Children’s Classes | 2023/2024

In-Person Classes for Children, age 3-17

Age 3-4: Pre Ballet is an introduction to ballet basics using methods designed for young imaginative minds and bodies. Students are given the opportunity to sing, stretch, and increase self-confidence while being introduced to basic ballet concepts, body alignment, posture, locomotor skills, as well as develop self-expression through creative movement. Students perform in in-studio Family Observations at the end of the Fall and Spring Semester. 

Age 5: Elementary Ballet I teaches students the fundamentals of ballet technique. The teacher will emphasize placement, vocabulary and dance etiquette. Students will also explore ballet-based improvisation. Students perform in the Student Showcase at the end of the Spring Semester.   

Age 6-7: Elementary Ballet II focuses on fundamental concepts such as maintaining proper body placement, developing strength, building endurance and increasing flexibility. Classes will also explore ballet-based improvisation. Students perform in the Student Showcase at the end of the Spring Semester. 

Age 8-10: Ballet I introduces a traditional ballet class structure. The class begins with basic stretching to improve flexiblity followed by barre, center, and across the floor work. Students will improve their concentration, strength, and proficiency in fundamental dance steps and concepts. Students perform in the Student Showcase at the end of the Spring Semester. 

Age 10-12: Ballet II requires a placement audition to register. The class focuses on intermediate barre work, center exercises and movement combinations. Students will learn technique and placement, while emphasizing musicality. Combinations to strengthen the legs, ankles, and feet are introduced in preparation for pointe work. We highly recommend students at this level take class twice a week for optimal growth. Students perform in the Student Showcase at the end of the Spring Semester. 

Age 13-17: Ballet III & IV requires a placement audition to register. Classes work on advanced barre work, center exercises, movement combinations, pointe work, and variations. Students learn technique and placement, while emphasizing musicality, professionalism and discipline. We highly recommend students at this level take class at least three times a week for optimal growth. Students perform in the Student Showcase at the end of the Spring Semester.

Age 8-17: Modern & Choreography Workshop I-IV is highly recommended in addition to Ballet and Jazz. Modern dance builds upon the foundation of ballet technique, with an emphasis on quality of movement, acknowledgement of gravity, and seamless transitions of weights. The technique of dance masters, such as Martha Graham, Lester Horton, José Limón, and Merce Cunningham, are introduced and progress in difficulty through the levels. Classes include movement combinations in the center and across the floor. Choreography Workshop focuses on dance composition, choreography, and improvisation based on the Elements of Dance. Students will explore their creativity and enhance their artistry through guided improvisation exercises and games to create their own choreography. Students will gain the ability to think critically by providing constructive evaluation of their own and their colleague's work. Students perform in the Student Showcase at the end of the Spring Semester.  

Age 8-17: Jazz I/II & III/IV is highly recommended in addition to Ballet and Modern. Jazz introduces students to syncopated rhythms, body isolations and a repertoire of standard technical and expressive movements. Broadway Jazz Technique focuses on strength building, flexibility, and technique as well as character expression. The choreography will be themed utilizing different musical theatre Broadway songs. Students perform in the Student Showcase at the end of the Spring Semester. 

“I joined Brooklyn Ballet one year ago and have improved so much, I got into American Ballet Theater’s Summer Intensive. No other ballet school has better teachers, personal attention or such a supportive community! I love this place.”

Brooklyn Ballet Student