CLASSES DESCRIPTIONS
Bay Ridge Ballet is a classical ballet conservatory. We provide education in a wide range of dance techniques throughout the school year and offer both camps and classes during the summer.
Students are welcome to register at any point throughout the year, however, the best results are accomplished by committing to an entire school year's program. We recommend early registration to adequately prepare your young dancer for class advancement and Bay Ridge Ballet performances.
2023/2024
Please select to see available classes:
AGES 3 - 4
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
Pre-Ballet I (Born 2020)
Class Description: Pre-Ballet I will give children the opportunity to sing, stretch and increase self-confidence while being introduced to basic ballet concepts, stretching exercises, locomotor skills and some free-form movement exploration. Children should be toilet trained and developmentally ready to separate from their parent and participate in a group. Pre-Ballet I classes are 45 minutes in length.
Pre-Ballet I classes have Observation Days at the end of each semester.
Pre-Ballet II (Born 2019)
Class Description: Pre-Ballet II is an introduction to ballet basics that use age-appropriate methods designed for young imaginative minds and bodies. Students begin to work on simple body alignment and posture through fun exercises, learn simple stretches, practice locomotor skills, as well as development of self-expression through creative movement activities. Children should be toilet trained and developmentally ready to separate from their parent and participate in a group. Pre-Ballet II classes are 45 minutes in length.
Pre-Ballet II classes have Observation Day at the end of Fall Semester and students participate in the Recital at the end of the school year. Good attendance is required for participation in the Recital. Recommended for children in a 4-year-old Pre-K program.
Tumbling (Ages 4 - 5)
Class Description: Elementary Tumbling students are introduced to basic tumbling skills including summersaults, cart wheels, round offs, handstands, backbend kick overs and more. Emphasis will be placed on correct form and strengthening exercises to help dancers develop strong bodies, flexibility and master fundamental tumbling skills.
Elementary Tumbling classes are 45 minutes in length.
Elementary Tumbling classes have Observation Day at the end of Fall Semester and students participate in the Recital at the end of the school year. Good attendance is required for participation in the Recital. Recommended for children in pre-k 4 and kindergarten.
AGES 5 - 7
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
Elementary Ballet I (Born 2018)
Class Description: Elementary Ballet I begins to teach students the fundamentals of ballet technique using captivating imagery that inspires the young dancer. The teacher will emphasize technique, vocabulary and dancer etiquette. Students will also explore ballet based improvisation allowing the child to freely express individuality. Elementary Ballet I classes are 45 minutes in length.
Elementary Ballet I classes have Observation Day at the end of Fall Semester and students participate in the Recital at the end of the school year. Good attendance is required for participation in the Recital. Recommended for children in Kindergarten.
Elementary Ballet II (Born 2017)
Class Description: Elementary Ballet II focuses on fundamental concepts such as maintaining proper body placement, developing strength and endurance, increasing flexibility, as well as explore ballet based improvisation. Elementary Ballet II classes are 45 minutes in length.
Elementary Ballet II classes have Observation Day at the end of Fall Semester and students participate in the Recital at the end of the school year. Good attendance is required for participation in the Recital. Recommended for children in 1st grade.
Elementary Ballet III (Born 2016)
Class Description: Elementary Ballet III students will develop foundational concepts such as practicing proper body placement, building strength and endurance, increasing flexibility, as well as explore ballet based improvisation.
Elementary Ballet III classes are 45 minutes in length.
Elementary Ballet III classes have Observation Day at the end of Fall Semester and students participate in the Recital at the end of the school year. Good attendance is required for participation in the Recital. Recommended for children in 2nd grade.
Tumbling (Ages 4 - 5)
Class Description: Elementary Tumbling students are introduced to basic tumbling skills including summersaults, cart wheels, round offs, handstands, backbend kick overs and more. Emphasis will be placed on correct form and strengthening exercises to help dancers develop strong bodies, flexibility and master fundamental tumbling skills.
Elementary Tumbling classes are 45 minutes in length.
Elementary Tumbling classes have Observation Day at the end of Fall Semester and students participate in the Recital at the end of the school year. Good attendance is required for participation in the Recital. Recommended for children in pre-k 4 and kindergarten.
