School of Ballet
Ballet Classes for All Levels, Ages, & Aspirations in a Pre-Professional Training Environment
Ballet is our expertise.
Many students take ballet to build a technical foundation, grace/posture, recreation, cross-training, performance opportunities and just the love of ballet!
At Dance It Forward, we can take you anywhere and our ballet classes are open to all students. Be assured that we have a true ballet program. We are an American Academy of Ballet Certified School where students receive only the finest training from faculty who have specific knowledge of our syllabus, philosophy and legacy.
We find it both our privilege and our responsibility to joyfully pass on the ballet traditions of classical ballet. Under the guidance of our instructors, students learn new positions and movements – repeating and refining them until each becomes part of the body’s muscle memory. Students are encouraged to take lower level classes in addition to their own level to reinforce their strength and understanding of technique and to broaden their knowledge and enhance versatility.
All students move at different rates and unlike grades in school, some students spend more time in a level than others while the foundation of their technique develops. When the student has learned the technique appropriate to a level, the student is then moved on to the next level. Advancement is based on ability rather than by age. Those pursuing pointe need to take a minimum number of classes per week to gain strength and maintain overall fitness in order to prevent injury. Pointe is simply an extension of ballet training, and it is decided by faculty when a student is ready, never before age 10.
Class Descriptions
INTRO TO BALLET (Ages 3–7)
Happy Feet! Early Childhood Academy
Our ballet training begins as early as age 3. These early childhood classes gently introduce young dancers to the beauty, discipline, and joy of ballet.
- Discover Ballet (Ages 3–4) A playful and imaginative introduction to movement, rhythm, and basic ballet concepts
- Pre-Primary Ballet
(Ages 4–6) Builds on motor skills and musicality while fostering coordination and a love for dance and classical music
PRIMARY DANCER PROGRAM (Ages 5-7)
- Primary Ballet is the final early childhood stage before foundational ballet levels begin as the student gains readiness for more structured classes.
YOUNG DANCER BALLET PROGRAM
(Ages 7-10)
Students typically begin Level 1A around ages 7–8, once they demonstrate the physical readiness, focus, and maturity needed to begin formal ballet training.
From this point, dancers progress through a structured curriculum of seven levels, advancing as their technique, strength, and commitment develop.
As students grow within the program:
-Dancers are encouraged to gradually increase the number of classes per week to support continued progress.
-After advancing to Level 1B and beyond, continued practice in earlier levels is strongly encouraged to deepen understanding and refine technique.
-Mastery in ballet comes from consistent, repeated practice of foundational skills—regular training is essential for long-term development.
Progression of Ballet Levels
PREPARATORY: Age 7+ Preparatory level classes encompass a warm-up, barre and centre floor. They will be focusing on the fundamental ballet skills and concepts meant to provide a strong foundation on which more advanced levels of instruction will be based. Barre work is crucial at this level with emphasis on correct positions, posture, and strengthening of ankles and feet. Dancers should know right from left.
We suggest adding the Variations class to the schedule in order to learn performance material and be invited to perform in Nutcracker & June Show for those who have not chosen to be members of the Greater York Youth Ballet.
Prerequisite: Dancers must have completed a year of Primary Ballet or be 7 years old. Taking the Young Dancer Program of the Summer Ballet Intensive is highly encouraged and required of company members.
Advanced Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Intermediate and Advanced Classes follow.
Send inquiries to
Artistic Director, Lori Garling,
through CS@danceitforward.org for
personalized guidance and level placement.
Youth Ballet Company
For the student who wishes to pursue ballet, we recommend performance training with the Greater York Youth Ballet, the South Central Pennsylvania's pre-professional Youth Ballet Company.
The Greater York Youth Ballet invites passionate young dancers to join where talent is nurtured and dreams take flight. If you love ballet and are ready to take your training to the next level, we welcome you to join this extraordinary program. Perform in the Nutcracker Ballet & other Spring Ballets at the Appell Center for the Performing Arts.
