ORINDA BALLET ACADEMY
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Ballet Divisions


      Each Ballet division is tailored to the students' ages and or abilities. Students are required to take class for at least 1 full year in each level in order to master and graduate to the next division (Fall + Winter/Spring Terms).

      Participation in Summer Term classes is highly recommended.

      Ballet 3 division through Ballet 7 division (Youth- Advanced) may require that the student remains in the level for 2 years in order to master the syllabus. Each level establishes the foundation for the next divisions steps and is integral to the preparation required for advancement.

      Lower division students often are mentored by upper division students who assist in their classes.

      New or returning students that have missed one or more terms are required to take a placement class.


Pre-Ballet Divisions- Creative Dance

Pre Ballet - Creative Dance   Ages 3-5 years
       This class is geared to the young dancer, by introducing in a gentle manner, the beginnings of ballet through creative dancing. The class involves fun and creative dances, stretches and activities that promote learning the basic ballet steps and arm movements. Princess tea parties, butterfly dances and creature stretches are just a few of the activities the children learn by. The benefits the student will experience include: creative movement, coordination, basic ballet positions of feet, arms, and fingers, learn to work as a team, focus, following directions, rhythm, stretching, sharing, gaining confidence and expand their imaginations in a fun-filled, creative and safe environment. All is accompanied to classical music.
Dress Code
Pre-Ballet Parent Guideline and Helpful Tips

Beginning Divisions      

Ballet 1A  Ages 5-6 year. Requirement: Student must be attending Kindergarten or higher.
The student in this level begins to learn the beginning elements of classical ballet technique. Building from what the student has experienced in the Pre Ballet division. Positions of arms, feet and ballet foundation steps with center work and stretches. The student will begin to learn the names and positions of the steps, in their classical french terms. 

Dress Code

Ballet 2A  Ages 6-8 years. Student must be attending 1st grade or higher.  
The student continues to learn and build the beginning elements of classical ballet technique. The class involves ballet stretches, barre and center work. The students continues to learn the names and positions of steps, in their classical french terms. Traveling across the floor and working with a partner is practiced. 

Dress Code

Youth Divisions

Ballet 2B  Ages 7-9 years. Placement class required for new students- 1-2 years of ballet experience. Student must be attending 2nd grade or higher       
The student continues their studies of their foundational ballet technique. The class involves ballet stretches, Full-barre and center work. The students continues to learn the names and positions of steps, in their classical french terms.

Dress Code

Ballet 3A  2 days per week  Placement class required for new students. 2-3 years of ballet experience Student typically attends 3rd grade or higher.
Placed by ability and experience. The student continues their studies of their foundational ballet technique. The class involves ballet stretches, Full-barre and center work. The students continue to broaden their  ballet vocabulary in their positions of steps. The young dancer is concentrating on building their strong foundation of technique. The dancer in this level has become more proficient in the concept of working with the feet and legs in the ballet turned-out  positions, working from the hips. Arm positions and posture are emphasized in all their barre work and center steps.
Dress Code

                                                                  
Ballet 3B  2 days per week  Placement class required for new students. 3-4 years of ballet experience. Student typically attends 4th grade or higher.
Placed by ability and experience 3-4 classes per week
The student continues their studies of the art of ballet technique. The class involves ballet stretches, Full-barre and center work. The students continue to broaden their ballet vocabulary in their positions of steps. The young dancer is concentrating on building their strong foundation of technique. The dancer in this division has become more proficient in the concept of working with the feet and legs in the ballet turned-out  positions, working from the hips. Placement is emphasized in all their barre work and center steps.
Dress Code

                                  

                                                             Junior Divisions
Ballet 4A   3 days per week   (Placement class required for new students)
Placed by ability and experience.
The Student in this division has technique class and begins a Pre-Pointe class. Pointe work requires strong support from the feet and legs. The Pre-Pointe class emphasizes strengthening exercises targeted for feet, ankles, legs and hips- to prepare the student to work in pointe shoes.

Dress Code


 Ballet 4B    3-4 days per week   (Placement class required for new students)
Placed by ability and experience 
The student increases to 4 days of classes per week to promote strength, precision and stamina in their muscles. Pre pointe or Beginning pointe work is introduced in this division. Director's approval is required to begin pointe work.  
Dress Code

Intermediate- Intermediate Advance Divisions

Ballet 5A-5B   (Placement class required for new students)
Placed by ability and experience.   4-5 days per week
This division continues to strengthen and  challenge the serious ballet student. At this level the student is encouraged  in developing their artistry. Performing at this level can be very rewarding to the students. 
This division may have opportunities to work with Guest Artists in performances. Solo and/or pas de deux work, depending on production.

Dress Code

Advance- Pre Professional Divisions

Ballet 6-7    (Placement class required for new students)  
Placed by ability and experience. 4-5 days per week.
This division continues to strengthen and  challenge the serious ballet student. At this level the student is encouraged  in developing their artistry. Performing at this level can be very rewarding to the students. 
This division may have opportunities to work with Guest Artists in performances. Solo and/or pas de deux work, depending on production.
Dress Code
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  • Home
  • About
    • Artistic Director
    • Faculty
    • Location
  • Academy
    • 2025 Winter-Spring Term
    • 2025 Summer
    • Register for Classes
    • Ballet Divisions/Curriculum
    • Dress Code
    • How to make a ballet bun
    • "The Discipline of Ballet Class"
    • Student Contact & Emergency Form
    • Refund Policy and Form
  • Performance
    • Sleeping Beauty- 2025 Spring Tickets + Information
    • Sleeping Beauty roles/casting rehearsal call times/ performance info
    • Performing Responsibilities/Guidelines/Policies
  • Calendar
  • Contact