History

Jacqueline's School of Classical Ballet opened in 1976, following Ms. Colledge's retirement from professional dancing, with a mission to provide exceptional technical training in the language of ballet. In order to achieve this, a unique curriculum was developed, proven, and is still used in classes today. Performance opportunities for every student are provided and the development of character and confidence for success plays a key role in the School's quality dance training.

From a humble beginning of just six students, it took only six years for the School's enrollment to thrive at over 300 students.

Today, it continues to be a haven for aspiring dancers because of the uniquely safe environment created for the Utah community by Ms. Colledge and her highly skilled and qualified staff. Because of these standards, and the partnership with Utah Regional Ballet, the School is able to train and retain local talent at a professional level as well. The School has produced such beautiful and technically strong dancers that some have been selected to perform with URB and other ballet companies around the world.

Curriculum

Children’s Division

Creative Movement-3-4 years of age. No audition is required for acceptance in this class. Children spend one-half hour class per week. Students will explore shape, color, sounds with respect to large motor skills and flexibility. Musicality, imagination and freedom of expression through movement are explored. Students perform in a Christmas Performance in December and will also participate in the School Spring Performance in May.

Pre-Technique-6-7 years of age, students add more structure to their class work. Continuing to explore movement and creativity, the technical groundwork is laid for structure of their further classical training. Students study once a week for one hour. Students perform an in Christmas Performance in December. and in May children will participate in the School Spring Performance.
No audition is necessary for Pre-Technique.

Student Division

Levels 1 - Advanced Ballet Technique - Students 7-18 years of age enter the student division at Level 1 progressing through the school syllabus. Students will take a placement class for acceptance into the school and may be placed at the appropriate level to begin. Each student will be evaluated before being promoted to the next level. Each individual student will be nurtured and encouraged as they progress through the curriculum. Each individual student will progress, understand, and know the proper technique before moving to the next level.

Professional Division - Students are selected by audition to study in our Professional Division and perform with Utah Regional Ballet II, a resident company at Utah Valley University.

Pro-track - This group of students are selected by the entire faculty and invited to intensify their training through the additional requirement of classes in technique, pointe, and variations. Students selected for this constitutes to an agreement of dedication and time commitment necessary for a serious student. Students are selected because of physical aptitude, strength, musicality, and coordination. Classroom effort and attendance are also considered.

Junior Company - This company is designed to give our students the opportunity to expand their technical training artistically. Students study variations from classical and contemporary repertoire. They study an additional 1 1/2 hours per week.

Apprentice Company - The apprentice company provides an opportunity to strengthen pointe skills and artistically study choreographies from the classical and contemporary repertoire. They will have training sessions with guest choreographers throughout the year.

Pre-Professional Company - Advanced students in this group are chosen by audition. Students selected will be given further education in broader areas within their ballet training. The students are prepared for auditions into professional companies, and University programs. Students in this division are often selected as members of Utah Regional Ballet II and invited to perform in all Utah Regional Ballet productions. From this division, some students may be selected to be members of Utah Regional Ballet Company.