RUTH PAGE YOUNG DANCER TRAINING PROGRAM (YDTP)

Advanced

About the Program


‍Weekly schedule: 5 ballet technique classes + 3 advanced pointe classes
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Typical duration: 1–4 years
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Prerequisite: Intermediate III or equivalent dance experience

Advanced dancers refine their technique, build strength and stamina, and develop the artistry needed to progress safely in pointe work. Dancers are expected to show independence, discipline, and exemplary classroom etiquette. Training in other dance styles and cross-training is strongly encouraged to build versatility and athleticism.

See the RPSD Student Handbook for additional expectations and program policies.

Schedule

CLASS
Instructor
Day
Time
Hours
Pilates Mat
Mikala
Monday
6:00 – 6:30pm
0.5
Adv. Tap
Jumaane
Monday
5:00 – 6:00pm
1
Pilates Mat
Julie
Saturday
10:00 – 11:00am
1
Adv. Jazz
Eduardo
Thursday
4:45 – 6:00pm
1.25
Adv. Hip Hop
Melissa
Tuesday & Thursday
4:45 – 6:00pm
1.25
Adv. Modern
Victor
Wednesday
4:45 – 6:00pm
1.25
Int./Adv. Modern Floor Work
Olivia
Friday
4:30 – 6:00pm
1.5
Adv. Ballet
Birute
Monday
6:30 – 8:00pm
1.5
Men’s Ballet
Victor
Tuesday
4:30 – 6:00pm
1.5
Adv. Ballet (pointe)
Dori
Wednesday
6:00 – 7:30pm
1.5
Adv. Ballet & Adv. Pointe
Brian
Saturday
1:00 – 3:00pm
2
Adv. Variations
Birute
Thursday
6:00 – 8:00pm
2
Adv. Ballet & Adv. Pointe
Birute
Tuesday
6:00 – 8:00pm
2
Rehearsal
RPSD Staff
Saturday
2:30 – 6:00pm
Varies - as scheduled
Rehearsal
RPSD Staff
Sunday
11:00am – 3:00pm
Varies - as scheduled
Rehearsal
RPSD Staff
Wednesday
7:30 – 9:00pm
Varies - as scheduled

Course Descriptions

Adv. Tap
All tap levels begin with a progressive warmup and combination. Students will also practice across the floor, as well as improvisational exercises. A faster understanding of standard steps in rhythm is practiced while moving with more challenging tempos and standards like pull-back variations, wings and individual demonstrations. Dancers also practice improvisation and particular skills in executing advanced tap dance material.  

Pilates Mat
Pilates mat classes are designed to enhance strength, control and flexibility.  With an emphasis on breath and flow, Pilates mat increases one’s energy, fitness and well-being. Cross-conditioning is strongly recommended for YDTP students and is open to adult program.

Adv. Ballet
The primary purpose is to introduce and/or improve the more virtuoso ballet vocabulary to prepare advanced students for the physical and artistic demands required for a professional dance career. Barre exercises are more complex and incorporate combinations that stress muscle stamina and strength. Center work is designed to expand the dancer’s vocabulary with exercises that are longer and more physically demanding. Adagio work which may include pirouettes in open positions. More attention is given to traveling steps incorporating multiple turns. Petite allegro is embellished with batterie which may also include aerial turns. The grand allegro and coda sections may include steps en manèges. Musicality, phrasing, epaulement and artistry are stressed.  

Adv. Hip Hop
Hip hop classes start with a warm-up followed by technique breakdown. Class continues with across the floor and "trick" training on the mats. Class finishes with freestyle and/or choreography. Styles are taught on a rotation with 2 weeks per style; old/new school, breaking, locking, whacking and house dance. Grooves, technique and footwork are refined. Musicality, advanced steps, tricks and transitions mastered. Freestyle with better musicality, levels and dynamics. Combinations and across the floor increase in complexity.

Men’s Ballet
A dynamic, technique‑driven class rooted in the renowned Cuban ballet tradition, emphasizing powerful jumps, clean turns, and strong, athletic footwork. Dancers hone musicality, coordination, and expressive upper‑body épaulement while building strength and virtuosity. Ideal for men seeking disciplined classical training with the vibrant energy and precision.  

Adv. Pointe
A continuation of Int. Pointe, more complicated steps are introduced at the barre and center. Longer combinations to increase strength and stamina. Musicality, varied dynamic styles and performance quality is emphasized in this class.

Adv. Modern
Based in the Cuban-Modern Technique principles (Tecnica Cubana), this class integrates Afro-Cuban influences into the modern dance lexicon. The rich articulation of the torso, the arms, and the upper body combine with contemporary, full-body movement across the floor. The class provides a spirited avenue for self-expression while introducing dancers to an exciting, rarely seen form of contemporary dance.

Adv. Jazz
Students will be taken through a warm-up, across the floor progressions and center combinations, which will challenge them stylistically. They will be asked to learn and move at a quicker pace. There will be an expectation of the students to retain information and approach the movement in a mature manner, picking up on the intricacies of the choreography taught.

Adv. Variations
Adv. Variations class is based on a rigorous and comprehensive training system for developing technically powerful, musicality and artistic versatile dancers. Strong emphasis on athleticism, elevation, clarity of execution and stage presence. Classical variations are taught to develop style & performance quality.  

Int./Adv. Modern Floor Work
In this contemporary dance class, dancers dive into floor work (flying low), exploring body weight, movement fluidity, and our relationship with the ground. Through technical exercises that progress gradually, a strong physical foundation is built with the aim to deepen body awareness, allowing each participant to advance at their own pace. Spatial travel sequences are incorporated, transitioning from low to medium and high levels to develop coordination, dynamic quality, and stage presence. There is also work on group techniques that encourage listening, collective connection, and the creation of shared movement. Dancers are pushed to explore new physical possibilities with freedom, sensitivity, and a joyful approach to movement.

Meet the Faculty

‍REGISTRATION DATES

Early Registration:
July 1 - July 31

Regular Registration: 
August 1

PROGRAM DATES

School Year:
Aug 24, 2026 – May 23, 2027 ‍

No Classes:
Nov 23-29, 2026 | Dec 21, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027‍


PROGRAM FEES & TUITION

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PROGRAM RESOURCES

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