Hip-Hop (Ages 5 - 7)
Class Description: Elementary Hip-Hop introduces dancers to basic elements such as popping, locking and break dancing utilizing age-appropriate funky, street music. Focus is on incorporating the rhythmic qualities of the music into the dancer's body. Emphasis is also placed on finding the dancer's comfort level, encouraging individuality and confidence in their movement. Elementary Hip-Hop classes are 45 minutes in length.
Elementary Hip-Hop classes have Observation Day at the end of Fall Semester and students participate in the Recital at the end of the school year. Good attendance is required for participation in the Recital. Recommended for children in kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade.
Tap (Ages 6 - 7)
Class Description: Dancers will develop basic tap skills and learn terminology as they create sounds using rhythms and syncopations. This tap class emphasizes the fundamentals as dancers develop foot precision, coordination, balance and weight shifting. Tap classes are 45 minutes in length.
Tap classes have Observation Day at the end of Fall Semester and students participate in the Recital at the end of the school year. Good attendance is required for participation in the Recital. Recommended for children in 1st and 2nd grade.
Elementary Student Ensemble Program (Ages 6 - 7)
Learn more about our pre-professional training program HERE!
AGES 8 - 9
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
Ballet I (Born 2015+)
Class Description: The goal of Ballet I is to impart the fundamentals of classical ballet. Classes will focus on basic ballet technique, proper body alignment, French terminology and musicality. Students at the Ballet I level will practice at the barre and in center. Students will experience a more disciplined class to help build their endurance and develop their proficiency in fundamental ballet technique.
At this stage in dance studies, it is recommended for students at the Ballet I level to take 2 ballet classes a week for proper physical development and sufficient technical training.
Ballet I classes have Observation Day at the end of Fall Semester and students participate in the Recital at the end of the school year. Good attendance is required for participation in the Recital.
Recommended for children in 3rd grade or higher. Your child's class level is initially based on age, however a placement class is required for final acceptance into this class.
Ballet I with Pre-Pointe (Born 2015+)
Class Description: Ballet I with Pre-Pointe will include exercises designed to strengthen the feet and ankles in preparation for pointe work and fine tuning placement. This class provides boys and girls alike, practices that will enhance core strength, hip rotation, alignment and balance.
At this stage in dance studies, it is recommended for students at the Ballet I level to take 2 ballet classes a week for proper physical development and sufficient technical training.
Ballet I with Pre-Pointe classes have Observation Day at the end of Fall Semester and students participate in the Recital at the end of the school year. Good attendance is required for participation in the Recital.
Recommended for children in 3rd grade or higher. Your child's class level is initially based on age, however a placement class is required for final acceptance into this class.
Boys Dance (Ages 7 - 12)
Class Description: Boys Dance is an all boys ballet-based, creative movement class designed to enhance athleticism, express individual artistry and introduce concepts used by male dancers in classical ballet. Focusing on jumps, turns, flexibility and conditioning, Boys Dance utilizes fun, creative ways that inspire your young dancer and fosters their love of dance. An additional coed ballet class is required to register for this class. Boys Dance class is 45 minutes in length.
Boys Dance class has Observation Day at the end of Fall Semester and students participate in the Recital at the end of the school year. Good attendance is required for participation in the Recital.
Your child's class level is initially based on age and experience, however a placement class is required for final acceptance into this class.
Beginner Ballet (Ages 8 - 12)
Class Description: Designed for the older, less experienced students, Beginner Ballet dancers begin to move through the rudimentary structure of a standard ballet class, including barre and center practice, while greatly expanding their knowledge of movement and terminology. The goal for this class is to solidify basic movements and develop greater awareness of technical concepts. Beginner Ballet classes are 1 hour in length.
Beginner Ballet classes have Observation Day at the end of Fall Semester and students participate in the Recital at the end of the school year. Good attendance is required for participation in the Recital.
Stretch & Strengthen I (Born 2015+)
Class Description: Stretch & Strengthen I focuses on building core strength and increasing endurance and flexibility through a variety of exercises including yoga, pilates and traditional ballet stretches. An essential secondary class for every young dancer seriously training. Also a great exercise class for young students not training in dance, but who are looking to gain flexibility and strength.
Stretch & Strengthen does not participate in the Recital.
