Fall Schedule & Registration

Explanation and Expectation of Each Level/Class:

  • Creative Movement: Designed specifically for boys and girls aged 2.5-4; we introduce basics of dance and teach valuable skills while we explore both free and structured movement. Dancers will learn how to take turns, encourage other students, and follow directions. Rhythm, counting, and basic ballet technique is introduced. (More info here)
  • Foundations: Introductory level class that creates a strong technical foundation for young dancers aged 4.5-5.5! Foundations will prepare dancers for the next level by introducing proper ballet and tap technique as well as encourage them to explore their own creativity. (More info here)
  • Level 1 (BTJ1 & Intro to Acro): Beginner level for ages 5.5-7. Dancers in level 1 are introduced to a more traditionally structured class. Ballet warm up is completed in the center followed by across the floor, petit allegro, stretching, some basic jazz technique, and tap technique. Throughout class, follow-along and guided movement exercises (or “games”) are performed to encourage dancers to explore their own creativity as well as experience the freedom of creating their own movement (this aides in critical thinking and problem solving, too!). Dancers who complete level 1 will have a proper understanding of basic ballet, jazz, and tap terminology as well as correct body placement so they are ready to participate in beginner level classes.
  • Level 2: Beginner level for ages 7.5-10(ish). New students older than 7 are placed here. Dancers learn the importance of correct technique and begin to understand and practice concepts like alignment and controlled movement. Combinations are straightforward so dancers may focus on correct placement and alignment.
  • Level 3: High beginner/low intermediate level for ages 9-11(ish). Dancers in level 3 should have at least 1 year experience and have shown they understand and can display correct technique. They should be able to perform a bit more complex combinations without sacrificing alignment or correct technique.
  • Level 4: Intermediate level for ages 10-12(ish). Dancers in level 4 should have at least 2-3 years experience and consistently exhibit correct technique, control, and coordination. Class combinations become more complex and dancers are encouraged to explore their own artistry in greater depth.
  • Level 5: High intermediate/low advanced level for ages 11-Teen. Dancers in level 5 should be able to perform complex combinations without sacrificing correct technique, control, and artistry. Advanced steps and ideas are introduced. Pointe work is introduced as dancers become strong enough.
  • Level 6: Advanced level for ages 13-Teen. Dancers in level 6 consistently show they understand and can perform correct technique. Dancers learn complex/advanced steps and combinations and can execute these combinations without sacrificing technique, control, and artistry.

Class Placement:

Each dancer learns and grows at his or her own pace. Ages listed on our schedules and class descriptions are a general guideline that helps us initially place dancers. When placing students, whether new or returning, we first take the following things into consideration: physical development and strength, emotional maturity, work ethic, comprehension, and ability to correctly demonstrate level-appropriate technique. Age is a secondary consideration. Sometimes, dancers may be asked to attend a placement class prior to completing registration.

It is not uncommon, in fact it is expected, that students spend 2-4 years in any given level. There are only four levels of each technique (after “Foundations”), making it virtually impossible for a dancer to be promoted each passing year. New students can learn from those who have already completed one or more years of a level, which gives more experienced students a wonderful opportunity to be a positive example and leader in class! Promoting a dancer too quickly could result in physical harm, emotional distress, and persistent injuries.

We appreciate you trusting us with your child’s dance education and understanding that we have their best interest, and safety, in mind when making decisions considering class promotions.

Ballet Technique Philosophy & Policies

We strongly encourage dancers in Levels 2-6 sign up for Ballet if they take Jazz, Modern, or Acro.

At SESD, an understanding of and the ability to execute correct technique is our highest priority; and ballet technique class does just that! A sturdy house cannot be built on sinking sand, and strong dancers need a strong technical foundation too. Dancers will neither perform to their highest potential nor develop individual artistry if they are not confident in their training and abilities. Ballet is the most technical of all dance forms, and is the building block from which all other dance forms grow.

With that in mind, only dancers who are enrolled in Ballet technique classes will be invited to participate in “extra” opportunities throughout the season (exception: Grasshopper Games and Christmas parades). We do not intend to “penalize” dancers who do not participate in ballet class, but rather encourage dancers to take their training to the “next level!”

We understand multiple classes can place financial strain on families who have multiple dancers enrolled in our program. We are happy to offer multiple class discounts as well as sibling discounts, and scholarships are available on an at-need basis. Please send scholarship inquiries to our director at [email protected] or call (336) 509-8154 for more information.

2023-2024 Schedule

2024 Registration for summer and fall opens April 4th at 2:00pm for current students and April 11th at 2:00pm for new students!

Registration closes at the end of November

Check out our Summer Camps and Classes here!

Please be aware: By filling out the “Registration Form,” you are committing to the classes you select as well the Registration fee and all class fees. If you would like more information or have questions you’d like to discuss before registering, please call or email us first–we are happy to help prior to you completing your registration form! It takes quite a bit of time to set up student accounts in our system each year; we appreciate your understanding!

2023-2024 Fall/Spring Schedule

(NEW 2024-2025 Fall/Spring Schedule Below)

NEW 2024-2025 Fall/Spring Schedule

Monthly Tuition and Special Discounts: Contact Us