Youth Levels
Our youth classes are for children and young adults 18 months - 18 years old.
Pre-Primary (Ages 3-4)
At this level, students will experiment and discover movement qualities and dynamics through imaginative ideas. They will be introduced to movement fundamentals such as space, group work, and focus, and principles such as correct posture, placement, musicality, and coordination all through creative ideas led by the teacher. Students will be able to demonstrate a joy in moving! Check class descriptions for all of our Pre-Primary options, including ballet, tap, and creative movement.
Primary (Ages 5-7)
In addition to the vocabulary and movement fundamentals from the previous level, students will deepen their focus in correct alignment and placement, turnout, the feet, the abdominals, the back, and simple floor stretches to gain flexibility. Students should be able to show an understanding of spatial instructions, perform movement to a defined musical phrase, and dance musically and rhythmically.
Level 1 (Ages 7 and older)
In addition to the vocabulary and movement fundamentals from the previous levels, students will learn new positions of the feet and arms, the basic body directions, and movement directions both traveling and in space. Students will be introduced to barre exercises to focus on proper posture and turnout.
*Requirements for the pre-professional training track include 2 ballet classes/ week, with the addition of jazz, tap, and one class of the dancer’s choice.
Dancers have the option to add tap, jazz, modern, contemporary, acro, and Progressing Ballet Technique classes to their personalized curriculum.
Level 2 (Ages 9 and older)
Students should have a working knowledge of the basic vocabulary and theory of the previous levels as they progress into the more advanced study. Maximum turnout and correct posture should be maintained throughout exercises. At this level, students will begin preparation for pointe work by strengthening their feet, toes, calves, and anterior tibialis.
*Requirements for the pre-professional training track include 2 ballet classes/week, with the addition of jazz, tap, and one class of the dancer’s choice. It’s highly recommended to add at least one additional technique. Dancers may choose from modern, contemporary, improvisation/composition, acro, hip hop, and Progressing Ballet Technique.
Level 3 (Ages 10 and older)
Students should have a working knowledge of the basic vocabulary and theory of the previous levels as they progress into more advanced study. At this level, students may begin pointe work. *Please note that students must be at least 11 years old, have at least 3 years of consistent training in ballet, and be taking a minimum of 3 ballet classes a week consistently. It is upon the instructor’s assessment and approval of the student’s strength and abilities that they will be granted permission to begin pointe work.
*Requirements for the pre-professional training track are 3 ballet classes/ week, with the addition of jazz, modern, Progressing Ballet Technique, and one class of the dancer’s choice. It’s highly recommended to add at least one additional technique. Dancers may choose from tap, hip hop, contemporary, musical theater, and improvisation/composition.
Level 4 (Ages 11 and older)
Students should have a working knowledge of the basic vocabulary and theory of the previous levels as they progress into the more advanced study. At this level, épaulement and head and arm coordination should be strengthened, along with allongé movement. This allows dancers to expand on their artistry.
*Requirements for the pre-professional training track include 4 ballet classes/ week (pointe included), with the addition of jazz, modern, improvisation/composition, Progressing Ballet Technique, and two classes of the dancer’s choice. Dancers may also choose to add tap, hip hop, musical theater, contemporary, and stretch & strengthen/ jumps, leaps, & turns classes.
Level 5 (Ages 12 and older)
Students should have a working knowledge of all vocabulary and theory from the previous levels. This is our most advanced level for students who show great commitment and dedication to their study in dance.
*Requirements for the pre-professional training track include 4 ballet classes/week (pointe included), with the addition of jazz, modern, improvisation/composition, Progressing Ballet Technique, plus two classes of the dancer’s choice. Dancers may choose to add tap, hip hop, musical theater, contemporary, and stretch & strengthen/ jumps, leaps, & turns classes.
Beginning Teen (Ages 13+)
These classes offer basic principles for older beginners. For teenage students with less than one year of training and some understanding of dance vocabulary. Diving into techniques such as ballet, jazz, tap, and hip hop, these classes provide the optimal opportunity to try something for the first time or return to your practice after many years off.