Classes at the Academy of Ballet Arts

The Academy of Ballet Arts offers professional dance training for students of all ages and skill levels. Our classes focus on strong technique, artistry, and self-expression, providing a structured yet supportive environment for every dancer. From classical ballet and contemporary to adaptive dance and musical theatre, our programs are designed to build confidence, discipline, and a love for movement. Explore our classes below to find the perfect fit for your dance journey.

Adult Classes

Adult Ballet at The Academy of Ballet Arts welcomes adults of all skill levels. Whether you’re returning to ballet after childhood or trying it for the first time, our classes offer a supportive environment. Located in St. Petersburg, FL, we focus on technique, artistry, and musicality.

Class Structure and Techniques

• Barre Sequences: Start with basic barre exercises to warm up and build strength.
• Center Work: Practice balance, weight shifts, and graceful arm movements (port de bras).
• Stretching and Flexibility: Stretches are adjusted to fit your flexibility and strength.
• Petite Allegro and Grand Allegro: Learn combinations of jumps, turns, and expressive movements.

Pre-Ballet

Ages 5 to 8

Pre-Ballet at The Academy of Ballet Arts introduces young dancers to the structure of a classical ballet class in a fun and engaging way. Designed for children ages 5 to 8, this class builds a strong foundation without requiring full outward hip rotation.

What Your Child Will Learn

• Basic Ballet Vocabulary: Introduction to essential ballet terms and movements.
• Alignment & Posture: Learn correct foot and arm positions for balance and coordination.
• Movement & Coordination: Develop large and fine motor skills through controlled steps and jumps.
• Creative Expression: Use scarves, ribbons, and props to encourage artistic movement.
• Class Structure: Follow a structured class format, including barre exercises, center work, and allegro.

Ballet Fundamentals

For Beginning Students

Ballet Fundamentals at The Academy of Ballet Arts is designed for new dancers looking to build a strong foundation in classical ballet. This class focuses on posture, strength, coordination, and musicality, helping students develop confidence and self-discipline.

What Students Will Learn

• Barre Exercises: Build strength, balance, and proper alignment.
• Stretching & Flexibility: Improve mobility while preventing injury.
• Center Work: Develop coordination and body awareness through basic ballet steps.
• Musicality & Rhythm: Learn to move with grace and control to the music.

Ballet Basics

For 6th to 10th Grade Beginners

Ballet Basics at The Academy of Ballet Arts is designed for middle and high school students who are new to ballet or have less than two years of training. This class builds a strong technical foundation to support dancers interested in other styles like modern, hip-hop, contemporary, lyrical, and jazz. It’s also perfect for those who have never danced before but want to explore ballet.

What Students Will Learn

• Core Ballet Techniques: Fundamental barre and center work for strength and balance.
• Flexibility & Coordination: Improve control and movement quality.
• Alignment & Posture: Essential skills for all dance styles.
• Musicality & Expression: Learn to move with grace and confidence.

Ballet

The Academy of Ballet Arts in St. Petersburg, FL, offers a structured ballet program based on the Vaganova syllabus. Each level builds on the foundation of classical ballet, incorporating technique, artistry, and strength.

Ballet I | Ballet II | Ballet III | Ballet IV | Ballet V

Pointe

Pointe classes at The Academy of Ballet Arts provide advanced students with the technical training and strength needed for pointe work. This specialized ballet technique allows dancers to balance and move on the tips of their toes while wearing pointe shoes, which provide structural support to distribute weight safely.

What Students Will Learn

• Pointe Technique: Develop proper alignment, balance, and control while dancing en pointe.
• Strength & Endurance: Build the foot, ankle, and core strength required for pointe work.
• Safe Transitions: Learn how to rise, balance, and descend from pointe positions with precision.
• Artistry & Expression: Enhance movement quality and stage presence while dancing en pointe.

Boys Class

The Boys Club II at The Academy of Ballet Arts introduces young male dancers to balance, coordination, flexibility, and strength in an exciting and engaging way. This class combines movement, music, and imagination to help boys develop athletic skills and self-discipline, whether for dance or sports.

