At AC Dance, we are committed to providing our dancers with an essential technical foundation. As a ballet-based studio, we believe ballet is an integral part of every dancer’s training. During placement week, we will evaluate each dancer to determine their appropriate level for the upcoming year.

Key takeaways for starting Horton Technique:

  • Safety and Injury Prevention: Ballet builds core strength and body alignment, protecting dancers from injury when performing high-energy and complex Horton movements.

  • Physical Control and Power: Ballet's emphasis on technique and control allows for better execution of the sharp, clean lines and strength required in Horton.

  • Efficient Learning: Just as ballet acts as a foundation for many dance forms, it allows dancers to understand fundamental movement, making it easier to master the specific, often challenging, technical aspects of the Horton technique.

  • Structural Understanding: Similar to a ballet barre, the Horton technique requires a developed understanding of how to transition from floor work to standing, which is supported by a prior background in classical training.

  • Adaptability: A strong ballet background ensures that dancers have the flexibility, strength, and stamina to manage the demanding nature of the Horton technique.

  • Ideal Age Range: Often introduced for intermediate/advanced children's programs, starting around age 10-12 and for teens/adults.

    Sourced from Dance Magazine and Alvin Ailey

Key takeaways for starting Pointe work:

Keep in mind that pointe work is not required, nor is it the right path for every student. Dancers can continue to progress significantly in many other areas of dance without training en pointe.

For those interested in being evaluated for pointe, the requirements are as follows:

  • Age: Students must be at least 11 years old, unless otherwise approved by Amanda.

  • Experience: 3–4 years of consistent training in ballet technique (experience in other dance disciplines does not apply).

  • Commitment: A minimum of 2–3 ballet classes per week.

  • Evaluation: Students must pass the pointe evaluation given in December.