Young Children’s Division (18 mos to Age 5)

About the Program

Our Young Children’s Division introduces children to the joy of dance through imaginative stories, music and games, while providing developmentally focused movement experiences.

Our instructors employ collective knowledge of early childhood development and philosophy of adult/child interaction when managing the content and delivery of this carefully crafted curriculum.

Classes are narrative in nature as students are led through a series of movement stories and ballet-based activities that appeal to both girls and boys. The curriculum is designed to enhance physical, cognitive, social and emotional skills through collaborative and cooperative games.

All students taking classes at both locations have the opportunity to view Ballet Austin’s professional dancers rehearse for upcoming performances in our downtown studios.

Ballet Austin Academy Benefits

Training at the Ballet Austin Academy offers many benefits for both the student and family:

Tickets to Ballet Austin performances at The Long Center, including The Nutcracker, offered at a 20-percent discount.
Discounts to Butler Center for Dance & Fitness classes and workshops for parents.
FREE BeWell Talks specifically designed for Academy parents and students.
FREE or reduced-rate parking, on site or nearby.

Locations

Our Young Children’s Division classes are offered at two Austin locations. The curriculum, faculty, tuition and dress code requirements are identical at both locations.

DOWNTOWN AUSTIN
Ballet Austin
501 W. 3rd Street Map

NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN
Jewish Community Center (JCC)
7300 Hart Lane, Austin, Texas 78731 Map

Registration

To the current and future parents and students of Ballet Austin Academy,

Though we’ve not been able to be in the studio in-person with our students over the past months, you and your family have been in our thoughts. We know this has been an extremely challenging time…balancing work and school from home, employment disruption, and uncertainty about what’s in store for the upcoming school year. Please know that we are here to support you and our students. At a time when the term “normal” is evolving, our goal is to provide as much normalcy as possible.

As we plan for a time of safe gathering, the health and safety of our students is our highest priority. We are in the process of drafting multiple scenarios, which will allow us to provide the high level of instruction you expect, in the safest environment possible. Additionally, we want to be sensitive to the impact that school district decisions will have on you and your student’s schedule. In order for us to more fully understand how we can support you, Ballet Austin Academy will delay the opening of fall registration until later in July, a time when you may have more information about the fall.

As we continue to update protocols reflective of the most current information and mandates, we are confident we will create a learning plan that will achieve your student’s training goals in the safest setting possible.

It is an honor to be a part of your child’s life and we are excited to move forward into the safest and most productive 2020/21 school year possible. Community is everything to us and we remain here for our Academy family. Please stay safe and be well!

If you have questions, contact us at 512.501.8703 or via email.

Class Descriptions

Dance with Me (Ages 18 months – 2 years)

Dance with Me is open to children (accompanied by an adult) who are 18 months to 2 years old by September 1, 2020.

Parents, grandparents, or caregivers join the fun in this sensory-rich movement experience that keeps children engaged with stories, dance games, rhythm and songs while learning new skills. Dance with Me is the perfect foundation for Creative Movement classes.

Next Steps (Age 2)

Next Steps is open to children (accompanied by an adult) who are 2 years old by September 1, 2020.

Next Steps is the perfect transitional class for young children who are becoming more independent. Parents, grandparents, or caregivers are still able to join the fun in this sensory-rich movement experience that keeps children engaged with stories, dance games, rhythm and songs while learning new skills. As the year progresses, the aim is to slowly withdraw parent involvement so children are ready to take on Creative Movement with confidence and excitement.

Creative Movement (Ages 3 & 4)

Creative Movement 3 and 4 is open to children who have turned 3 or 4, respectively, by September 1, 2020.

The Creative Movement syllabus is designed to gently introduce our youngest students to a structured and safe classroom environment, while instilling the physical and emotional confidence to explore and create. Classes are narrative in nature as students are led through a series of movement stories and ballet-based activities that appeal to both girls and boys. Social skills are also developed through collaborative and cooperative games.

At the end of the school year, Creative Movement students participate in in-studio Spring Presentations.

Creative Movement for Boys (Ages 4-5)

Creative Movement for Boys is open to children who have turned 4 or 5, respectively, by September 1, 2020.

Creative Movement for Boys is an imaginative curriculum that reflects their unique energy and interests. Themes include dinosaurs, jungle and ocean animals, outer space, robots, and much more. Students gain body awareness and confidence, while naturally being motivated to learn – individually and within the group. Acquiring new movement concepts and dance skills, they enjoy crafting their own dances and sharing with others, beginning the inquiry process of observing and reflecting. Creative Movement for Boys is a wonderful opportunity to connect, explore, and make new friends.

At the end of the school year, Creative Movement students participate in in-studio Spring Presentations.

Creative Ballet (Age 5)

Creative Ballet is open to children who have turned 5 by September 1, 2020.

Creative Ballet is a perfect balance of ballet basic’s and creative dance. Children are developing their technique, gaining body awareness and refining basic skills, while still having imaginative and creative dance experiences. They are taking a more active role in their own learning, acquiring the tools to collaborate, choreograph and exchange ideas with their peers. Students advance through Creative Ballet ready to step into the more structured world of Pre-Ballet.

At the end of the school year, Creative Ballet students participate in in-studio Spring Presentations.