Conservatory Training & Classes
Discover. Learn. Grow.
At SLO Movement Arts Center, dancers develop strong technique, artistry and confidence through thoughtful, conservatory-style training led by experienced professional instructors. Our progressive curriculum begins with foundational movement and ballet for our youngest dancers and advances through comprehensive pre-professional training.
Beyond the steps, SLOMAC is a place for connection, self-expression and growth. Small class sizes, personalized coaching and a supportive environment allow dancers to develop at their own pace while being challenged to reach their potential.
For dancers seeking additional performance opportunities, advanced training can also provide a pathway to the audition-based Movement Arts Collective Dance Company, where dancers expand their artistry through main-stage productions and community performances.
Whether a dancer is taking a first class or preparing for continued study beyond high school, our goal is the same: to provide exceptional instruction in an environment where every dancer has the opportunity to discover, learn and grow.
THE MOVEMENT ARTS CONSERVATORY
Progressive Training for Young Dancers
Our Conservatory program provides a progressive path of study designed to meet dancers where they are and challenge them as they grow. Placement is based on age and ability, with a curriculum that includes ballet, modern and contemporary dance.
As dancers progress through the program, they build strong foundational technique while developing artistry, expression and versatility.
Primary Ballet
Ages 3–5
Designed for dancers ages 3–5 to build a solid foundation from which future development, both as a dancer and individual, can emerge. The overarching principles are to learn proper ballet class etiquette, positioning of the body, musicality, and coordination.
Training Commitment
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1 hour of Ballet per week
Level 2
Ages 7 - 10
Dancers are typically between the ages of 7 and 10 and have had some ballet experience. They are eager to delve into the basics of ballet and are encouraged to solidify the foundational positions and movements of the art form.
Training Commitment
Two 1.15-hour Ballet classes per week
Level 3
Ages 8 - 12
Dedicated dancers ages 8–12 may be invited to join Level Three, where they will enhance their knowledge of basic ballet technique and grow their artistry and expression in Modern, Jazz/Lyrical, and Contemporary Repertoire classes. When ready, select dancers may earn their first pair of Pointe Shoes at this level.
Training Commitment
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Two 1.5-hour Ballet classes per week
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One 1-hour Jazz/Lyrical class per week
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One 1-hour Contemporary class per week
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One 1-hour (Pre)Pointe class per week
Level 4
Experienced Middle & High School Dancers
For the experienced Middle or High School dancer, Level Four is the opportunity to build upon foundational knowledge and advance skills with complexity and artistry. Dancers enjoy a more intense training regimen.
Additionally, dancers at this level are invited to audition for the Movement Arts Collective for additional performance experience.
Training Commitment
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Four 1.5-hour Ballet classes per week
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One 1-hour Contemporary class per week
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One 1-hour Jazz/Lyrical class per week
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One 1-hour Pointe/Variation class per week
Level One
Ages 6 - 8
Dancers ages 6–8 are introduced to barre work, with more emphasis placed on turn-out and position of the arms. Level One classes follow the historically effective format of a traditional ballet class, from barre exercises to center, where movement through space becomes more codified and structured.
Training Options
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1 hour of Ballet per week
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1 hour of Ballet + 1 hour of Contemporary/Jazz per week
Level Two Plus
Ages 8 - 10
Dancers are typically between the ages of 8 and 10 and have had some ballet experience. They are eager to delve into the basics of ballet and are encouraged to solidify the foundational positions and movements of the art form. Ballet classes are supplemented with Modern Dance Technique and Contemporary Repertoire.
Training Commitment
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Two 1.15-hour Ballet classes per week
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One 1-hour Contemporary/Jazz class per week
Level 3 Plus
Ages 9 - 12
Dedicated dancers ages 9–12 may be invited to join Level Three Plus when they show readiness to receive more instruction. They will enhance their knowledge of more advanced ballet technique and grow their artistry in Modern, Jazz/Lyrical, and Contemporary Repertoire. Dancers must already be dancing on Pointe to join this level.
