Confused by numbers on the timetable? Here's what each level really means—and how to find your safe starting point.
📷 Patrizia Korn
Since When Did Creativity Become a Suffering Contest?
Almost every dance timetable carries labels: Beginner · Intermediate · Advanced. Think of them like movie genres—comedy, thriller, drama. The label sets the vibe; it doesn't decide whether you're "allowed" in the audience. 😉
At ANIMA FABRIK, we believe curiosity is the truth and the only reliable compass for creative living. Our levels aren't door guards—they're comfort-vs-challenge guides designed to feed your wonder, not your ego.
Here's the beautiful reality: our classes often end up mixed anyway. Beginners pick up insights from experienced dancers, pros still drill the basics, and the blend makes the room vibrate. ⚡
Level 1 • Basic
0-2 years of training
💡 About those timeframes: The years mentioned are based on our observations of how long dancers typically spend developing at each level. They're guideposts, not rules. Your journey might be faster, slower, or completely different—and that's exactly as it should be.
This is where curiosity begins. You'll learn essential elements like plié and contraction, pick up terminology, and work through simple sequences in a supportive environment. Think: learning to walk in contemporary language.
What you might do: a basic phrase moving from simple to more complex variations, exploring weight, breath, and coordination.
If you're new to dance or just dusting off, this is home base. But remember—you can always peek into higher levels. It's not a crime to be curious.
Level 2 • Beginner
1-3 years of training
You know some basics now, and it's time to refine them. Slightly more complex combinations, deeper understanding of fundamentals, and growing confidence in your movement. You have learned that failure has a function—it's teaching you.
What you might do: warm up exercise combos, traveling phrases across the floor, introduction to different body languages and forms.
Remember: the only real rule is—show up. The floor will meet you where you are.
Level 3 • Beginner+
2-5 years of training
By now you've got a solid foundation, and this is where it gets interesting. You don't feel intimidated by faster pace and challenging combinations, you pay more attention to musicality, and yes—frustration still visits. But that's the sign that you are growing.
What you might do: complex floor work sequences, jumps and turns in combination, playing with dynamics and timing.
Remember: now you know that if you love dancing more than your ego, suddenly words like "failure" and "success" become irrelevant. Don't let ego run the show; it only craves reward, reward, reward. Instead, desire wonder.
Level 4 • Intermediate
5-8 years of training
You're fluent in dance vocabulary now and ready to dive into nuance. Classes focus on detailed technique—like jeweler work under a magnifying glass—quality of movement, and sophisticated combinations. You'll start feeling like a craftsperson, shaping your dance with intention and care.
What you might do: intricate phrase work with multiple levels and directions, performance quality development, redefining your own style.
This is where technique meets artistry, and self-confidence becomes your most powerful tool.
Level 5 • Advanced
8-10+ years of training
Designed for pre-professional and professional dancers with extensive training across contemporary and modern styles. This level is about care for details, personal style of self-expression, and pushing limits with courage and intelligence.
What you might do: highly complex choreography, advanced technique integration, preparation for performance or professional work.
At this level, it's not just love anymore—it's a need. You're educated, skilled, but you still want more. After 8-10+ years, dancing isn't something you enjoy; it just becomes part of who you are.
Why We Use Level Ranges, like 1-3 or 2-4
You'll notice our timetable shows ranges like "Level 1-3" instead of single numbers. That's because dance learning isn't that precise! A single class might have floor work perfect for beginners, a traveling sequence that challenges Level 2 dancers, and a final combination that pushes Level 3 students.
These ranges give you permission to grow within the same room. Remember: whatever class you choose, it will feel simple in some ways, and it will feel hard in other ways. There's no "perfect easy class" where everything clicks immediately. Dance always challenges you — that's part of the fun!
If you want to do it, just start. Don't wait until you feel "ready" — because the floor will make you ready🌟
The Truth About Levels
Here's what we've learned after years of teaching: the room belongs to everyone who loves to move. Whether you're discovering your first grand battement in Level 1 or perfecting your artistry in Level 5, you're part of the same creative conversation.
Curiosity doesn't care about your level. Wonder doesn't check your résumé. And the magic that happens when bodies move through space? That's available to everyone willing to show up and explore.
So come as you are, start where you are, and let your curiosity guide you forward. The numbers on our timetable are just suggestions—your love for movement is the only requirement that matters.
Ready to explore? Check our timetable and follow your curiosity. And we will be there to support you on the dance floor✨
📷 Patrizia Korn