Evansville Dance Theatre School Programme under the direction of Keith J. Martin is fully professional training programme focusing on superb technical training in classical ballet and other related dance forms. The curriculum is designed for the development of the dancer from first encounter. Instruction is at progressive levels of intensity and achievement.

The serious dance student is exposed at an early age to the professional attitude and intensive training essential to a performing career. Developing through a structured sequence of study, the strength and flexibility of a pure classical technique creates the foundation from which the performing artist expresses individual creativity.

In preparing the student for a professional career, we instill a love and an appreciation of dance as an art form and the student acquires poise, discipline and self confidence, all of which remain for a lifetime even if they choose not to pursue a professional career in ballet or other dance forms. A faculty of dancers with international performing and teaching experience provide students with the skills and discipline necessary for successful performing careers as members of professional ballet companies.

Creative Movement & Pre-Ballet: for students 3 – 6 years of age, introduces students to the dynamics of music and dance using the body and mind creatively and imaginatively in a structured situation.

Levels I – III: for students 7 – 12 years of age, extends the creativity concepts into the fundamental movements of ballet training mastering the placement of body, legs, arms and head.

Levels IV - V: for students 13 – 18 years of age, guides the student through the structured syllabus designed to increase technique, stamina and discipline in direct relation to mental and physical growth. As the young dancers gain proficiency, greater emphasis is placed on artistry and performance. The programme for upper classes is designed to make the transition from student to performer. This select group (apprentices) rehearse and has opportunities to perform during this period of training.

Adult division: Open classes are offered for students, not necessarily pursuing a professional career in dance, who desire to begin or continue ballet classes. Classes are scheduled morning and evenings to accommodate working adults.

Pointe: development of feminine technique en pointe creating the fullest extension, greater mobility and freedom.

Variations: classical dances from the major ballets are taught with emphasis on artistry and style.

Character/Modern: offered to augment the classical training and enable dancers to meet the demands of contemporary choreography.

Coaching: Private coaching is available, as class schedules permit, through arrangement with the artistic Director.

Creative Movement through Level V:
     Girls: Black tank style leotards, pale pink tights and soft pink ballet shoes (leather for Creative Movement through Level III.)
     Boys: White tank style tee-shirt, black tights or shorts, white socks, white ballet shoes and dance belt.

Pointe: soft pink pointe shoes with pink ribbons.

Character:
     Girls: black 2-inch heeled character shoes and character skirts;
     Boys: character/jazz shoes.

Modern:
     ballet shoes and jazz shoes are required.