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UPLIFT LEVELING SYSTEM

 

At Uplift Dance Education, dancers are placed into levels based on technique, control, consistency, movement quality, and readiness — not just age or previous placement.

Our goal is to place every dancer in an environment where they can:
✨ grow confidently
✨ build strong technique
✨ feel challenged and successful

​

LEVEL 1 PLACEMENT

All dancers are automatically placed into Level 1 classes unless they have previously been evaluated by Uplift instructors or staff.

Level 1 classes allow our instructors to:

  • Observe technique and movement quality

  • Evaluate readiness and control

  • Build strong technical foundations

  • Ensure dancers are placed in the level that best supports their long-term growth and success

After evaluation, dancers may be recommended for higher-level placement based on Uplift standards and prerequisites.

Placement into all levels and classes is determined by Uplift instructors and staff only.

Level placement is based on:
✔ consistency
✔ control
✔ technique
✔ movement quality
✔ readiness
✔ ability to apply corrections

—not age, previous placement, or landing a skill one time.

TURNS & LEAPS LEVELS
 Level 1 

Level 1 focuses on building:

  • Proper alignment

  • Coordination

  • Strength

  • Musicality

  • Foundational turns and leap technique

Dancers are learning:

  • Single turns while working toward doubles

  • Basic leaps and jump technique

  • Spotting, control, and transitions

  • Battements and flexibility foundations

To Move to Level 2:

Dancers must demonstrate:

  • A consistent, clean double pirouette

  • Strong leap shape and control

  • Battements at or above 90°

  • Strong alignment and movement quality

Level 2 

Level 2 dancers are developing:

  • Stronger technical control

  • Increased flexibility and strength

  • Advanced leaps, jumps, and combinations

  • Doubles while working toward triples

To Move to Level 3:

Dancers must demonstrate:

  • A consistent, clean triple pirouette

  • Minimum of 4 controlled second turns

  • Strong leap height, extension, and transitions

  • Advanced control and consistency

Level 3 

Dancers demonstrate:

  • Advanced turning sequences

  • Strong leap technique and flexibility

  • Advanced combinations and transitions

  • Consistent control and performance quality

  • Strong technical readiness across combinations

LYRICAL / CONTEMPORARY LEVELS
Level 1 

Level 1 focuses on:

  • Storytelling and musical connection

  • Ballet-based technique

  • Body awareness and fluidity

  • Emotional expression through movement

Dancers are learning:

  • Single turns while working toward doubles

  • Basic leap technique and transitions

  • Fluid movement quality and control

To Move to Level 2:

Dancers must demonstrate:

  • A consistent, clean double pirouette

  • Strong emotional connection and performance quality

  • Fluid transitions and movement control

  • Strong leap shape and ballet-based alignment

Level 2 

Level 2 dancers demonstrate:

  • Advanced storytelling and artistry

  • Strong ballet-based technique

  • Full-body connection and fluidity

  • Doubles while working toward triples and quads

Dancers at this level:

  • Perform with confidence and authenticity

  • Show strong musicality and emotional connection

  • Demonstrate advanced control in transitions, leaps, and combinations

JAZZ LEVELS
Level 1

Level 1 focuses on:

  • Coordination

  • Rhythm and musicality

  • Performance quality

  • Foundational jazz technique and movement quality

Dancers are learning:

  • Single turns while working toward doubles

  • Jazz fundamentals and transitions

  • Sharp vs. soft dynamics

  • Performance and expression

To Move to Level 2:

Dancers must demonstrate:

  • A consistent, clean double pirouette

  • Strong movement quality and control

  • Connected transitions and full-body movement

  • Ability to perform confidently and apply corrections consistently

Level 2 

Level 2 dancers are developing:

  • Stronger technical control

  • Increased flexibility and strength

  • Advanced movement quality

  • Greater performance and artistry

  • Doubles while working toward triples

Dancers at this level demonstrate:

  • Dynamic movement quality

  • Strong transitions and full-body movement

  • Increased confidence and performance quality

  • Stronger musicality and stylistic execution

To Move to Level 3:

Dancers must demonstrate:

  • A consistent, clean triple pirouette

  • Advanced movement quality and control

  • Strong performance consistency

  • Full-body connection and fluidity

  • Ability to maintain technique through advanced combinations

Level 3 

Level 3 is our highest Jazz level.

Dancers demonstrate:

  • Advanced technical control

  • Strong performance quality and artistry

  • Advanced turns, jumps, and extensions

  • Full-body movement and dynamic execution

  • Advanced musicality and stylistic versatility

Dancers at this level are typically:

  • Working toward triples and quads

  • Performing advanced combinations with consistency

  • Demonstrating strong confidence, projection, and control

  • Performing with intention, texture, and performance quality throughout choreography

BALLET LEVELS
 Ballet 1 

Ballet 1 focuses on:

  • Alignment and turnout

  • Strength and control

  • Ballet vocabulary and musicality

  • Building a strong technical foundation

To Move to Ballet 2:

Dancers must demonstrate:

  • Strong alignment and turnout

  • Control in balances and transitions

  • Strong ballet technique and class readiness

  • Ability to apply corrections consistently

Ballet 2 

Ballet 2 is for advanced dancers ready for:

  • Higher-level technical training

  • Increased strength and control

  • Advanced ballet vocabulary and combinations

  • Pre-pointe or pointe-track work (when appropriate)

Placement into Ballet 2 requires:

  • Strong technical foundation

  • Consistent alignment and control

  • Ballet maturity and readiness

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