Many dancers and families are curious about levels and class placements at Danspace. We created this guide to help explain our process, describe the difference between levels, and answer some frequently asked questions. If you have other questions, please reach out to us!
(scroll down for Adult Division placement information)
Children’s and Youth Classes
How are students placed at Danspace?
At Danspace, we place and advance students with their age group. We do not require a test to “pass” into the next level.
What are the differences between Danspace’s class levels?
Serendipity is a creative movement-based class for ages 3.5-6. At this level we are focused on learning the routine of a dance class (warm-up, across the floor, choreography and movement explorations that culminate in a performance). We are also learning behavioral expectations for dance class (listening, following developmentally appropriate instructions, noticing the other people in class with us, being considerate and kind to others, and more). By the end of Serendipity, your dancer should be prepared to successfully enter Pre-Ballet.
Pre-Ballet is for ages 6-8. This class builds upon the foundation of Serendipity and introduces basic ballet positions and movements while continuing to foster the dancers’ creativity and artistry. At this level we begin routines that we find in a ballet class, including some exercises like plies, tendus, dégagés, etc. By the end of Pre-Ballet, your dancer should be prepared to successfully enter Ballet 1.
Ballet 1 begins at age 8 and is the first level of a traditional ballet class. We spend more time at the barre and continue to build our knowledge and mastery of ballet vocabulary and movements. Ballet 1 students attend ballet class one time per week.
Ballet 2 begins around age 10. This class builds upon the foundation of Ballet 1 and continues to develop knowledge and mastery of ballet vocabulary and movements, including the majority of typical barre exercises. Ballet 2 students attend ballet class twice per week and may elect to add a modern class.
Ballet 3 begins around age 12 and is the first intermediate level at Danspace. Ballet 3 students attend ballet class three times per week and the classes are now 90 minutes. Ballet 3 students may also elect to add a modern class. Students in Ballet 3 may be evaluated for pointe shoes at the discretion of the teacher and school director. Ballet 3 students will also be invited to participate in Danspace’s Nutcracker Presentation with in-studio performances.
Ballet 4 begins at age 14 is often combined with Ballet 5 and may appear on the schedule as Ballet 4/5. Ballet 4 students attend ballet class four times per week and are strongly encouraged to attend modern jazz and enroll in repertory class. The repertory class has performance opportunities in both the fall and spring semesters, including Danspace’s Nutcracker Project and Tapestry.
Ballet 5 is the most advanced level offered at Danspace. These students are training in classical ballet at an intermediate/advanced level and are considered for leadership opportunities in the school like classroom assistants, front desk shifts, additional performance opportunities, and more.
In addition to our regular program, Danspace offers Ballet 4/5 students support with audition preparation for local performance opportunities, summer intensives, and college and university programs.
Read our placement guidelines and school policies.
What does it mean when I see a letter next to my child’s level (e.g., Ballet 1a)?
Students typically stay within their level for 2-3 years, depending on the group and the studio’s schedule. “A” indicates the first year, “b” indicates the second year, and “c” indicates the third year or the most advanced version within the level.
In what level will my child be considered for pointe shoes?
We evaluate students for pointe shoes in Ballet 3, around age 11 (this depends on the group of students – they may be evaluated after age 11). Their readiness and strength determine if they will be invited to get pointe shoes. Information will be shared with the dancers and their families when this process is starting.
My child is very enthusiastic about advancing. What should they be doing to be prepared?
The best thing any dancer can do to prepare to advance is to regularly attend class (minimize absences throughout the year) and be focused and on task with what their teacher is asking from them. Our faculty work diligently to help guide and prepare students and work to ensure each student is prepared and progressing in their dance education and training.
My child seems to be more technically advanced than other students in class. Will they move up to the next level because of their technical proficiency?
At Danspace, we advance students with their age group and do not test students to move up early. On a case-by-case basis, we may invite a student to add a class at the next level (for example, a Ballet 2b student working diligently in class and who demonstrates maturity may be invited to add a Ballet 3 class to their schedule). Dancers who are advancing technically will continue to build strength and proficiency working at their placed level and this will best prepare them to progress to the next level.
My child is telling me that class feels too easy. What can I share with them to help them succeed in class?
We invite you to reach out to the school director and she may also ask your child’s teacher to weigh in. Typically when we hear a student say class is too easy, it tells us that they may not understand yet how to work effectively in class (effectively approaching our class work develops with time and maturity). There is no such thing as an “easy” ballet class, and many advanced dancers take lower level classes to build strength or continue to refine their technical foundation. Our priority is that our students learn the correct way to execute movements and do so safely, to minimize injuries and build good technique. We can help your child understand what they should be working on and what will indicate their mastery of concepts to help them feel engaged and on track.
My child’s schedule won’t allow them to attend a class at their placed level. What other options do we have?
Please email us if you have a scheduling conflict. We will work with you to see what options may be available for your particular case.
What other questions do you have about class placement or progression? Email us and we will update this page!
Adult Classes
How are adult students placed at Danspace?
We place students based on years of experience and time lapsed since the dancer was regularly in class. For example, if you have many years of experience dancing as a teen, took a break, and are coming back to class, we would suggest starting in Beginning Ballet. After a series in Beginning Ballet (typically 6-9 weeks), you and your teacher may agree that you should move up a level.
We don’t require adult students to progress. If you’re happy at your current level, you may stay at that level as long as you like.
I am an adult student who is highly motivated to get to an intermediate / advanced level. What should I be doing to support that goal?
Regular class attendance and diligent work on the class material is the best way to prepare to advance. You should also tell your teacher and the school director about your interest. We can help you work toward your advancement goal.
I am curious if the next level might be a good fit for me. How might I learn more?
If you have a makeup class, that’s a great opportunity to test out a different level or style of movement. You may also inquire about the opportunity to drop-in to a class to test out the level. Please email the studio to coordinate.
