American Preparatory Ballet Training©

APBT© is based on the principles and philosophies of movement, as well as leading research in the field of early childhood education. Through a dual lecture and practical application experience, participants will learn how this approach to teaching can motivate children to explore movement, interact socially and develop physically.

By accessing APBT© progressive lesson plans, as well as observations of children, the APBT© Teacher Training participants will be able to implement the curriculum in their own setting. This course is applicable to teachers who teach not only in typical dance schools, but also general preschool and childcare settings.

APBT© certification completion will equip teachers with the following tools/materials:

• Age-appropriate example lesson plans for 7 different developmental levels of students
• Music playlist examples t to accompany lesson plans
• Strategies to manage positive and negative behavior within a classroom setting
• Elevated confidence to present/create a supportive and inclusive environment for student
• Connection to Boston Ballet School and a network for APBT© certified teachers

Program Dates

American Preparatory Ballet Training© will run Mon, Aug 19-Fri, Nov 22. Access to training materials will end on December 20, 2024. Students will be provided with a program calendar prior to the course start date.

Program Structure

• Each week consists of one 1.5 hours long lecture and an observation session of a live class. Lectures occur from 11-12:30 pm EST on Wednesdays.
• Students receive 3 lectures during the weeks of August 19 and 26. Lectures these weeks are held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11-12:30 pm EST.

Attendance and Participation

Participants can choose among three options for participation:

• In person at Boston Ballet School’s Newton Studio (153 Needham Street)
• Virtual synchronous. All participants will have full Zoom access to join classes remotely instead of in person.
• Remotely at-your-own-time. All sessions will be recorded. Recordings will be posted each week on the training portal. Students that choose this option will check in with the instructor every couple of weeks to evaluate their participation and ask questions they may have after reviewing training sessions.

Certification

Each participant who completes the course will receive a certificate of completion in Boston Ballet School’s American Preparatory Ballet Training©.

Syllabus Overview

Designed for the age progression of 16 months–7 years old
Section 1: How Our Brain Works
How movement relates to the cognitive development of children
Section 2: Creative Dance
How stories mirror our collective psyche and result in movement
Section 3: Music Awareness for Students
How music relates to the cognitive development of children (Lectures with BBS accompanists)
Section 4: Preparing for Formalized Ballet Training
How to implement turnout in Preparatory Ballet Training
Section 5: Integrated Classes
How to support students with disabilities in a general class