Modern Technique I (Born 2015+)
Class Description: Modern Technique I can be taken as a secondary class to Ballet I. Modern dance builds on the foundation of ballet, with less emphasis placed on structured steps, and more on quality of movement. While emphasizing musicality, Modern Technique classes will have elements of floor work, center exercises and movement phrases that teach the dancer to move in a more grounded way.
Modern Technique has Observation Day at the end of Fall Semester and students participate in the Recital at the end of the school year. Good attendance is required for participation in the Recital.
Your child's class level is initially based on age and experience, however a placement class is required for final acceptance into this class.
Jazz Technique I (Born 2015+)
Class Description: Jazz Technique I can be taken as a secondary class to Ballet I classes. Jazz introduces students to syncopated rhythms and a repertoire of standard moves. Jazz dance is fast paced and a more energetic style of dance. The class includes a warm-up with stretching, isolations, strength building exercises and then moves across the floor to work on turns, leaps and jumps. Each class ends with a fun combination with a focus on character development.
Jazz Technique I classes have Observation Day at the end of Fall Semester and students participate in the Recital at the end of the school year. Good attendance is required for participation in the Recital.
Your child's class level is initially based on age and experience, however a placement class is required for final acceptance into this class.
Tap I (Born 2015+)
Class Description: Dancers will expand on their basic tap skills and learn terminology as they create sounds using rhythms and syncopations. This tap class emphasizes the fundamentals as dancers develop foot precision, coordination, balance and weight shifting. Tap I classes are 45 minutes in length.
Tap I classes have Observation Day at the end of Fall Semester and students participate in the Recital at the end of the school year. Good attendance is required for participation in the Recital.
Hip-Hop (Ages 8 - 9)
Class Description: Hip-Hop introduces dancers to basic elements such as popping, locking and break dancing utilizing age-appropriate funky, street music. Focus is on incorporating the rhythmic qualities of the music into the dancer's body. Emphasis is also placed on finding the dancer's comfort level, encouraging individuality and confidence in their movement. Hip-Hop classes are 45 minutes in length.
Hip-Hop classes have Observation Day at the end of Fall Semester and students participate in the Recital at the end of the school year. Good attendance is required for participation in the Recital.
Musical Theater (Ages 8 - 12)
Class Description: Using age-appropriate plays and scripts, young actors work on developing their performance skills, memorization and stage confidence. Young actors work together to tell a story by singing, dancing and acting to fan favorite shows. This class instills confidence and poise on the stage and beyond. Musical Theater classes are 45 minutes in length.
Musical Theater classes have Observation Day at the end of Fall Semester and students participate in the Recital at the end of the school year. Good attendance is required for participation in the Recital.
Ballet I Student Ensemble Program (Born 2015+)
Learn more about our pre-professional training program HERE!
AGES 10 - 12
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
Ballet II
Class Description: Ballet II training becomes more rigorous focusing on intermediate barre work and center combinations. Students will learn proper technique and placement, focus on positions of the arms, direction of the body and increased movement vocabulary.
At this stage in dance studies, it is recommended for students at the Ballet II level to take 3 ballet classes a week for proper physical development and sufficient technical training.
Ballet II classes have Observation Day at the end of Fall Semester and students participate in the Recital at the end of the school year. Good attendance is required for participation in the Recital.
Your child's class level is initially based on age and experience, however a placement class is required for final acceptance into this class.
Pointe/Pre-Pointe II
Class Description: Pointe/Pre-Pointe II will include exercises designed to strengthen the feet and ankles in preparation for pointe work and fine tuning body placement. This class provides boys and girls alike, practices that will enhance core strength, hip rotation, alignment and balance. BRB faculty will give guidance to students when they are ready to get their first pair of pointe shoes. Excellent ankle strength, flexibility and core control are required to get pointe shoes.
At this stage in dance studies, it is recommended for students at the Ballet II level to take 3 ballet classes a week for proper physical development and sufficient technical training.
Pointe/Pre-Pointe II has Observation Day at the end of Fall Semester and students participate in the Recital at the end of the school year. Good attendance is required for participation in the Recital.
Your child's class level is initially based on age and experience, however a placement class is required for final acceptance into this class.
Boys Dance (Ages 8 - 12)
Class Description: Boys Dance is an all boys ballet-based, creative movement class designed to enhance athleticism, express individual artistry and introduce concepts used by male dancers in classical ballet. Focusing on jumps, turns, flexibility and conditioning, Boys Dance utilizes fun, creative ways that inspire your young dancer and fosters their love of dance. An additional coed ballet class is required to register for this class. Boys Dance class is 45 minutes in length.
