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Nurture Your Child’s Passion for Dance at School of Philadelphia Ballet / New Jersey

Home > School of Philadelphia Ballet / New Jersey – Dancer’s Journey

“My daughter Ava began taking classes with the School of Philadelphia Ballet at the age of 6 and today at 17, is dancing with Philadelphia Ballet’s second company. This experience has afforded her the opportunity to learn and excel in many different styles of dance while helping her grow as a person.”

Parent of SPB student, Ava DiEmedio

Nurture Your Child’s Passion for Dance at School of Philadelphia Ballet / New Jersey

 

For aspiring dancers of all ages, School of Philadelphia Ballet / New Jersey offers the region’s highest caliber of dance training education under the stewardship of Ruth and A. Morris Williams Jr. Artistic Director, Angel Corella.

Whether you are looking to introduce your child to the art of classical ballet or preparing your young dancer for an advanced technical dance training program, School of Philadelphia Ballet students grow confidently with our structured curriculum and comprehensive approach to foundational skill building.

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Confidence, Coordination, and Creativity: The Benefits of Ballet

 

The dedicated educators at SPB are unwavering in their commitment to helping each student realize their potential as a dancer. We recognize the genuine enthusiasm of our students and we cherish the dedication they bring to the studio each day. Moreover, we believe that the benefits of introducing children to dance extend beyond the studio and positively influence all aspects of our students’ lives.

  • Physical Well-Being: Dance training can help young children develop strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance.
  • Positive Mental Health: Ballet provides a creative outlet for self-expression, reducing stress and anxiety levels.
  • Cognitive Development: Ballet teaches students precise movements, which can help improve memory, concentration, and problem-solving abilities.
  • Teamwork and Social Skills: In dance classes, students often work with others, fostering teamwork and social skills.
  • Creativity: Dance allows children to communicate with the world through movement, encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression.
  • Appreciation for the Arts: Ballet has a rich history and cultural significance. Learning about it can help children develop cultural awareness, including a love of music and dance.
  • Sense of Accomplishment: Mastering movements and perfecting challenging techniques can help build confidence and self-esteem.

“The valuable performing opportunities provided by the school have given Ava a better idea of what it was like to be a professional dancer. I’m grateful for Ava to have had these experiences, and look forward to her continued journey with Philadelphia Ballet!”

Ava DiEmedio, Parent of SPB student

The Dancer’s Journey: Opportunities at School of Philadelphia Ballet

 

All curriculum at School of Philadelphia Ballet is designed to facilitate a seamless progression of skill development, starting from the earliest stages of training and culminating in performance readiness. Our students receive intensive instruction across disciplines, including classical ballet technique, pointe work, men’s classes, pas de deux, and variations. Additionally, dancers have the opportunity to enhance their training with classes in contemporary, Flamenco, Jazz, stretch, and strength.

Children’s Programs

Children’s Programs at School of Philadelphia Ballet’s introduce students to dance and ballet through movement, music, games, props, and fun. Students at this level progress through essential components—including gross motor skills, spatial awareness, musicality, and body awareness. Enrollees also have the opportunity to participate in a special Children’s Program Performance at the end of the term.

CREATIVE MOVEMENT
Ages 3-4 (No experience required)

An introduction to ballet-based movement begins at this tender age, and we want each child’s first experience with dance to be a positive one. Students at this level work on gross motor skills using various types of music, props, and their imagination.

PRE-BALLET
Ages 4-5 (No experience required)

Continued work on gross motor skills with a greater focus on creative thinking is the core of this level. In pre-ballet, students will explore working with others as well as spatial awareness.

PRIMARY
Ages 5-6 (No experience required)

Primary classes are an exciting introduction to Ballet technique. Students at this level will begin work on fine motor skills and ballet vocabulary. Continued use of imagination, balance, body alignment, and spatial awareness are key areas of focus.

FOUNDATIONS
Ages 6-7 (No experience required)

This level is a bridge to our Student Program levels. Strength, vocabulary, and classroom etiquette are emphasized, as well as flexibility and body alignment.

REGISTER

 

Student Programs

In our Student Programs, dancers undergo a transformative journey of disciplined training, refined etiquette, and enriched classical ballet vocabulary. School of Philadelphia Ballet instructors guide students with a keen focus on developing finer motor skills and enhancing turn-out, imparting not only the “how” but also the “why” behind each technique taught at their level.

LEVEL 1
Ages 8+ (Audition Required)

Level 1 begins the formal structured training in the art of ballet. Students at this level gain an understanding of their body as an instrument through developed body alignment, coordination, and proper execution of basic ballet foundation steps.

LEVEL 2
Ages 9+ (Audition Required)

Solidifying the work accomplished in the previous year and increased physical vocabulary are the goals for this level. Faster repetition of ballet vocabulary, increased steps in each exercise, and faster tempos are used. More work on demi-pointe and work across the floor are implemented, as well as bigger jumps and turning movements.

LEVEL 3
Ages 10+ (Audition Required)

The goal of this level is for students to perfect the material they learned in Levels 1 & 2, and expand their knowledge of classical ballet technique. Alignment, coordination, flexibility, and overall strength are focused on at this stage.

LEVEL 4
Ages 11+ (Audition Required)

Training at the Level 4 level intensifies as students develop a more comprehensive knowledge of classical ballet and a stronger ability to properly execute the vocabulary. More complex allegro work as well as more diverse pirouettes are introduced. Students also begin contemporary ballet studies.

LEVEL 5
Ages 12+ (Audition Required)

Students entering this level need to possess a strong understanding of their current physical vocabulary and proper execution of that vocabulary, as well as a strong commitment to their training. A major focus at this level is the transition from step to step creating a better quality of movement.

LEVEL 6
Ages 13+ (Audition Required)

Students at this level are ready for a much more demanding course of study regarding both strength and stamina. Pointe work for ladies increases significantly at this level. Dancers work to refine their classical ballet technique as well as demonstrate a high level of Ballet vocabulary, musicality, and artistry in their movement.

LEVEL 7
Age 14+ (Audition Required)

Students at this level are ready for a much more demanding course of study regarding both strength and stamina. Pointe work for ladies increases significantly at this level. Dancers work to refine their classical ballet technique as well as demonstrate a high level of Ballet vocabulary, musicality, and artistry in their movement.

Dancers interested in our Student Programs must be considered by audition. School of Philadelphia Ballet holds annual auditions for our school year programs, and video auditions are accepted on a rolling basis.

LEARN MORE ABOUT AUDITIONS

REGISTER TO AUDITION

ADULT PROGRAM
Ages 15+ (No experience required)

School of Philadelphia Ballet offers adult ballet classes for dancers ages 15 and up. Push yourself with a great workout, or just let your inner dancer shine—we make it easy for you to learn the art of ballet with expert instruction in a safe and welcoming environment.

REGISTER FOR A CLASS

 

Get In Touch

Ready for next steps or still have questions? Our dedicated staff will be happy to assist you. Reach out to us today, to learn more!

CONTACT

School of Philadelphia Ballet / New Jersey
401 Bloomfield Drive, West Berlin, NJ 08091
215-587-6942
[email protected]

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Faculty

Meet our school’s highly respected roster of dance educators as well as our lineup of renowned guest instructors.

Parent Community

As part of the Philadelphia Ballet family, we gladly provide this page as a useful resource for important information pertaining to your child’s dance education.

Children's Summer Programs

Instill a love of dance! Fun-filled classes run June 26th – July 22nd, and Dance Camps in July and August.