Our Ballet Program at the San Francisco High School of the Arts is based in technique and artistry. We incorporate the Vaganova Method in training to ensure that our students have an ample understanding of ballet technique and execution. We pride ourselves on a well-rounded program including contemporary, tap, and broadway jazz classes. With ballet as a foundation, our dance students are well-equipped to perform these specialities with rigor.
Our instructors are well-known dance educators in the Bay Area, and promote technical training, musicality, and healthy practice. It is through these values that we successfully train dancers of all ages.
In order to prepare our students for the professional dance world, HSArts has many opportunities for Pre-Professional performance, and can be seen participating in city-wide events such as; the Italian Heritage Parade, the Academy of Sciences Fall Program, and Herbst Theatre Winter and Spring Galas. It is through these experiences that our dancers become familiar with the expectations of a professional career and the dedication that comes with dance training.
Ballet Conservatory Curriculum
The foundation of ballet training, technique class emphasizes body placement, posture and form through barre exercises and center routines. Class content is based on the Vaganova curriculum.
Ballet technique work in pointe shoes will be offered to female students with sufficiently developed feet, strong arches and ankles, and solid ballet technique.
This class trains students in the stylized form of European folk dance found in many works of the classical ballet repertoire.
Contemporary dance uses alignment and movement patterning from classical and non-classical dance forms, while expanding on the abilities of spine articulation, contractions, isolations, release technique, improvisation, and collaboration skills.
Ballet technique work in pointe shoes will be offered to female students with sufficiently developed feet, solid ballet technique, and strong arches and ankles.
This class trains students in the stylized form of European folk dance found in many works of the classical ballet repertoire.
Literally translated from French as “step of two,” this class involves partnering work between male and female dancers. It is open to advanced students.
Students learn variations from famous ballets as well as original choreography by SF High School of the Arts' dance department.
As a supplement to their ballet technique course, this class for male dancers focuses on teaching jumps, turns, and strength training.
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