The Early Dance Program at SLK Ballet introduces students between the ages of 5 and 11 to ballet technique and terminology. The Early Dance Program’s curriculum is designed to improve students’ flexibility, endurance, musicality, self-confidence, and knowledge of ballet vocabulary, while ensuring that they have fun using their imagination and creativity. At every stage of the process, SLK Ballet’s encouraging faculty help foster not only students’ technical abilities but also their love of dance. 

​

Students between the ages of 5 and 7 take a shortened ballet class which guides them through their first steps in dance. Students focus primarily on center work, allowing them to develop their capacities for movement and musical appreciation while exploring the fundamental elements of ballet. 

 

Students between the ages of 8 and 11 are introduced to the etiquette and structure of a full ballet class, including barre and center work. Their class is designed to help students effectively build up the foundation of their technique and progress to increasingly advanced material. Students in this age group are able to take additional supplementary classes, such as contemporary or pilates, with SLK Ballet School’s Pre-Professional Program, and may be invited to perform with the Pre-Professional students and Chevalier Ballet. They are also fully included in SLK Ballet’s and Chevalier Ballet’s community outreach efforts.

 

Early Dance Program students of all ages are invited to join our annual production of A Dancer’s Christmas, which is a great opportunity for them to experience the joys of performing and participate in a beloved tradition.​​

​

After the Early Dance Program, students will be prepared to enter the School's Pre-Professional Training Program, which will allow them to continue their studies of ballet at a higher level.

​

Students in the Early Dance Program take a one hour and fifteen minute long class, once a week. The 2024-2025 school year begins on September 18, 2024, and continues through May 16, 2025. For further information, including the full 2024-2025 calendar, schedule, and tuition rates, please consult SLK Ballet School’s Handbook.