Summer Children’s Programs

Louise Reed Center for Dance
323 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Whether you’re looking to introduce your child to the world of classical ballet, build upon lessons and techniques already acquired, or instill in them a love of dance and a true sense of accomplishment, School of Philadelphia Ballet has you covered. Our Children’s Summer Programs aims to instruct, delight, and inspire — all within a creative and nurturing environment led by a dedicated and passionate staff of ballet professionals. Your children will have the time of their lives, make new friends, and perhaps even learn about themselves along the way.

Our Children’s Program has an open enrollment policy, and auditions are not required. Please note that classes fill up quickly and are on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no registration fee for summer children’s programs.

FAQ

What should my dancer wear?


Children enrolled in School of Philadelphia Ballet’s summer programs may wear any style of solid color, capped-sleeved leotard that they choose. Skirts are not permitted. Year-round students may continue to wear their uniform to class.

ALL Students:

  • Ballet shoes must have an elastic strap sewn across the top of each foot. Please do not pin or tie the elastic straps, as this is not secure and can hurt your child’s foot.
  • The elastic laces on ballet shoes should be tied, trimmed and tucked in the top of the shoe. This prevents the laces from becoming untied during class.
  • Jewelry: Stud earrings only.
  • Please mark clothing, shoes and dance bags with the student’s full name.

Female-Identifying Students:

  • Any solid color leotard.
  • White or skin-toned ankle socks.
  • Pink ballet shoes or skin-toned ballet shoes.
  • Black jazz shoes (if applicable) Black jazz pants (if applicable).
  • Black character shoes (if applicable) Black character skirt (if applicable).
  • Mid-length to long hair is required to be pulled back into a neat bun and fastened securely using hair pins and a hair net (found at dance supply or drug stores). Short hair needs to be fastened away from the face. Braids must be pinned and secured so they do not move. Hair must be done before class begins.
  • No skirts, sweaters, or leg warmers.

Male-Identifying Students:

  • Short-sleeved white t-shirt.
  • Black dance shorts.
  • White or skin-toned ankle socks.
  • White or skin-toned ballet shoes.
  • Black jazz shoes (if applicable) Black jazz pants (if applicable).
  • Black character shoes (if applicable) Black character skirt (if applicable).
  • Hair should be combed and fastened away from the face if long. Hair must be done before class begins.

NOTE: Students must arrive wearing dance attire under their street clothing. No one is to arrive or leave the school wearing only dance attire. This policy reflects the professional atmosphere of SPB and our concern for the safety of our students.


What should I bring to the Summer Dance Camps?


Dancers attending our Summer Dance Camps should bring a light snack each day for snack time. Due to serious food allergies, please do not pack any snack that contains nuts. We highly recommend packing a water bottle (no glass) instead of any colored juices.

Dancers should show up to the studio either wearing or ready to change into their attire. They should also bring their ballet shoes.


What should I bring to the Summer Children’s Program Classes?


Dancers attending our Summer Children’s Program Classes need their attire, ballet shoes, and water for class.


What is the drop-off and pick-up procedure?


Students in the Children’s Program are not permitted to be dropped off or left alone without adult supervision. A parent or guardian must be with the student both before the class begins and after class ends. Guardians should be prepared to escort their student and wait with them in the lobby until class begins.

School of Philadelphia Ballet’s venues will open 30 minutes prior to the first class of the day. To limit crowding, parents may not drop off students more than 15 minutes before their class time. A fee of $20.00 will be automatically charged to your credit card on file if a child is dropped off more than 15 minutes before their class.

Parents are expected to pick up students promptly after classes. Please contact the School if you are delayed or anticipate a delay. A fee of $20.00 will be automatically charged to the credit card on file if your child is not picked up 15 minutes after their class has ended.


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Summer Dance CampsSummer Children’s Program Classes

Summer Dance Camps

Week-long Camps; Ages 4-6
All summer long!

