Preparatory Program

The Preparatory Program at Washington Ballet Academy is for those students ready for more committed ballet training. While encouraging creativity, artistry, and a joy for dancing, students in this program will start to take seriously their technical growth and mastering the foundations of classical ballet, which will be reflected in their time commitment and class content. Participation in Placement Class is mandatory for all levels of the Preparatory Program. All those who participate will be accepted. Students will always be placed in a level by WABA instructors, never a parent or guardian. While the age of the student is taken into account for class dynamics, level placement is always based on individual readiness in strength, technique, artistry, and maturity. 

All students in the Preparatory Program are eligible to participate in two performance showcases in December and May respectively. Tuition at WABA is all inclusive; there are no additional fees for performance, costumes, rehearsals etc. Rehearsals are held outside of scheduled class time to ensure continuous attention to their training. The Preparatory Program at Washington Ballet Academy is a first step into serious ballet training and we strive to cultivate an inclusive environment and welcome students of all backgrounds and bodies that have a hunger to learn and a love of dance. 

  • Ages 8+ 

    $270 per month

    Please note that there are no additional charges, costume fees, or performance fees—everything is included in the tuition.

    4.5 hrs per week

    Placement Required

    M/W/F

    Ballet 1 is the introductory level to the Preparatory Program. While previous dance experience in Creative Movement or Pre-Ballet is useful, no prior dance knowledge is necessary. Students will receive 4.5 hours of training time over 3 classes per week. Students in this level will be introduced to the foundational vocabulary and mechanics of ballet with the focus of increasing their body awareness, coordination, and mobility. In addition to classical Ballet Technique with barre and center exercises, students will also be introduced to concepts from Yoga, Conditioning, and Ballet Theory. While nurturing creativity in an uplifting environment, Ballet 1 studies the positions, transitions, balance, and qualities of movement needed as the foundation to advancing ballet training.

  • Ages 9+ 

    $365 per month

    Please note that there are no additional charges, costume fees, or performance fees—everything is included in the tuition.

    7 hrs per week

    Placement Required

    M/T/TH/F

    Ballet 2 is the intermediate level in our Preparatory Program. Previous dance experience in Ballet 1 is highly recommended and will be standard practice. Some students of a certain age and maturity with advanced body awareness and control with no dance experience may be placed in this level. Students will receive 7 hours of training time over 4 classes per week. While beginning to build skills beyond the foundations of classical ballet, students will practice the balancing of expression and artistry while keeping aware of their anatomical placement, functions, and qualities of movement. Students will reinforce and develop their Ballet Technique with barre and center exercises, and supplement their training with explorations in Yoga, Conditioning, Ballet Theory, and Pre-Pointe exercises. Ballet 2 focuses heavily on building the strength and technical understanding necessary to begin learning advanced concepts in Ballet 3 and prepare for Pointe and Partnering work. 

  • Ages 12+

    $500 per month

    Please note that there are no additional charges, costume fees, or performance fees—everything is included in the tuition.

    11 hrs per week

    Placement Required

    M/T/W/TH/F

    Ballet 3 is the most advanced level of the Preparatory Program. Previous dance experience is required to be placed in this level. Students will receive 11 hours of training time over 5 classes per week. While paying closer attention to expression, artistry, and performance, this level challenges students to achieve technical clarity in all exercises, with high levels of control over qualities of movement and how those relate to dynamic and energetic dancing. Students will practice advanced combinations in Ballet Technique with barre and center exercises, and contribute to well rounded training with studies in Yoga, Conditioning, Ballet Theory, Pointe, and Partnering. Ballet 3 students are expected to take on more performance related responsibility and strive for advanced artistic expression while maintaining high technical control. 

Let’s Dance together

Register for Preparatory Program below