What Boys Will Learn

• Dynamic Movement: Jump, leap, spin, march, and gallop through creative exercises.
• Strength & Balance: Develop leg strength (especially knee support) for safe, active movement.
• Musicality & Rhythm: Learn to move in sync with music while improving coordination.
• Dance Techniques: Explore Russian character movements, hip-hop, jazz, and foundational dance warm-ups.
• Memory & Discipline: Improve focus and sequential learning through structured activities.

Character

Character dance is a key part of ballet training at The Academy of Ballet Arts. This class introduces students to the authentic steps, rhythms, and performance styles of ethnic and cultural dances from around the world. Through character dance, students enhance their musicality, coordination, and stage presencewhile learning traditional choreography.

What Students Will Learn

• Ethnic Dance Techniques: Explore folk dances from different cultures.
• Rhythm & Musicality: Develop a strong sense of timing and musical interpretation.
• Choreography Memorization: Improve retention and performance skills.
• Performance Experience: Students have the opportunity to perform with the St. Petersburg Folk Ensemble at community events, including the St. Petersburg International Folk Fair.

Contemporary

Contemporary dance blends elements of modern, jazz, lyrical, and classical ballet to create an expressive and fluid dance style. At The Academy of Ballet Arts, our Contemporary/Modern class helps dancers develop strength, control, and artistic expression while connecting the mind and body through movement.

What Students Will Learn

• Expressive Movement: Use fluidity and dynamics to tell a story through dance.
• Technique & Control: Incorporate modern, jazz, lyrical, and ballet elements.
• Mind-Body Connection: Enhance awareness, balance, and coordination.
• Musicality & Emotion: Move with intention and respond to music with artistry.

Creative Movement

For Young Dancers | 45-Minute Class

Creative Movement at The Academy of Ballet Arts introduces young dancers to the joy of imagination, music, and movement. This class encourages self-expression while developing coordination, balance, and confidence in a fun and supportive environment.

What Your Child Will Learn

• Warm-Up & Stretching: Gentle exercises to wake up the body.
• Balance & Coordination: Learn to transfer weight, jump, and move with control.
• Use of Space & Musicality: Explore movement with music in a creative way.
• Group Activities & Self-Expression: Build confidence while learning to work with others.

Adaptive Ballet

The Adaptive Dance Program at The Academy of Ballet Arts is designed for children with Down Syndrome, Autism, physical, mental, and emotional challenges, as well as those who use wheelchairs. Our goal is to provide a welcoming, inclusive space where every child can experience the joy of movement.

Musical Theatre

The Musical Theatre class at The Academy of Ballet Arts blends jazz-based dance with the expressive style of Broadway. Dancers will learn the energetic, dynamic movements seen on stage while developing performance skills, musicality, and stage presence.

What Students Will Learn

• Broadway-Style Dance: Master the movement styles seen in musical theatre productions.
• Performance Techniques: Learn how to engage an audience through expression and storytelling.
• Musicality & Rhythm: Develop a strong connection to music through dance.
• Stage Presence: Gain confidence and learn how to command the stage.

Pilates

The Pilates class at The Academy of Ballet Arts focuses on core strength, alignment, and body awareness using the Kane School Pilates repertoire. This mat-based class helps dancers warm up, improve posture, and develop balanced movement patterns for better control and injury prevention.

What to Expect

• Neutral Body Alignment: Learn how to find and maintain a natural, balanced posture.
• Full-Body Engagement: Move continuously for the full hour, improving flexibility and strength.
• Instructor Demonstrations & Corrections: Receive guided instruction and personalized feedback for proper form.
• Floor-Based Exercises: Most movements take place on a mat, making this class accessible for all fitness levels.

Summer Intensive Workshops

The Summer Intensive Workshops at The Academy of Ballet Arts offer dancers of all levels the opportunity to train, refine technique, and explore multiple dance styles in an immersive program. Held at our studios on the ArtsXchange Campus of the Warehouse Arts District, these intensives provide high-level instruction, performance opportunities, and creative exploration.

Ready to start you or your child’s journey with The Academy of Ballet Arts?