Join us for an enriching experience at our dance camps, where your child will embark on a journey of fun, friendship, and artistic expression. Throughout the week, dancers will work together to put on a performance around the week’s theme. Each morning, we will dance, learn choreography, share in snack time, and create performance costumes with materials provided by SPB. With a variety of themed camps to choose from, there’s something for every young dancer to enjoy. On the last day of the program, join us as we showcase what we’ve learned with a special performance for family and friends. Don’t miss this opportunity for your child to let their inner dancer shine! 

Camp Schedule:
9:00-10:00am Ballet and Creative Movement Class
10:00-10:30am Break & Snack Time
10:30-11:00am Craft Time, Materials provided by SPB
11:00-12:00pm Story Rehearsal

Camp Tuition:
One Week – $320.00
Two Weeks – $600.00
Three Weeks – $800.00
Payment is due upon registration. Additional weeks can be added at any time. Discounts will be applied upon billing. All payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. 

2025 Summer Dance Camps:

Save the dates! Registration opens on January 1, 2025. 

The Nutcracker
June 16-18, 20-21, 2025 – No class on June 19th (Juneteenth)

Register for The Nutcracker Camp

Sleeping Beauty
July 28-August 1, 2025 

Register for Sleeping Beauty Camp

Coppélia
August 11-15, 2025 

Register for Coppelia Camp

Summer Children’s Program Classes

5-Week Session; Ages 3-9
Saturdays, June 28-July 26, 2025

Instill your child with a love of dance in our Summer Children’s Program Classes! The goal of the Children’s Program is to introduce the students to dance and ballet through movement, music, games, props, and fun. Dancers learn in an organized group setting while exploring the use of their imagination. Each lesson is a positive experience aimed to instill a sense of self-confidence and self-worth. Students will progress through essential components including developing motor skills, spatial awareness, musicality, and body awareness.

Summer Schedule:
Saturday, 9:00-9:45am – Creative Movement (Ages 3-4)
Saturday, 10:00-10:45am – Pre-Ballet (Ages 4-5)
Saturday, 11:00am-12:00pm – Primary (Ages 5-6)
Saturday, 12:00-1:15pm – Fundamentals (Ages 6-9) 

Class Tuition: 
5-Week Session
Creative Movement – $115.00
Pre-Ballet – $115.00
Primary – $125.00
Fundamentals – $135.00
Payment is due upon registration. All payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. 

CREATIVE MOVEMENT

Age 3-4
45-minute lesson
Tuition: $115 

Creative movement is a dance class that invites the young child to explore their curiosities and joy of movement. In class, we give space for the child to stretch their voice and embrace creativity.  Ballet basics, classroom structure, co-ordination, spatial awareness, and teamwork are all introduced through class exercises and specially designed movement games. At School of Philadelphia Ballet we understand that this can often be a child’s first experience of time without their primary care giver. Our amazing faculty and staff work very hard to ensure that this transition is the best and most successful experience for everyone. 

Saturdays 9:00 am – 9:45 am
Register for Creative Movement 

PRE-BALLET

Ages 4-5
45-minute lesson
Tuition: $115 

Pre-Ballet classes are an exciting introduction to Ballet technique. Students will begin work on fine motor skills and ballet vocabulary. Continued use of the imagination along with balance, body alignment, and spatial awareness are a focus. 

Saturdays 10:00 am – 10:45 am
Register for Pre-Ballet

PRIMARY

Ages 5-6
1-hour lesson
Tuition: $125 

Primary Ballet offers a warm and supportive environment for young dancers to begin their ballet journey. In this class, students develop foundational skills such as strength, flexibility, and body alignment while learning basic steps and building their classical ballet vocabulary. We emphasize linking steps together and understanding classroom etiquette, setting up our dancers for a lifetime of movement.

Saturdays 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Register for Primary

FUNDAMENTALS

Ages 6-9
1-hour, 15 minute lesson
Tuition: $135 

Fundamentals is ideal for young dancers ready to deepen their ballet practice. This level focuses on correct posture, body alignment, and introduces barre and center work, along with a range of jumps and balances. Dancers are encouraged to develop their technique while enjoying the structure of a more advanced class. It’s also a great fit for 8-9-year-olds trying ballet for the first time and looking for a supportive and fun introduction.

Saturdays: 12:00 pm – 1:15 pm
Register for Fundamentals

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