Our Ballet Classes
At Academy 8:31, our ballet program combines classical technique with a nurturing environment that builds both skill and confidence. Our structured curriculum is designed to help dancers progress with clarity and purpose. Whether a dancer is just starting out or training at an advanced level, each class fosters a sense of connection, discipline, and artistry — while encouraging students to discover their own a love for the art of ballet.
Ballet Classes
Mini & Me
Ages
18 months - 5 years
Description
Emphasis on creative movement
Classes Per Week
This class focuses on creative movement and is designed with young dancers in mind who are still learning how to be in a classroom environment. If your child has never been to school before, this is the perfect fit for them as they build their independence.
Years at This Level
1-3 years at this level.
Dress Code
Light Pink Leotard
Pre Ballet
Ages
5 - 7 years
Description
These class are for students who are able to focus on more technique based lessons. While props and creative imagery are still used to foster a love of dance, students at this level will spend more time focusing on proper placement of arms, legs, and head as well as more time on “center floor” exercises to strengthen their core.
Classes Per Week
One ballet class per week recommended at this level.
Years at This Level
1-3 years at this level.
Dress Code
Light Blue Leotard
Primary 3
Ages
8 and up
Description
By teacher recommendation only
In Primary 3, proper execution of ballet is strengthened. Dancers in Primary 3 refine their skills at the barre. Dancers practice more complex technique exercises. Students at this level will have more advanced musicality and coordination.
Classes Per Week
One ballet class per week recommended at this level.
Years at This Level
1 year at this level.
Dress Code
Dark Purple Leotard
Ballet 2 (75 minutes)
Ages
8 and up
Description
By teacher recommendation only
Ballet 2 is for students who have mastered the techniques covered in Primary 3 and/or Ballet 1. This class works on more complex barre, center, and across the floor techniques, requiring more focus and understanding of ballet basics.
Classes Per Week
Two ballet classes per week recommended at this level.
Years at This Level
1-3 years at this level.
Dress Code
Forest Green Leotard
Ballet 5
Ages
11 and up
Description
By teacher recommendation only
Dancers at level 5 have successfully completed the curriculum for our lower level ballet and are ready to begin working "en pointe." Students at this level have advanced strength and a strong mind/body connection. The artistry level and execution in these classes is high.
Classes Per Week
Two ballet classes per week strongly recommended at this level.
Years at This Level
2+ years at this level.
Dress Code
Black Leotard
Concurrent Ballet Classes
Ballet classes to be taken in addition to regular classes at higher levels.
Ballet 4/5 Variations
Ages
10 and up
Description
By teacher recommendation only
In this class, dancers learn and rehearse classical ballet variations from well-known repertoire. Emphasis is placed on stage presence, musical interpretation, and the technical precision required to perform soloist roles. This class is for advanced dancers currently enrolled in Ballet 4 or 5.
Pre-Pointe 1
Ages
10 and up
Description
By teacher recommendation only
This class is designed to prepare students for the physical demands of pointe work. Dancers will focus on ankle strength, balance, alignment, and core stability. Exercises are done in soft ballet shoes with a strong emphasis on readiness and safe progression.
Pointe 2
Ages
12 and up
Description
By teacher recommendation only
Designed for dancers with at least one year of pointe experience, this class includes more advanced combinations and extended center work. Dancers continue developing artistry, control, and endurance while preparing for performance-level pointe work. Enrollment requires teacher approval.
Intro To Dance
Ages
18 months - 5 years
Description
Intro classes are a prelude to formal dance instruction. They introduce movement and musicality, with a focus on motor skills and rhythm. Students learn dance class etiquette and basic dancer terms. Fun props and creative movement is incorporated to help engage the youngest dancers and lengthen their attention spans.
Classes Per Week
One class per week recommended at this level.
Years at This Level
1-3 years at this level.
Dress Code
Light Pink Leotard
Primary 1
Ages
6 and up
Description
By teacher recommendation only
Dancers in Primary 1 have fundamental knowledge and understanding of technique. They have received teacher recommendation to begin this curriculum. Students progress to working at the the barre and are introduced to more complex technique exercises.
