Children’s Division:

Programs for ages 4-8

The Children’s Division includes Creative Movement and Beginner Ballet (Levels 1 & 2) for ages 4-8; These classes are a prelude to more formal ballet instruction allowing young dancers to dive into the world of ballet in a joyful and supportive environment. Focusing on motor skills at an early age, classes incorporate musicality, coordination, creativity, flexibility and strength. As training progresses, classes become more structured and elements of ballet vocabulary and terminology are added. The carefully curated syllabus lays the technical foundation for progression into our Student Division. No auditions are required for Creative Movement. A placement Class (audition) is required for Levels 1 & 2.

Small dancers stretching

Creative Movement:

Ages 4-5

As an introduction to music and dance, children are taught to connect imagination with movement. Creative Movement begins to develop coordination, listening skills, and musicality while nurturing a love of dance.

Level 1:

Ages 6-7

Adding elements of vocabulary, posture, flexibility and strength, Pre-Ballet students continue learning in a fun and creative atmosphere while forming a communal awareness of self, classmates and instructors.

Level 2:

Ages 7-8

By laying the foundation of classical ballet training, children gain coordination, balance, and strength. Simple jumps and fun traveling steps are introduced to build muscle control and stamina, while encouraging the joy of movement and expression.

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Children’s Division Class Schedule: 2025/2026 School Year

Classes are September – May.

ClassMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday
Creative Movement4:30pm-5:15pm
Level 14:30pm-5:30pm
Level 24:45pm-5:45pm

For full Dance Conservatory school schedule, click here

Children’s Division Placement Class / Audition

All students enter our ballet program (except for Creative Movement) through a placement class or audition. During this class, our artistic directors and faculty assess the best level for each student based on ability rather than age.

Each August, we host an audition day before the start of our new school season. If you can’t make our annual auditions, please reach out to “shannon@lafayetteballettheatre.org” to schedule a placement class.

Annual Dance Conservatory Auditions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this program right for my child?
The Children’s Division fosters a joy of movement and dance skill development in a safe, stimulating and nurturing environment, while developing a lifelong curiosity for learning and a love of dance.

Children’s Division classes are open to all children ages 4-8. Registration is open through most of the academic school year. Once the program reaches full capacity, your child will be placed on a waitlist.

What are the benefits of ballet as a child?

Ballet classes for children develop some important physical and social skills. Early ballet classes offer an exciting way to build stamina, strength, and flexibility.

Children learn to explore rhythms and emotions through movement which is a wonderful climate for building friendships.

Additionally, exposure to teachers committed to providing a safe learning environment helps young ballet students build self-confidence–even bringing shy children out of their shells.

Where are classes held?
All classes are held in our XX sq-ft facility (located at 201 Petroleum Drive) which has two studios each with Harlequin sprung floors that offer better protection from dance-related injuries such as impact, slipping, or falling.
How do I register?
Please email “shannon@lafayetteballettheatre.org” to schedule a placement class (at no charge). This will allow your dancer to try out the class to see if she/he would like to continue, and it allows us to make the best placement for the child’s age and ability.

We have an open enrollment through most of the academic school year.

How much is tuition?
Tuition varies by age, class, and payment method (check vs online). Monthly tuition ranges from $80-$100. Please reach out for family discounts.
What is the dress code?

Girls: We require solid-color leotards (available at The Ultimate), pink seamed tights, and pink leather ballet slippers. Hair secured away from face. No jewelry.

Each level has a specific leotard color required:

  • Creative Movement: pink
  • Level 1: Light blue
  • Level 2: Lilac

The Ultimate is a dance supply store located at 100 Pilette Road.
Phone: 337.234.9646

Boys: We require a solid-colored t-shirt, black biker shorts, and white ballet slippers.

Are there performance opportunities?
Our children’s division dancers perform at the end of the year in the studio for parents. Costumes are minimal with one or two additional items added to their class uniform.