Ballet Classes

Pre Ballet (1st Grade)

This fun and engaging class introduces young dancers to the fundamentals of ballet in a supportive and creative environment. Students will explore basic ballet steps, musicality, coordination, and classroom etiquette while developing strength, flexibility, and confidence. Through imaginative movement and age-appropriate technique, dancers build a strong foundation for future ballet training.

Ballet 1 (2nd Grade)

Ballet 1 builds on the foundations established in Pre-Ballet, introducing more structured barre and center work. Dancers will learn proper ballet terminology, alignment, and technique while continuing to develop musicality, coordination, and strength. This class encourages focus, discipline, and a love of movement in a nurturing and age-appropriate setting.

Ballet 2 (3rd Grade)

Ballet 2 continues to develop classical ballet technique with increased attention to detail, alignment, and strength. Dancers will refine their barre and center work, expand their ballet vocabulary, and begin to learn more complex movement patterns and combinations. Emphasis is placed on musicality, artistry, and classroom discipline, preparing students for more rigorous training in the next levels.

Ballet 3A (4th Grade)

This class is designed for students 1st year in Ballet 3. Students will start learning more

Ballet 3B/4 (5th-7th Grade)

Ballet 3 is a third-level ballet class where dancers typically study for two years to build the strength, technique, and understanding needed for more advanced training. Dancers will deepen their work at the barre and in the center, focusing on alignment, coordination, and artistry. 4th grade students may take this class once per week. Dancers in 5th–7th grade are required to attend two classes per week, with one class taken in Ballet 4 to support continued growth and progression.

Intermediate 1/2 Ballet (5th-8th Grade)

Intermediate 1/2 Ballet is a pivotal level where dancers begin to be evaluated for readiness to begin pointe work. Most students are in 6th grade or older and enter this level with at least three years of prior ballet training. Classes focus on refining technique, building strength and control, and developing artistry and performance quality. Starting this year, all dancers at this level must commit to training three times per week to support the physical and technical demands of pre-pointe and pointe preparation.

Intermediate 3/4 Ballet (6th-12th Grade)

Intermediate 3/4 Ballet is an advanced training level for dedicated dancers continuing to build the strength, technique, and artistry needed for pointe work and more complex choreography. Dancers at this level train three times per week and also participate in a Pilates Conditioning class to support core strength, alignment, and injury prevention. This level emphasizes precision, stamina, and musical expression, preparing students for pre-professional level work.

Advanced Ballet (9th-12th Grade)

Advanced Ballet / Company is the highest level of training, designed for committed dancers who demonstrate strong technical ability, artistry, and leadership. Placement in Company class is by Director approval only. Dancers take ballet three times per week, attend Pilates Conditioning, and are expected to maintain a high level of commitment both in and out of the studio. Company dancers participate in an annual educational performance tour of Blaine County Schools, attend out-of-town master classes and performances, engage in community service projects, and are eligible for induction into the National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA). Continued summer study is required through Footlight summer workshops and/or other intensive training programs.

Pre/Pointe & Intro to Pointe

Pre-Pointe is a specialized class for dancers in Intermediate 1/2 Ballet who are preparing for the transition to pointe work. This class focuses on building the strength, alignment, balance, and technique necessary for safe and successful pointe training. Exercises target the feet, ankles, core, and overall posture while reinforcing proper ballet fundamentals. Dancers are regularly assessed for pointe readiness, and consistent attendance, along with required participation in Intermediate 1/2 Ballet, is essential for progress.

Intro to Pointe is the first level of pointe work for dancers who have been evaluated and approved for pointe training. This class introduces students to the fundamentals of dancing en pointe in a safe and supportive environment. Dancers will learn how to properly prepare their shoes, strengthen their feet and ankles, and execute basic pointe exercises at the barre. Focus is placed on correct alignment, control, and injury prevention. Dancers must be concurrently enrolled in Intermediate 1/2 Ballet and are expected to attend class regularly to ensure continued progress and safety.

Intermediate Pointe

Intermediate Pointe is designed for dancers who have mastered the fundamentals of pointe work and are ready to advance their technique and artistry en pointe. This class focuses on building strength, precision, and endurance through more complex barre and center exercises, combinations, and choreography. Emphasis is placed on clean footwork, balance, and fluidity, while maintaining proper alignment and injury prevention. Dancers must be enrolled in the appropriate Intermediate Ballet level and demonstrate consistent commitment and progress in their training.

Advanced Pointe

Advanced Pointe is for experienced dancers who have developed strong technique, control, and artistry on pointe. This class challenges dancers with complex combinations, extended center work, and performance-quality choreography that demands strength, precision, and endurance. Emphasis is placed on advanced footwork, balance, and expressive movement while maintaining proper alignment and injury prevention. Enrollment requires concurrent participation in Advanced Ballet or Company class, as well as director approval.