Ballet Program

We offer an extensive Ballet program with 8 levels beginning with our tiniest dancers in Creative Movement (2.5-4 yrs) all the way to our Pre-professional program Levels IV and V for students ages 13-19.  Students will be assessed annually and will be placed in the appropriate level based on progress.  Ages are a guideline and some students may be older or younger than the appropriate level states.

Preparatory Program

Creative Movement - Ages 2.5-4 years old.  This joyful introduction to dance invites little movers to explore the magic of ballet through imagination, music, and play. Designed especially for toddlers and preschoolers, this class nurtures creativity, coordination, and confidence in a fun and supportive environment.  Dancers will twirl like butterflies, leap like frogs, and glide like swans as they begin to learn basic ballet movements. Through storytelling, rhythm games, and gentle guidance, children develop balance, listening skills, and body awareness—all while having a great time.  No prior dance experience is needed—just a willingness to move, explore, and have fun! Caregivers may be invited to participate or observe, helping little dancers feel comfortable as they discover the joy of movement.

Pre-Ballet I - Ages 4-5.  Pre-Ballet introduces children to the joy of movement through music, imaginative play, and structured activities. Dancers will begin learning basic ballet positions and simple exercises, along with foundational ballet terminology, all presented in a fun and age-appropriate way. Classes also include stretching and flexibility work to help develop coordination, body awareness, and healthy movement habits.  Beyond physical skills, this class supports important developmental milestones. Dancers will practice rhythm and timing, learn how to follow instructions, and strengthen listening and focus. Social interaction is a key part of the experience, as students build friendships, take turns, and learn to work as part of a group. Performance skills are introduced in a supportive setting, helping children feel proud and confident as they express themselves.  Overall, Pre-Ballet offers a well-rounded introduction to dance that nurtures creativity, independence, and a lifelong love of movement—all while having fun.

Pre-Ballet II - Ages 5-6.  Level II Pre-Ballet expands on the basics learned in level I and prepares students for the exciting transition to Ballet I in the Primary Program.  Students will have a stronger focus on correct positions, French terminology, body awareness, musicality and so much more while still using an engaging, fun and age appropriate curriculum to nurture and grow these young dancers.

Primary Program

Ballet I - Ballet 1 is designed for dancers ages 7+ who are ready to build on their foundational skills in a structured and encouraging environment. This class introduces more formal ballet training while continuing to nurture creativity, confidence, and a love of dance.  Students will develop a stronger understanding of basic ballet technique, including proper alignment, posture, and coordination. Classes focus on barre work, center exercises, and across-the-floor combinations, helping dancers improve strength, balance, flexibility, and control. Ballet terminology is reinforced and expanded, giving students the tools to follow combinations with greater independence and accuracy.  In addition to technique, dancers will continue to grow in musicality, rhythm, and timing. They will learn how to connect movement with music while developing performance quality and expressive skills. Emphasis is also placed on classroom etiquette, focus, and discipline, encouraging dancers to take responsibility for their progress and behavior.  Ballet 1 provides a supportive space where students can challenge themselves, build friendships and gain confidence as they progress in their dance journey.

Ballet II - Ages 9-10.  Ballet 2 is designed for dancers who are ready to expand their technical foundation and deepen their understanding of classical ballet. In a focused yet supportive environment, students build strength, coordination, and confidence while continuing to develop a love for dance.  This level emphasizes proper technique and alignment through more detailed barre work, center combinations, and across-the-floor progressions. Dancers will refine positions, improve balance and control, and begin working on more complex steps, transitions, and combinations. Ballet terminology is further reinforced, encouraging dancers to retain and apply their knowledge with greater independence.  Students will also continue developing flexibility, strength, and endurance, while enhancing their musicality, timing, and movement quality. Greater attention is given to artistry and expression, helping dancers connect emotionally to the music and perform with intention.  Ballet II also fosters discipline, focus, and classroom responsibility. Dancers are encouraged to set goals, support their peers, and take pride in their progress. This class serves as an important stepping stone for continued advancement in ballet, blending technique, artistry, and personal growth in an engaging and motivating setting.

Ballet III -  Ages 11-12.  Ballet III is designed for dancers who are ready for more focused, disciplined training and an increased commitment to their technique. This level builds on a strong foundation while introducing greater complexity, precision, and artistry in a structured and supportive environment.  Classes include more advanced barre work, center combinations, and across-the-floor sequences that challenge strength, balance, coordination, and control. Dancers will continue refining proper alignment, turnout, extension, and fluidity of movement, while learning longer and more intricate combinations that develop memory, musicality, and seamless transitions.  At this level, students will also begin pre-pointe work. These exercises focus on building the strength and stability required for future pointe training, with special attention to foot and ankle articulation, core engagement, and proper alignment. Pre-pointe conditioning helps ensure dancers develop safely and confidently as they prepare for the next stage of their ballet journey.  Flexibility and conditioning are incorporated regularly to support overall strength, endurance, and injury prevention. In addition to technical growth, dancers will continue developing artistry and performance quality, learning to move with intention, expression, and confidence.  Ballet III encourages discipline, focus, and personal responsibility. Dancers are expected to take an active role in their progress, support their peers, and demonstrate dedication both in and out of the classroom. This class provides a challenging yet encouraging environment for dancers to refine their skills and prepare for continued advancement, including eventual pointe work.

