Classes
Read more to learn about our methodology, vision for dance, as well as
our classes offered, rates, and schedules.
Methodology
Rooted in tradition
Dancers are taught using the Vaganova method, which was developed by Aggripina Vagonva (1879 - 1951) in the eponymously named Vaganova Ballet Academy in St. Petersburg, Russia. This technique is marked by its full use of the body and extensive épaulements. It is a fusion between the French romantic style, and the athletic Italian Cechetti styles. Graduates of this methodology include Maria Khoreva, Svetlana Zakharova, and Rudolf Nureyev.
Progressive
While we like to honor tradition, we also realize the importance of adapting to the times. Every year, Teacher Lina travels to the Vaganova Ballet Academy, in St. Petersburg Russia, to undergo training for dance teachers. The information from this program is updated yearly, to account for new findings in technique, anatomy, and dance technologies. Teacher Lina aims to bring this information back to Manila, where she can update the studio’s training program respectively.
Holistic
At its highest level, dance requires a deep understanding of one’s character and the story they are trying to tell. This is why Studio Dance by Lina offers Character & Acting classes to develop students’ artistry, facial expressions, performance, and storytelling. Discussions on these ballets and characters are given to supplement these classes. As dance is also a highly technical art form, these discussion classes also include lectures on anatomy, injury prevention, among others - to give students an enriched understanding of how their bodies work, and why exercises are done in particular ways.
Rates
Classes Offered
Ballet (all genders)
Pointe work
Character & Acting
Contemporary*
Jazz (Basic & Intermediate)
Hip Hop for Kids (Hip Hop Hooray)*
Floor Barre
Strengthening & Conditioning*
Discussion sessions & Slowdown Saturdays
Masterclasses with Guest Artists
Variation class (upper body focus)
One-on-one sessions
*Note: Due to the COVID-19 situation, classes with asterisks will not be held.
Stay tuned for updates on our social media pages, as we are working to make these available to you soon!
Levels
Baby Ballet
This class is suited for students aged 2 - 4 years old. The class focuses on introducing children to the fundamentals of ballet, while fostering independence and a love for the art form in a light, playful environment. All movements are done on flat. By the end of this level, students are expected to recognize basic arm and feet positions in first, second, and third position.
Children’s Ballet 1
This class is suited for students aged 5 to 7 years old. The fundamentals of ballet such as turn-out, coordination, and spacial awareness are developed, and ballet class etiquette is also introduced. In this level, students are encouraged to be more confident in their bodies, and more expressive with the way they move. Rises on two feet are done. Positions used in this level are first, second, and third. By the end of this level, students are expected to master those positions, as well as movements from first.
Beginner Adult Ballet
This class is suited for adults or late starters with ZERO or very minimal background in ballet or any form of dance. The class aims to familiarize new students with the terms and concepts of ballet. By the end of this level, students will have learned how to perform ballet fundamentals and may proceed to join other classes.
Intermediate Adult Ballet & Children’s Ballet 2
This class is suited for beginner adult dancers aged 15 and above, and younger kids aged 7 to 9 years old who have passed CB1 or demonstrated the ability and bodily awareness to be admitted into CB2. This level will continue to introduce the fundamentals of ballet, beginning with the 5 basic positions. Emphasis will be placed on holding positions such as passés and arabesques on flat, and small and medium jumps will also be taught. By the end of this level, students are expected to relevé on two feet, and must be able to balance on one leg on flat.
Level 1 & Advanced Adult Ballet
This class is suited to adult dancers with previous knowledge of basic ballet aged 15 and above, as well as younger kids aged 10 - 13 who already have a solid grasp of the fundamentals of ballet. In this level, longer combinations and slow reversal are introduced. Pirouettes and basic big jumps are also taught, and basic pointe class is given. By the end of this level, students are expected to know how to properly extend their legs and shape their feet, as well as have proper body alignment when executing basic steps.
Level 2
This class is suited to dancers aged 11 - 14 years old, as well as advanced adult dancers. In this level, students are introduced to a wider variety of patterns in combinations, small movements in footwork, and different kinds of turns. The length of time on pointe work is also increased and classes become quicker in pace. By the end of this level, students are expected to memorize, grasp, and perform steps and combinations in a quicker manner, while still maintaining proper body alignment and bodily awareness.
Level 4 Advanced
This class is suited to dancers who have already had 2 - 3 years of dance experience. Class becomes more difficult, and long combinations with quick reversal are also given. This class places emphasis on epaulement (head and arm placement), and more advanced steps. Higher extensions are expected, and more difficult pointework such as turning on pointe will be given. By the end of this level, students are expected to balance in harder positions on one foot on relevé, and must be able to incorporate more fluidity and artistry when dancing.