For over 40 years, DANCE CONSERVATORY, the official school of Lafayette Ballet Theatre, has offered  ballet classes to girls and boys, ages 4 to 18. We believe ballet is for everyone, and we have a ballet class for every level.

We offer Creative Movement (ages 4-5), Pre-Ballet (ages 6-7), and Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced classes for ages 8 and up. Our curriculum includes ballet technique, pointe, variations, modern and conditioning/strengthening classes. 

For questions about ballet classes and placement, please fill out our Dance Conservatory Interest Form so we can connect with you. Or you can email shannon@lafayetteballettheatre.org with specific questions.

We look forward to hearing from you and helping your dancer grow in confidence, technique, and ability. 

CREATIVE MOVEMENT (Ages 4-5)
Offers an introduction to music and dance. Children are taught to connect imagery with movement, and begin to develop coordination, listening skills and musicality. Creative Movement classes nurture a love for dance. Classes are filled on a first come, first serve basis. No placement class is needed.

WINTER PROGRAM (Ages 6 and up)

Each level of our program is designed to teach the fundamental elements of ballet, including strengthening exercises to help each student advance in skill and ability. Classes emphasize correct placement of the body, head and arms, and include the important development of strength and flexibility in legs and abdominals.

Performing opportunities begin at Level 3 (min. age 8) with Lafayette Ballet Theatre’s full length staging of The Nutcracker Ballet.

PLACEMENT CLASS:
For our Winter Program (academic school year), all prospective students age 6 and up are required to take a placement class to determine the student’s level. Class placement is based on the student’s skill and strength, relative to other students in the School. Admission into the Dance Conservatory is based on age-appropriate placement and available space in a student’s level. Please fill out our Dance Conservatory Interest Form to schedule a placement class or learn more about our program. You can also email  shannon@lafayetteballettheatre.org.

SUMMER PROGRAM:
The Summer Course curriculum offers challenging instruction and is suited for the serious ballet student. Each summer student must attend a basic ballet class through which we assess the correct placement for them among our student population. We offer three summer sessions with all classes held in the late afternoon/evening.