Pre-Pointe - A pre-pointe class is designed to prepare ballet dancers for pointe work by building the strength, alignment, balance, and technique needed for dancing safely on pointe. Students focus on foot and ankle strengthening, core stability, posture, and proper ballet placement through targeted exercises and conditioning. This class helps dancers develop the foundation and readiness required before beginning pointe shoes.

Variations - A ballet variations class focuses on learning and performing solos and excerpts from classical ballets. Dancers build technique, artistry, musicality, and stage presence while working on choreography from well-known productions such as Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and Sleeping Beauty. This class helps students develop confidence, precision, and performance quality in a focused and supportive environment.

Pre-Professional Program

Pointe - Pre-pointe, beginning, intermediate and advanced pointe are all focused on taking the dancers training to the next level of grace and strength.  Dancers must be physically strong and dedicated taking several classes a week to be eligible for pointe training.  Students will be placed en pointe at their teachers discretion only. There are many factors contributing to a students readiness for pointe including but not limited to, strength, commitment, attendance, foot anatomy, foot growth development, turnout, posture and more.

Ballet IV - Ages 13+.  Ballet 4 is designed for dedicated dancers who are ready to begin pointe work and take their training to a more serious, pre-professional level. This class marks an important transition, requiring increased commitment, focus, and a strong technical foundation.Students will continue advancing their ballet technique through challenging barre work, center combinations, and across-the-floor progressions that emphasize strength, control, precision, and artistry. Dancers will refine alignment, turnout, extension, and coordination while building the stamina and consistency needed for more demanding combinations.  At this level, dancers will begin introductory pointe work, starting with foundational exercises at the barre. Emphasis is placed on proper placement, foot and ankle strength, and safe, correct technique to support gradual progression en pointe. Pointe work is approached carefully and thoughtfully to ensure each dancer develops strength and confidence at an appropriate pace. As part of the early stages of a pre-professional track, Ballet 4 introduces higher expectations for discipline, work ethic, and personal responsibility. Dancers are encouraged to approach class with focus and determination, take corrections seriously, and demonstrate a commitment to consistent improvement. Additional conditioning and strengthening exercises are incorporated to support the physical demands of advanced training.Artistry and performance quality become increasingly important, with dancers learning to move with clarity, expression, and intention. Ballet 4 provides a structured, motivating environment for serious students who are ready to challenge themselves, refine their technique, and begin preparing for more advanced and pre-professional opportunities in dance

Ballet V - Ages 15+.  Ballet 5 is designed for advanced dancers who are committed to pursuing a pre-professional or professional dance path. This level represents a significant step in a dancer’s training, requiring strong technical proficiency, self-discipline, and a high level of dedication both inside and outside the studio.Classes are fast-paced and rigorous, focusing on advanced barre work, complex center combinations, and intricate across-the-floor sequences. Dancers are expected to demonstrate refined technique, including precise alignment, strong turnout, controlled extensions, and dynamic movement quality. Emphasis is placed on consistency, clarity, and the ability to quickly retain and execute challenging choreography.Pointe work is a central component of Ballet 5, progressing beyond the basics into more advanced exercises at the barre and in the center. Dancers will build strength, endurance, and confidence en pointe while working toward greater articulation, balance, and fluidity. Conditioning, strengthening, and injury prevention are integrated into training to support the physical demands of this level.Artistry and performance quality are essential at this stage. Dancers are encouraged to develop their individual style, musicality, and emotional expression, bringing depth and maturity to their movement. Greater attention is given to presentation, professionalism, and versatility in preparation for auditions, performances, and future opportunities.  Ballet 5 fosters a focused, disciplined environment where dancers are expected to take full responsibility for their growth. Students are encouraged to set goals, apply corrections consistently, and approach their training with commitment and resilience. This class is designed to prepare serious dancers for the demands and expectations of collegiate, conservatory, and professional dance programs.

Contemporary Ballet - Contemporary ballet class blends the grace and technique of classical ballet with the creativity and freedom of contemporary dance. Students build strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination while learning expressive movement and fluid choreography. Classes focus on proper technique, musicality, and artistic expression in a supportive and inspiring environment.

YAGP, UBC, IBC, NBC, YBM Training and Etoile Comp Team - Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) and other professional ballet competitions give dancers the opportunity to perform, receive feedback from industry professionals, and compete for scholarships, training opportunities, and recognition. Dancers typically perform classical ballet variations and contemporary pieces while being evaluated on technique, artistry, musicality, and stage presence. These competitions help students gain performance experience, build confidence, and connect with directors and instructors from professional schools and companies around the world. Many dancers use these events as stepping stones toward professional training and dance careers. We offer training opportunities to compete in these world class professional ballet competitions in both for both group dances and soloists. See competition Teams Page for more info.