begin pointe work must be at least 12 years old, have approval from both an orthopaedic doctor and our ballet faculty, and maintain a minimum of 2 ballet classes per week.  Ballet students level 3 and higher are highly encouraged to also take modern class.  Beginner ballet classes are offered as preballet for age 7-8, ballet 1 for ages 9-11, and teen ballet for ages 12 and up.  As the levels advance, the class time increases.  Level 4 & higher classes are always followed by an optional 30 minutes of pointe work.  Students under 7 years old should take creative movement as preparation for joining the ballet program.