Class Descriptions

About Our Program:

Petite Ballet is invested in fostering a love of dance in every young child. Classes at Petite Ballet invite students to learn to dance in an engaging, fun, and nurturing environment. It is our goal that after each class, dancers leave feeling accomplished, valued, and like they are the best dancers in the room! 

What makes Petite Ballet distinctive is our focus on early childhood and early elementary ages. Unique syllabi are created specifically for each level, geared towards the specific emotional, social, and physical benchmarks for every age. This ensures that students will learn something new with each year they attend Petite Ballet.

Class Levels:

Grown Up & Me
(1.5 - 3 years old)

Our youngest students are welcome to experience dance for the very first time with a parent or caretaker. Children and grown ups dance together throughout class, with adults helping to facilitate not only movement but organizational and listening skills. Classes are filled with exercises that help dancers develop a love of dancing and being in the dance studio. 

First Steps
(2.5 - 3.5 years old)

Children who are at least 2 years 6 months may be ready to dance independently! Dancers should be able to identify the different parts of their body, and have basic gross locomotor skills like tiptoeing and hopping on two feet. Emotionally, readiness may vary from child to child, but generally, they should have a level of independence and willingness to follow instructions. Students should able to separate from caregivers for this class. The primary goal at this age is to foster a love for dance and provide a positive experience.

Tiny Dancers 1
(3 - 4 years old)

In Tiny Dancers 1, dancers are able to follow instructions, engage in the group activities, and express themselves imaginatively through movement. They should also be comfortable in group settings and willing to participate in group activities. With encouragement, students will have a joyful ballet journey and experience the benefits of self-expression and physical development.

Tiny Dancers 2
(4 - 5 years old)

Building on gross motor and basic locomotor skills, students in Tiny Dancers 2 classes will begin to focus on how fine motor skills can be used in dance. Dancers will follow two part directions (i.e. tiptoe to the mirror and curtsey) and follow instructions as we flow through class. Students will further develop their coordination, balance, and posture, as well as their listening and social skills. In a supportive atmosphere, dancers receive feedback and guidance that help them learn and advance their ballet skills.

Petite Academy
(Kindergarten through 2nd Grade)

Designed for older students who may not be ready to commit to a traditional studio, our early elementary aged classes blend imaginative movement with a structured ballet exercises using exercises from both the Royal Academy of Dance and ABT® National Training Curriculum syllabi. Dancers in these classes are enthusiastic about learning classical ballet steps while maintaining a creative approach to dance. These classes are a great option for elementary aged students who enjoy an imaginative atmosphere where they will be challenged to try new things and are not yet interested in performing in a formal recital.