Boys Dance class has Observation Day at the end of Fall Semester and students participate in the Recital at the end of the school year. Good attendance is required for participation in the Recital.
Your child's class level is initially based on age and experience, however a placement class is required for final acceptance into this class.
Modern Technique II
Class Description: Modern Technique II can be taken as a secondary class to Ballet II. Modern dance builds on the foundation of ballet, with less emphasis placed on structured steps, and more on quality of movement. While emphasizing musicality, Modern Technique classes will have elements of floor work, center exercises and movement phrases that teach the dancer to move in a more grounded way.
Modern Technique has Observation Day at the end of Fall Semester and students participate in the Recital at the end of the school year. Good attendance is required for participation in the Recital.
Your child's class level is initially based on age and experience, however a placement class is required for final acceptance into this class.
Stretch & Strengthen II
Class Description: Stretch & Strengthen II focuses on building core strength and increasing endurance and flexibility through a variety of exercises including yoga, pilates and traditional ballet stretches. An essential secondary class for every young dancer seriously training. Also a great exercise class for young students not training in dance, but who are looking to gain flexibility and strength.
Stretch & Strengthen does not participate in the Recital.
Jazz Technique II
Class Description: Jazz Technique II can be taken as a secondary class to Ballet II classes. Jazz introduces students to syncopated rhythms and a repertoire of standard moves. Jazz dance is fast paced and a more energetic style of dance. The class includes a warm-up with stretching, isolations, strength building exercises and then moves across the floor to work on turns, leaps and jumps. Each class ends with a fun combination with a focus on character development.
Jazz Technique II classes have Observation Day at the end of Fall Semester and students participate in the Recital at the end of the school year. Good attendance is required for participation in the Recital.
Your child's class level is initially based on age and experience, however a placement class is required for final acceptance into this class.
Tap II
Class Description: Dancers will expand on their existing tap skills and learn terminology as they create sounds using more complex rhythms and syncopations. This tap class builds on the fundamentals as dancers develop foot precision, coordination, balance and weight shifting. Tap II classes are 45 minutes in length.
Tap II classes have Observation Day at the end of Fall Semester and students participate in the Recital at the end of the school year. Good attendance is required for participation in the Recital.
Teen/Tween Hip-Hop
Class Description: Teen/Tween Hip-Hop focuses on elements such as popping, locking and break dancing utilizing age-appropriate funky, street music. Focus is on incorporating the rhythmic qualities of the music into the dancer's body in a fun, positive environment. Emphasis is also placed on finding the dancer's comfort level, encouraging individuality and confidence in their movement. Teen/Tween Hip-Hop classes are 45 minutes in length.
Teen/Tween Hip-Hop classes have Observation Day at the end of Fall Semester and students participate in the Recital at the end of the school year. Good attendance is required for participation in the Recital.
Musical Theater (Ages 8 - 12)
Class Description: Using age-appropriate plays and scripts, young actors work on developing their performance skills, memorization and stage confidence. Young actors work together to tell a story by singing, dancing and acting to fan favorite shows. This class instills confidence and poise on the stage and beyond. Musical Theater classes are 45 minutes in length.
Musical Theater classes have Observation Day at the end of Fall Semester and students participate in the Recital at the end of the school year. Good attendance is required for participation in the Recital.
Ballet II Student Ensemble Program
Learn more about our pre-professional training program HERE!
AGES 13+
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
Ballet III/IV
Class Description: Ballet III/IV focuses on advanced barre work and center combinations. Classes will focus on fine tuning technique with pirouettes, use of the head and upper body, fluidity of port de bras as well as the intricacies of small and large jumps.
At this stage in dance studies, it is recommended for students in the Ballet III/IV Program to take 3 ballet classes a week for proper physical development and sufficient technical training.
Ballet III/IV will have Observation Day at the end of Fall Semester and students participate in the Recital at the end of the school year. Good attendance is required for participation in the Recital.
Class level is initially based on age, however a placement class is required for final acceptance into this class.
