Dance Classes
Need help choosing the correct level? Email us at admin@westjerseyyouthballet.com with some information about your dancer's age and prior dance experience so we can recommend the best fit.
Ready, Set, Move with Me! (Ages 1-3)
This class is a creative movement and music class for toddlers and their grownup. Enjoy a playful exploration of music, nursery rhymes, lap play and parachute fun. Explore a circuit around the room with obstacles like stepping stones, tunnels and sensory activities designed to encourage investigation and build coordination skills. And express yourselves through free dance movement, which develops creativity with instruments, feathers and bubbles.
Violet (Ages 3-4)
Get an introduction to dance for our youngest dancers. Ballet classes follow the ABT NTC Pre-Primary level, using imagery and props, dancers achieve classical ballet concepts in a fun and engaging way. In the acrobatics portion of the class, dancers begin to build strength and flexibility while learning new skills using the Acrobatic Arts curriculum.
Blue (Ages 5-8)
Dancers build a strong foundation in alignment and technique through fun, imaginative exercises using the ABT NTC Primary curriculum. Props and games are used at this level to create a fun and exploratory atmosphere. Dancers are also introduced to jazz, tap, acro, and modern, giving them the opportunity to discover new styles and ways to move.
Ballet 2x per week is recommended at this level.
Pink & Purple (8+)
Dancers at the Pink level are continuing to learn basic ballet technique and alignment. Terminology and awareness of applying corrections is studied further at this level. To progress to Purple,dancers should have a solid understanding of basic alignment and ballet technique; more complex patterns and body positions are explored at the Purple level. New classes introduced at this level are musical theater, improvisation & choreography, PBT (progressing ballet technique), and pointe strengthening.
Ballet 2x per week is recommended for pink; required for purple
Teal, Rose & Navy (11+)
Teal-level dancers should have a clear understanding of more complex concepts of rotation of the legs, torso alignment and technique. Dancers will have developed the strength to begin pointework in this level. Rose dancers will enhance epaulment and expression, while maintaining strong technique and body alignment. More advanced pointe work is taught. Navy dancers are taught at a professional level. Strong technique, body alignment, understanding of rotation, flexibility, and self-knowledge are expected, with an ability for mature and critical thinking. Students will have a separate variations class to explore classical works in depth.
Ballet 2x per week is required for these levels; ballet 3x per week and director approval is required for pointework
Professional Program
Teal, rose, and navy-level dancers who aspire to have a career in dance may choose to add additional educational courses to further their knowledge. Admission to our professional program is by audition and invitation only.
Homeschool Program
A structured ballet class & conditioning class (PBT) for homeschooled students to develop strong technical foundations, meet other homeschooled dancers, and gain strength, flexibility, and coordination. For ages 7-11.