Ages 8+ 

4.5 hrs per week

M/W/F

The Ballet 1 tier marks a dancer’s first step into full-time ballet training at Washington Ballet Academy.  This tier welcomes young dancers who are ready to  take ballet seriously. While age provides a general framework, placement is always determined by a  dancer’s physical, technical, and artistic readiness—not by age alone. Previous experience in ballet is not  required, though completion of a creative movement or pre-ballet program is highly beneficial. We do not operate  on a fixed promotion schedule; students may move from one level to another at any point in the  year, based on instructor recommendation  individual readiness. 

Dancers begin to learn fundamental ballet mechanics and the 7 essential qualities of movement, while also exploring  their artistic voice from the very beginning. With a nurturing yet structured approach, students develop  coordination, control, and confidence in a supportive and inclusive environment. 

The Ballet 1 curriculum includes Ballet Technique, Yin Yoga, Physical Conditioning, Cardio, and Ballet Theory. Dancers receive 4.5 hours of instruction per week over three training days. Classes emphasize ballet vocabulary, terminology, and body awareness. Dancers learn the structure of a  standard ballet barre, study repertoire, and begin working in the center to develop balance, rhythm, and  spatial awareness. Foundational concepts include positions, pathways, ports de bras, transfers,  transitions, and timing—all essential tools in the dancer’s expressive and technical toolkit.

Beyond technique, Ballet 1 encourages dancers to discover the joy of performance. Students  participate in two showcases each year: A Winter Showcase in December and a Spring Showcase in May. Many dancers are cast in multiple roles, and all students are taught pantomime and character development to begin expressing themselves theatrically onstage. Performances are included in tuition, with no additional fees for costumes, rehearsals, or participation. 

Each class is capped at 8 dancers to ensure personalized instruction and feedback. We uphold an inclusive  and respectful environment, welcoming all genders, backgrounds, and body types. The only prerequisites  are a love for ballet, motivation to learn, and commitment to training. 

Students are expected to maintain at least 80% attendance to be eligible for performance opportunities.  Rehearsals are held outside of regular technique classes to protect training time and ensure consistent  progress. 

Placement into Ballet 1 is by placement class only. Dancers may be promoted to a higher tier at any  point in the year based on individual readiness. We host three official observation days aligned with our five-week session structure to share  progress with families.

Ages 10+ 

7 hrs per week

Placement Required

M/T/TH/F

Ballet 2 is designed for dancers approximately 10+, though age remains a flexible guideline. Dancers placed into Ballet 2 are by placement class only. While age may  be considered for group dynamics, it is never used as a determining factor for level. We do not operate  on a fixed promotion schedule; students may move from one level to another at any point in the  year, based on individual readiness. 

The Ballet 2 curriculum includes Ballet Technique, Pre-Pointe/Pointe, Yin Yoga, Physical Conditioning, Cardio, and Ballet Theory. Dancers receive 7 hours of instruction per week over 4 training days. Dancers work on acquiring, maintaining, and reinforcing the body’s fundamental abilities.  Here, the emphasis lies in connecting their ballet technique to correct anatomical functions, while also  beginning pre/pointe work with a focus on developing the strength required to rise and move safely at center. This program is carefully crafted to prepare students for future pointe/partnering work by building a strong technical  foundation and deepening their understanding of ballet as both an art and a discipline.

Performance is an important component of the Ballet 2 experience.  Dancers participate in two showcases each year: A Winter Showcase in December and a Spring Showcase in May. Many dancers are cast in multiple roles. As they advance, students are  gradually given more individual responsibility onstage. While early choreography may involve full  ensemble pieces, students eventually progress to smaller groupings, including trios, duets, and solo roles.  

Rehearsals are scheduled outside of class time to protect the integrity of technical training, and students  are required to maintain an 80% attendance rate or higher to be eligible for performance participation. 

At WABA, tuition is all-inclusive. There are no extra fees for costumes, rehearsals, or performances. To keep families engaged in their dancer’s  progress, we host three parent observation days throughout the year, aligning with the end of each 5-week session. 

All classes are capped at 8 students to ensure that each dancer receives meaningful feedback and  individual attention. We are proud to offer a welcoming and inclusive environment for dancers of all  genders and backgrounds. The only prerequisites are a love of ballet, a strong work ethic, and a  commitment to learning.

Ages 13+

12.5 Hrs per week

Placement required

M/T/W/TH/F

Ballet 3 is designed for dancers approximately 10+, though age remains a flexible guideline. Dancers placed into Ballet 3 are by placement class only. While age may  be considered for group dynamics, it is never used as a determining factor for level. We do not operate  on a fixed promotion schedule; students may move from one level to another at any point in the  year, based on individual readiness. 

The Ballet 3 curriculum builds confidence in all major steps and movement qualities expected of a well rounded ballet dancer. They work toward retrieving the same technical clarity on pointe as on demi pointe, while learning to modulate their energy — from soft and fluid to sharp and explosive. At this level, dancers are introduced to pas de deux, and are encouraged to take on deeper artistic challenges such  as character interpretation and solo performance.

Performance is an important component of the Ballet 3 experience.  Dancers participate in two showcases each year: A Winter Showcase in December and a Spring Showcase in May. Many dancers are cast in multiple roles. As they advance, students are  gradually given more individual responsibility onstage. While early choreography may involve full  ensemble pieces, students eventually progress to smaller groupings, including trios, duets, and solo roles.  

Rehearsals are scheduled outside of class time to protect the integrity of technical training, and students  are required to maintain an 80% attendance rate or higher to be eligible for performance participation. 

At WABA, tuition is all-inclusive. There are no extra fees for costumes, rehearsals, or performances. To keep families engaged in their dancer’s  progress, we host three parent observation days throughout the year, aligning with the end of each 5-week session. 

All classes are capped at 8 students to ensure that each dancer receives meaningful feedback and  individual attention. We are proud to offer a welcoming and inclusive environment for dancers of all  genders and backgrounds. The only prerequisites are a love of ballet, a strong work ethic, and a  commitment to learning.