Classes Per Week
One ballet class per week recommended at this level.
Years at This Level
1 year at this level.
Dress Code
Light Purple Leotard
Ballet 1
Ages
8 and up
Description
Beginners ages 8+ start here. Ballet 1 is for students who would like to gain a basic understanding of ballet technique. Previous dance experience is not required. Students will begin to develop musicality and coordination as well as appropriate posture and balance.
Classes Per Week
One ballet class per week recommended at this level.
Years at This Level
1-3 years at this level.
Dress Code
Navy Blue Leotard
Ballet 3 (75 minutes)
Ages
10 and up
Description
By teacher recommendation only
This class is for students who have mastered the techniques covered in Ballet 2 classes and may be ready for “Pre-Pointe” work. These classes require more rigorous focus and effort to prepare for more advanced levels. These classes work on more complex barre, center and across the floor.
Classes Per Week
Two ballet classes per week strongly recommended at this level.
Years at This Level
2+ years at this level.
Dress Code
Burgundy Leotard
Technique Ballet 8+
Ages
8 and up
Description
By teacher recommendation only
This class is designed for students who want to strengthen their ballet technique or add an extra day of training to support their current level. Dancers will focus on barre work, center combinations, and across-the-floor progressions to improve alignment, coordination, and overall skill. This class supports dancers working towards the goal of going en pointe.
Pre-Pointe 2
Ages
10 and up
Description
By teacher recommendation only
For students who have completed Pre-Pointe 1 and show increased strength and control. This class continues to build the foundation for pointe work with more challenging conditioning, balance exercises, and introductory pointe concepts. Teacher recommendation required.
Intro To Ballet
Ages
18 months - 5 years
Description
These classes are a prelude to formal dance instruction. They introduce movement and musicality, with a focus on motor skills and rhythm. Students learn dance class etiquette and basic ballet terms. Fun props and creative movement is incorporated to help engage the youngest dancers and lengthen their attention spans.
Classes Per Week
One class per week recommended at this level.
Years at This Level
1-3 years at this level.
Dress Code
Light Pink Leotard
Primary 2
Ages
7 and up
Description
By teacher recommendation only
In these classes, proper execution of ballet is strengthened. . Students in Primary 2 progress to working at the barre. Dancers begin practicing more complex technique exercises. Students at this level will have more advanced musicality and coordination.
Classes Per Week
One class per week recommended at this level.
Years at This Level
1 year at this level.
Dress Code
Dark Purple Leotard
Ballet 1
Ages
10 and up
Description
Beginners ages 10+ start here. Ballet 1 is for students who would like to gain a basic understanding of ballet technique. Previous dance experience is not required. Students will begin to develop musicality and coordination as well as appropriate posture and balance.
Classes Per Week
One ballet class per week recommended at this level.
Years at This Level
1-3 years at this level.
Dress Code
Navy Blue Leotard
Ballet 4 (75 minutes)
Ages
10 and up
Description
By teacher recommendation only
Dancers at level 4 have successfully completed the curriculum for our lower level ballet and are ready to begin working "en pointe." Students at this level have advanced strength and a strong mind/body connection. The artistry level and execution in these classes is high.
Classes Per Week
Two class per week strongly recommended at this level.
Years at This Level
2+ years at this level.
Dress Code
Black Leotard
Technique Ballet 12+
Ages
12 and up
Description
By teacher recommendation only
This technique-focused class is ideal for older dancers looking to refine their ballet foundation or prepare for more advanced work. Emphasis is placed on strength, control, musicality, and consistency in execution. This class supports dancers currently en pointe or working toward pointe readiness.
Pointe 1
Ages
11 and up
Description
By teacher recommendation only
This class is for students who have been approved to begin dancing en pointe. Dancers will start with simple barre exercises and progress to center work as they develop the strength, alignment, and confidence needed for safe pointe technique. Consistent ballet training is required alongside this class.
