Youth Division (ages 8-12)

Printable version of Youth Division flier (including schedule and tuition information)

Starting in Level 1 of the Youth Division, students begin formal training in traditional classical ballet. The syllabus progresses at a rate that allows the student to learn the exercises correctly and with full physicality. Repetition and slow careful work is emphasized, with the students learning discipline and control of their bodies. Students progress to the next level when they have mastered the material and physical understanding of the syllabus in their current level. For some students, this may take more than one year. Students may be moved to the next level during the year if they have met the requirements of their level before the end of the year.  

Core Curriculum
Level 1 meets twice a week for 1 hour.
Level 2 meets twice a week for 1.25 hours.
Level 2AT meets three times per week for 1.25 hours.
Level 3 meets three times a week for 1.5 hours.

Youth Division students (Levels 1, 2, 2AT, 3) are required to attend all scheduled classes for their level. Ballet technique comprises the core curriculum of the Youth Division. The more classes a student is able to take, the quicker the work of each level will be learned

We recommend that students in Youth Level 2 sign up for the AT (Additional Training) classes that meet on Saturday. The pre-registration form will show Additional Training class offerings. If you wish to opt out of the additional Saturday class and take the twice a week option only, please contact the Academy office to make that change.

If any Youth Division student wants to take additional classes other than the class option he/she is enrolled in, this may be arranged through Lynne Short, the Academy Principal. Additional classes in the same level or a lower level may be taken at no additional cost based on individual class openings. This option of adding additional classes may be done to accelerate the student’s progress, and as a make up class.

Electives through the Butler Community School for Children
Additional dance classes are offered specifically for children through the Butler Community School. Classes offered include jazz, tap, and modern. Students enrolled in Ballet Austin Academy can purchase a class card at a special rate of 50% off. All students are encouraged to participate in order to expand their physical understanding of movement and build connections to the greater dance community. Both the Academy and Community School are housed at the Butler Dance Education Center. Community School classes allow for a flexible, pay as you go schedule with no minimum attendance requirements. Class cards can be used interchangeably at any or all of the Community School dance and fitness classes. Classes designated for children are recommended for children. Schedules will be available in the Schools Office.

Michael Joy Memorial Boy's Scholarship Classes meet once a week for 1 hour.
Students are selected based upon their level of commitment to dance training.
Boy's Scholarship 1 - An introductory class
No previous dance experience is required for Boy's Scholarship 1. Although it is recommended, this class does not have to be taken in conjunction with a corresponding Youth Division ballet technique class.
Boy's Scholarship 2
Boys placed in Youth Division Level 3 are invited to join the Boy's Scholarship 2 class. This class is taught by Ballet Austin company dancer, Christopher Swaim, and focuses on the basic building blocks of male ballet technique including jumps, turns and upper body strength.

Michael Scott Joy was an exceptional young man from Victoria, Texas who danced for two summers at Ballet Austin's Summer Intensive Program. During that short time, Michael made an indelible impression on the faculty, staff and students with whom he worked. Michael was a vibrant and out-going person with a passion for dance.

To honor his memory, his family established the Michael Joy Fine Arts Memorial Scholarship Fund in 2001, and in 2004, the Joy family generously decided to underwrite the Michael Joy Memorial Boy's Scholarship Class here at Ballet Austin Academy. This class provides, free of charge, an introductory boy's movement class to any boy who is willing to commit to the endeavor, and will serve as a port of entry for many boys, regardless of their means, into the world of dance.

Helping more boys get involved in dance was always of passion of Michael's… now, thanks to the generosity of the Joy family, that legacy will continue.

2008/2009 Class Schedule
To be enrolled in this division, new students who have had previous training must either attend the Placement Class (see below) before the start of a new school year or arrange for a placement class through the Schools Director of Administration.

New Students to Ballet Austin ages 8 through high school
For the 2008/2009 school year, the placement class for students age 8 and older, with previous dance experience, is on August 23, 2008. Class for students age 8-12 will be from 2:30 pm-4:00 pm. Class for students 13 and older will be from 4:00 pm-5:30 pm. Both classes will be held at the Butler Dance Education Center at 501 W. 3rd Street. Please arrive one half hour early to allow time for registration.

Students age 8 to 12, with no previous dance experience, are placed in Youth Level 1. Students age 13 and older, with no previous dance experience, are recommended for the Butler Community School’s Beginning Ballet for Teens and Adults.

Students registering after the start of the school year will be asked to take a class with their age group as a placement class.

The 2008/2009 school year begins September 8, 2008.

REGISTRATION OPENS FOR NEW STUDENTS ON JULY 8, 2008