Training Commitment
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Two 1.5-hour Level Four Ballet classes per week
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One 1.5-hour Level Three Ballet class per week
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One 1-hour Advanced Jazz/Lyrical class per week
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One 1-hour Contemporary 2/3 class per week
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One 1-hour Pointe 3 class per week
Level 5
Advanced Conservatory Training
The highest level of our Conservatory program is designed to complete the dancer's pre-professional training and prepare them for further study in college or at nationally recognized programs. A desire for a professional pursuit of dance is not required, simply the determination to train hard.
Dancers must be proficient on Pointe and will take many of their Ballet classes in Pointe shoes.
Training Commitment
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Four 1.5-hour Ballet classes per week
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One 1-hour Jazz/Lyrical class per week
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One 1-hour Contemporary class per week
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One 1-hour Variations class per week
Our professional instructors work with dancers aged 4 - 18 to develop their skills through leveled programming that follows a conservatory-style curriculum.
These beginner classes focus on creative movement, basic ballet and classroom etiquette, with a big emphasis on fun.
Allowing them to dance, teach or compete at the highest levels.
Our professional instructors work with dancers aged 4 - 18 to develop their skills through leveled programming that follows a conservatory-style curriculum.
Scroll over the images above to see how young dancers train and progress through out leveled, conservatory programs.
Training Commitment
Our instructors bring professional dance experience and/or higher-education degrees in dance to the studio.
Thoughtful Placement
Dancers are placed according to age and ability, helping ensure they receive instruction appropriate to their stage of development.
Progressive Curriculum
Our leveled Conservatory curriculum builds strong foundations in classical ballet and expands to include modern and contemporary dance as dancers progress.
Individual Attention
Small class sizes allow instructors to provide personalized coaching, corrections and encouragement.
From Training to the Stage
Advanced Conservatory training can provide a pathway to audition for the Movement Arts Collective Dance Company.
Why Train at SLOMAC?
ADULT & RECREATIONAL CLASSES
Dance, Move & Grow
Not every dancer is pursuing conservatory training. Our adult and recreational programs provide opportunities to experience the physical, artistic and social benefits of dance and movement in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Adult Dance
A beginning ballet and contemporary dance class that introduces basic techniques with patience and grace. Adult Dance provides a safe and supportive space to grow and learn within a wonderful dance community—whether you're returning to dance or stepping into the studio for the first time.
Commitment
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One 1.15 hour class/week
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Two 1.15 hour classes/week
Dance Sculpt
Dancers are typically between the ages of 7 and 10 and have had some ballet experience. They are eager to delve into the basics of ballet and are encouraged to solidify the foundational positions and movements of the art form.
Commitment
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One 1 hour class/week
Hip Hop
An upbeat, fun class for everyone who loves to move and groove. Hip Hop provides an energetic opportunity to explore movement, musicality and individual style.
Commitment
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One 1 hour class/week
Recreational Dance (Ages10 - 16)
A recreational dance class for ages 10-16 for basic ballet technique in a fun and welcoming environment.
Training Commitment
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One 1 hour class/week
PRIVATE INSTRUCTION
Individualized instruction provides dancers with focused attention tailored to their specific goals and needs.
Private Dance Lessons
One-on-one instruction allows dancers to focus on individual technique, artistry or specific areas of development with personalized feedback from a SLOMAC instructor.
Private Pointe Shoe Fittings
Properly fitted pointe shoes are an important part of a dancer's pointe training. Individual fittings help dancers identify an appropriate fit and shoe for their feet and current stage of training.
SUMMER AT SLOMAC
Keep Dancing All Summer
Summer at SLOMAC gives dancers opportunities to continue training, explore new styles and immerse themselves in dance outside the traditional school-year schedule.
Programs vary from year to year and may include week-long camps, intensives, workshops and special opportunities for dancers at different ages and levels.