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Find ballet classes near you

OurKids.net lists camps and programs in dozens of cities across the country. Find your city in the list below and find ballet lessons near you.

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More than just after-school classes

For kids who love ballet, there are many different ways you can indulge in this passion. See related options below:

Search ALL BALLET DANCE CAMPS AND PROGRAMS   

What children learn in ballet classes

Basic and advanced ballet moves. Kids learn basic feet and arm positions in ballet classes as well as beginner moves including plié, tendus, and coupés.  As they progress they learn to pirouette and grande jeté, as well as the arabesque. They’ll also learn proper stretches and exercises.  Among other benefits, this improves their physicality for participation in sports, and more. 

Performance skills. In ballet class, kids will perform in recitals for families and friends. Under the watchful eye of leaders and teachers, kids become comfortable performing. They learn to deal with nerves and anxiety, overcoming these fears.

Balance. Instructors guide kids through exercises that will improve their balance, including on their toes. Ballet improve children’s coordination and posture. They learn to dance with elegance and fluidity. With practice, they deliver clean, controlled, choreographed performances. 

Routines. Beginners in ballet classes will work at the barre for quite some time. Floor work and other routines come once the basic skills are mastered. Through repetition, students learn moves and develop these into a routine. This learning benefits their personal discipline, as well as academics.

The benefits of ballet classes

Increases strength. Whether a student dancer is a beginner or advanced, ballet focuses on strengthening the body. Instructors guide beginners through meticulous barre exercises that strengthen each leg and arm at a time. As students advance, the entire body is strengthened. Kids keep their muscles and joints active.

Improves physicality, posture, and gross motor coordination. Fluidity, grace, and elegance are sought after in ballet classes. Students focus on controlling their movements in time with the music. They're taught where to place their weight, how to keep their shoulders back, and to keep their head held high. Having good control in class prevents injuries as it protects the joints and muscles from harm. This improved physical awareness has benefits for all other areas of life. 

Builds confidence and other character traits. As kids adapt to performing, they become more comfortable on stage. They deal with anxiety and even failure, and learn to overcome these. Constructive criticism is provided gently by instructors. Kids make corrections to fine-tune their skills, developing and growing in confidence. They learn perseverance, resilience, and more.

Expands musical intelligence. Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences says musical intelligence is “an ability to recognize…musical pitch, rhythm, timbre, and tone.” Classical music used in ballet classes introduces kids to how this format treats these differently from pop, rap, or R&B. They expand their musical intelligence and sophistication.

Reduces stress. Ballet provides a disciplined physical outlet for kids, allowing them to release energy and pent-up emotions. The combination of physicality and control improves their personal mindfulness at a young age. 

Promotes future careers. Ballet dancers are often sought for operas, ballets (such as The Nutcracker or Swan Lake), and musicals. As children get used to performing on stage, their growth in confidence will apply to their development in many different careers. 

Questions to ask ballet teachers and lessons providers

As you peruse and browse ballet classes near you, here are some questions to help you find one that’s best for your family.

1. Where did instructors train in ballet? How much experience do they have both as dancers and as teachers?
2. What procedures are in place to protect the health and safety of kids in the class?
3. How much practice time do they recommend? How long will it take for kids to learn routines?
4. Where do instructors recommend purchasing shoes and other outfit essentials?

Related camps and programs

With hundreds of activities taught in camps and programs listed on OurKids.net, there are many ways to explore interests that arise from a love of ballet. Here are some suggestions: 

Dance classes include a variety of types and styles. Programs listed on that page will broaden your horizons. You can also find pages dedicated to specific types, including hip hop dance lessons and jazz dance for kids.  

Dance camp offers a full immersion for a week or longer. The balance, flexibility, and elegance kids learn in ballet can apply to styles taught in acro camps or jazz dance camps. 

Performing arts camp opens dancers up to a broader world where they can apply skills in a new forum that may be more broadly appealing. They learn acting and singing to go along with dancing. It can lead to furthering potential development of skills for musical theatre, or even film and television. 

Music camp and arts camp are two other ways aspiring dancers can broaden horizons. 

Combine this with more advice from around OurKids.net