Pointe/Pre-Pointe & Variation III/IV
Class Description: Pointe/Pre-Pointe III/IV will include exercises designed to strengthen the feet and ankles in preparation for pointe work and fine tuning placement. This class provides boys and girls alike, practices that will enhance core strength, hip rotation, alignment and balance. BRB faculty will give guidance to students when they are ready to get their first pair of pointe shoes. Excellent ankle strength, flexibility and core control are required to get pointe shoes. Students will learn classical ballet variations in this class, focusing on technique as well as performance development.
At this stage in dance studies, it is recommended for students in the Ballet III/IV Program to take 3 ballet classes a week for proper physical development and sufficient technical training.
Pointe/Pre-Pointe III/IV has Observation Day at the end of Fall Semester and students participate in the Recital at the end of the school year. Good attendance is required for participation in the Recital.
Class level is initially based on age, however a placement class is required for final acceptance into this class.
Boys Technique III/IV
Class Description: Boys Technique III/IV is a male focused ballet class with attention on jumps, turns and strength building. An emphasis is made on choreography specific to men that builds on technical skills specific to traditional classical ballet roles.
At this stage in dance studies, it is recommended for students in the Ballet III/IV Program to take 3 ballet classes a week for proper physical development and sufficient technical training.
Boys Technique III/IV has Observation Day at the end of Fall Semester and students participate in the Recital at the end of the school year. Good attendance is required for participation in the Recital.
Class level is initially based on age, however a placement class is required for final acceptance into this class.
Stretch & Strengthen III/IV
Class Description: Stretch & Strengthen III/IV focuses on building core strength and increasing endurance and flexibility through a variety of exercises including yoga, pilates and traditional ballet stretches. An essential secondary class for every young dancer seriously training. Also a great exercise class for young students not training in dance, but who are looking to gain flexibility and strength.
Stretch & Strengthen does not participate in the Recital.
Limón Modern Technique III/IV
Class Description: Limón Modern Technique III/IV is highly recommended as a secondary class to Ballet III/IV level classes. The Limón technique includes concepts including fall and recovery, rebound, weight, suspension, succession and isolation. Limón Technique classes will have elements of floor work, center exercises and movement phrases that teach the dancer to move in fashion very different from ballet, enhancing the dancers quality of movement in all dance forms.
Modern Technique III/IV has Observation Day at the end of Fall Semester and students participate in the Recital at the end of the school year. Good attendance is required for participation in the Recital.
Class level is initially based on age, however a placement class is required for final acceptance into this class.
Jazz Technique III/IV
Class Description: Jazz Technique III/IV can be taken as a secondary class to Ballet III/IV classes. Jazz introduces students to syncopated rhythms and a repertoire of standard moves. Jazz dance is fast paced and a more energetic style of dance. The class includes a warm-up with stretching, isolations, strength building exercises and then moves across the floor to work on turns, leaps and jumps. Each class ends with a fun combination with a focus on character development.
Jazz Technique III/IV classes have Observation Day at the end of Fall Semester and students participate in the Recital at the end of the school year. Good attendance is required for participation in the Recital.
Your child's class level is initially based on age and experience, however a placement class is required for final acceptance into this class.
Tap III/IV
Class Description: Dancers will expand on their existing tap skills and learn terminology as they create sounds using more complex rhythms and syncopations. This tap class builds on the fundamentals as dancers develop foot precision, coordination, balance and weight shifting. Tap III/IV classes are 45 minutes in length.
Tap III/IV classes have Observation Day at the end of Fall Semester and students participate in the Recital at the end of the school year. Good attendance is required for participation in the Recital.
Teen/Tween Hip-Hop
Class Description: Teen/Tween Hip-Hop focuses on elements such as popping, locking and break dancing utilizing age-appropriate funky, street music. Focus is on incorporating the rhythmic qualities of the music into the dancer's body in a fun, positive environment. Emphasis is also placed on finding the dancer's comfort level, encouraging individuality and confidence in their movement. Teen/Tween Hip-Hop classes are 45 minutes in length.
Teen/Tween Hip-Hop classes have Observation Day at the end of Fall Semester and students participate in the Recital at the end of the school year. Good attendance is required for participation in the Recital.
Ballet III/IV Student Ensemble Program
Learn more about our pre-professional training program HERE!
ADULT PROGRAMS
Adult Ballet, Tap & Hip-Hop
Learn more about our adult classes HERE!