Deciding a dancer’s level placement can be an exciting yet sensitive topic for both parents, students, and faculty alike. At WCDC, we prioritize fairness and transparency in this process. Level placement decisions are based on multiple factors, including individual skill, technique, progress, age, maturity, and class etiquette as assessed by our experienced instructors. We strive to ensure each dancer is placed in a level that best supports their growth and development, safely allowing them to thrive in a supportive environment. In efforts to maintain class flow and focus, please refrain from discussing placement in-person with our instructors during regular class time. Open communication is encouraged, and any questions or concerns regarding placements should be directed to admin@westcoastdance.com.

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Pre-Level A & B

For dancers ages 3-5 years who are learning to explore physical coordination, musicality, and imagination in a creative and nurturing learning environment. 

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Level 1

Beginning dancers who are learning the core movements and steps that form the foundation of the day's dance style (i.e. jazz, lyrical, etc.)

•  Body alignment; coordination; strength & flexibility; rhythm; basic terminology & positions

•  4-step prep, passé & passé turns, kicks & extensions, footwork, chassés, chaînés, pas de bourrées, grapevines, basic leaps

 

Level 2

Beginning to intermediate dancers with a basic understanding of foundational techniques who are working on refine their skills

•  Improved body control, balance, coordination, and continued development of terminology and positions

•  Proper execution / footwork of 4-step preparation; clean single turns in passé on both sides; developing strength and control in kicks and extensions; accurate chassé step-leaps on both sides

•  Introduction to consecutive chaîné turns and chaîné leaps; learning additional leaps (e.g., center leaps, surprise leaps)

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Level 3

Intermediate dancers who have solidified foundational techniques and are demonstrating refinement in their execution

•   Complex floor work and controlled landings

•  Consistent double turns on both sides; clean execution of turns in sequence

•  Demonstrates strength and flexibility through sustained extensions and controlled movements

•  Introduction to fouetté turns in center

•  Learning jump variations (calypsos, switch leaps, tilt jumps)

• Ability to connect across-the-floor combinations smoothly

 

Level 4

Advanced-intermediate dancers who demonstrate strong technical ability, musicality, and emotional expression

•  Clean and consistent double/triple turns on both sides

•  Mastery of leap variations (switch leaps, turning disc, tilt jumps, center leaps with arms/styling)

•  Incorporating fouetté turns into combinations; clean multiple fouettés

•  Demonstrates performance quality and dynamics in movement

•  Can execute longer, more complex phrases across the floor with stamina and style

•  Continued development in floor work, improvisation, and musicality

• Extensions( front facing and tilt) 

•  Consistent triple turns on both sides; clean execution of turns in sequence

 

Level 5

Advanced dancers with a high technical proficiency, performance quality, and artistic presence

•  Mastery of triple turns & advanced turn sequences (e.g., a la seconde turns, pencil turns, turns into leaps)

•  Fluid transitions between levels (air to floor)

•  Strong improvisational skills and emotional connection to movement

• Advanced leap transitions 

• Advanced floor work

•  Strong choreography retention and adaptability across multiple styles

•  Command of breath, dynamics, and storytelling within choreography

•  Consistent quad on dominate side & working on consist triple of non dominate side 

• Prolonged front and tilt extensions without use of arms

 

Level 6

Pre-professional dancers who exhibit exceptional technique, versatility, artistry, and leadership

•  Consistent execution of complex choreography under pressure

•  Leadership in class and mentorship of younger dancers

•  Performance-ready across multiple genres (jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, etc.)

•  Mastery of all technical skills: turns, leaps, floor work, partnering (if applicable), and improvisation

•  Artistic contribution to choreography through interpretation and nuance

•  Professional-level maturity, stamina, and discipline

•  Turning extensions with proper placement, held for prolonged durations

• Consistent quad turns on dominant side; consistent triple turns on non-dominant side