Classical Ballet Training for Children & Teens Ages 7-18

Dedicated to Excellence and Tradition in the heart of Westchester County NY since 1992

Our comprehensive, traditional approach incorporates Vaganonva and Balanchine methodologies. Whether your child just loves to dance or is an aspiring professional, all of our students are encouraged to attain their highest level of accomplishment.

Ballet Technique: Levels A through E

  • Dress Code For Girls – Black Leotard, flesh color tights,  matching skirt is optional, matching ballet shoes, hair secured in a bun.

  • Dress Code For Boys – White t-shirt, white socks, black tights or shorts, black ballet shoes.

Level A (2nd grade) Dancers will begin learning the structure of a traditional ballet class and the terminology and order of the exercises. Each class begins with a gentle warm-up for mobility and postural awareness. Then, dancers are introduced to barre work, which lays the foundation for all future ballet training. In center work, arm patterns, basic positions, simple turns, jumps, and steps across the floor are taught with classical music accompaniment. We encourage children to use imagination and artistic expression in our holistic approach to ballet education. 1-3 classes per week recommended. 

Class Age Day Time Teacher
Level A Ages 7-8 Monday 5:00pm – 6:00pm Volkova
Level A Ages 7-8 Saturday 11:00am – 12:00pm Matsubara

Level B (ages 8-10) is a two-year course with two classes per week recommended. Following the longstanding tradition of classical ballet education, the elements of barre and center technique will be established along with the concepts of “turnout” from the hip, “stretching” the feet, and “lengthening” the spine. We learn the proper terminology of the exercises at the barre and center and put steps together in combinations that are memorized and repeated to classical music. Repetition of the positions, exercises, and combinations is vital at this stage. This is why we require two years of mastery in Level B. Our teachers nurture a sense of accomplishment, musicality, and artistic expression throughout the class, which concludes with big traveling steps across the floor.

Class Age Day Time Teacher
Level B Ages 8-9 Monday 4:00pm – 5:00pm Volkova
Level B Ages 8-9 Wednesday 5:30pm – 6:30pm Saur
Level B Ages 8-9 Friday 6:15pm – 7:15pm Saur
Level B Ages 8-9 Saturday 11:00am – 12:00pm Elam

Level C (ages 10-12) is a two-year course. We highly recommend two classes a week or more.  Dancers reach an early Intermediate level of ballet vocabulary and proficiency. Classes are traditionally structured and longer in duration, with barre and center exercises that increase in complexity and difficulty. We will focus on the crucial elements of technique: posture and placement, turnout from the hips, strength and articulation of the legs and feet, extension of the body line, flexibility, arm positions, balance, control, and turns and jumps that are unique to classical ballet. Musical rhythms and tempi become more challenging. Building whole-body coordination and sense of accomplishment are goals. Repetition of the positions, exercises, and combinations is vital at this stage. This is why we require two years of mastery in Level C, unless dancers are recommended to the Conservatory Division in their second year. Teachers encourage artistic expression within the structure of the exercises.

Class Age Day Time Teacher
Level C/D Ages 10-12 Wednesday 6:30pm – 8:00pm Saur
Level C Ages 10-12 Thursday 4:00pm – 5:15pm Saur
Level C Ages 10-12 Friday 4:00pm-5:30pm Ortiz
Beg. Pointe* Age 11.5-12.5 Friday 5:30pm-6:15pm Saur
Level C Ages 10-12 Saturday 12:00pm – 1:30pm Saur

*Must be approved by a teacher.

Level D is an Advanced Intermediate class for middle and high school dancers who have significant ballet experience and who are unable to commit to the rigorous Conservatory class schedule. Two or more classes per week are suggested. Teachers will guide each dancer toward a proficient level of accomplishment in classical ballet technique as a means to artistic expression. Our goal is for dancers to continue ballet studies through high school and beyond, and to instill a lifelong love for ballet and dance with all of its physical, intellectual, emotional, and social rewards. Dancers not ready for pointe shoes may attend the Pointe/Variations/Repertory classes in soft shoes.

Class Age Day Time Teacher
Character Ages 11+ Tuesday 5:30pm – 6:30pm Volkova
Level C/D Ages 12-16 Wednesday 6:30pm – 8:00pm Saur
Level D Ages 12-16 Friday 4:00pm – 5:30pm Ortiz
Pointe 1 Ages 12-16 Friday 5:30pm – 6:15pm Saur
Level D/E Ages 12-16 Saturday 12:00pm – 1:30pm Banu
Level C/D Ages 10-16 Saturday 12:00pm – 1:30pm Saur
Stretch & Strengthen Ages 12-18 Saturday 1:30pm – 2:30pm Banu

Level E classes are for dancers aged 15-18 who have significant classical training and a thorough knowledge of ballet vocabulary. Our faculty will teach and mentor each student towards the fulfillment of their specific dance goal, whether it be a professional career, college admission, or for the physical, emotional, artistic, and social rewards of formal dance training.  Advanced Technique classes are offered six days per week and are supplemented with Character, Pointe, Classical and Balanchine Variations, and Contemporary Repertory. Classes are physically demanding and require stamina, strength, and mental focus. Artistic expression and musicality are further developed while stylistic differences are discussed and explained.  Dancers may be invited to participate in the YAGP, which will require additional fees and time commitments.

Class Age Day Time Teacher
Level E/Pre-Pro Ages 14-18 Monday 5:00pm – 6:30pm Banu
Character Ages 14-18 Monday 6:30pm – 7:30pm Volkova
Level E/Pre-Pro Ages 12-18 Monday 6:30pm – 8:00pm Shea
Pointe 2 & 3 Repertoire Ages 11 and up Tuesday 6:30pm – 7:15pm Volkova
Level E/Pre-Pro Ages 14-18 Tuesday 8:00pm – 8:45pm Shea
         
Level E/Pre-Pro Ages 14-18 Thursday 6:00pm – 7:30pm Volkova
Pointe 2 & 3 Variations Ages 14-18 Thursday 7:30pm – 8:15pm Volkova
Level E/Pre-Pro Ages 14-18 Friday 5:30pm – 7:00pm Ortiz
Level E Partnering Ages 14-18 Friday 7:00pm – 8:00pm Ortiz
Level E/Pre-Pro Ages 14-18 Saturday 12:00pm – 1:30pm Banu
Stretch & Strengthen Ages 12-18 Saturday 1:30pm – 2:30pm Banu

*Must attend class before to be warm

Testimonials

“I cannot imagine that with her past experience, that you will find better training
or performance experience for your children than what Diana White and Scarsdale Ballet has to offer.”
Donald D.

“Our daughter loves Scarsdale Ballet. The administration and teachers are
very responsive.”
Mayra K.

“So far this was our little one’s second year here and she loves it.  The
teachers are wonderful. She has learned so much.”
Dahiana M.

“So happy with everything that is Scarsdale Ballet…both my girls
are thriving under the direction of the wonderful teachers.”
Stefanie P.

“I’ve been taking adult classes here for the last 7 years.  Love it,
learning so much, and always coming back for more!”
Laurie S.

“The Adult ballet class at SBS has been a very rewarding experience.  I began classes at 47, and
appreciate the supportive yet challenging atmosphere.”
-Maria K.

Experience a free complimentary class with us today!