Summer Children’s Programs

Summer Camps and Classes for our Youngest Dancers

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 Summer Children’s Programs aim 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.

Registration for our Summer Programs opens on January 1, 2026!
Explore our upcoming camps and classes below.

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Summer Dance CampsSummer Children’s Classes

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Summer Dance Camps

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

Join us for an enriching experience at our Summer 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 AM – 10:00 AM Ballet and Creative Movement Class
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM Break and Snack Time
10:30 AM – 11:00 AM Craft Time, Materials provided by SPB
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Story Rehearsal

Camp Tuition:
$325.00/camp
Payment is due upon registration. Additional weeks can be added at any time. All payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. 

2026 Summer Camps

Save the dates! Registration opens on January 1, 2026.

The Nutcracker
June 22-26, 2026

Sleeping Beauty
July 6-10, 2026

Swan Lake
July 27-31, 2026

Alice in Wonderland
August 10-14, 2026

Summer Children’s Program Classes

Weekly Classes for Dancers Ages 3-9
Saturdays in 3-Week Sessions

Instill your child with a love of dance in our Summer Children’s Program Classes! Our summer classes 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 at instilling a sense of self-confidence and self-worth. Students will progress through essential components, including motor skills, spatial awareness, musicality, and body awareness.

Classes are held in 3-week sessions on Saturdays. Explore our summer classes and register below.

CREATIVE MOVEMENT

Age 3-4
Saturdays from 9:00-9:45 AM

Our Creative Movement class 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, coordination, 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 caregiver. Our amazing faculty and staff work very hard to ensure that this transition is the best and most successful experience for everyone. 

Session 1:
Saturday, June 13, 20, and 27, 2026, from 9:00-9:45 AM

Session 2:
Saturday, July 11, 18, and 25, 2026, from 9:00-9:45 AM

Session 3:
Saturday, August 1, 8, and 15, 2026, from 9:00-9:45 AM

PRE-BALLET

Ages 4-5
Saturdays from 10:00-10:45 AM

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. 

Session 1:
Saturday, June 13, 20, and 27, 2026, from 10:00-10:45 AM

Session 2:
Saturday, July 11, 18, and 25, 2026, from 10:00-10:45 AM

Session 3:
Saturday, August 1, 8, and 15, 2026, from 10:00-10:45 AM

PRIMARY

Ages 5-6
Saturdays from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

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.

Session 1:
Saturday, June 13, 20, and 27, 2026, from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Session 2:
Saturday, July 11, 18, and 25, 2026, from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Session 3:
Saturday, August 1, 8, and 15, 2026, from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

 

FUNDAMENTALS

Ages 6-9
Saturdays from 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM

Fundamentals is ideal for young dancers ready to deepen their ballet practice. This level focuses on correct posture and body alignment, and introduces barre and center work 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.

Session 1:
Saturday, June 13, 20, and 27, 2026, from 12:00-1:15 PM

Session 2:
Saturday, July 11, 18, and 25, 2026, from 12:00-1:15 PM

Session 3:
Saturday, August 1, 8, and 15, 2026, from 12:00-1:15 PM

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

What should my dancer wear?


Dancers enrolled in School of Philadelphia Ballet’s Summer Children’s Programs may wear any style of solid color, capped-sleeved leotard that they choose. Please note that dancers in our Children’s Programs do not wear tights. Skirts are not permitted. Year-round students may continue to wear their uniform to class.

Leotards are available in the Philadelphia Ballet Boutique! Shop the boutique at the link below.

PHILADELPHIA BALLET BOUTIQUE

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.
  • No tights.
  • 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 must 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 back so that 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.
  • Hair should be combed and fastened away from the face if long. Hair must be done before class begins.

Please note that students must wear street attire over their dance clothing when arriving and departing from the studio. 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, snacks containing tree nuts or peanuts are not allowed. Dancers may bring a water bottle.


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


Dancers attending our Summer Children’s Program Classes need their attire and ballet shoes for class. Dancers may bring a water bottle, but it must be left in their dance bag unless needed.


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


Students in the Children’s Program may not be 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 studios open 30 minutes before 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 Office if you anticipate a delay. Repeat offenders will be subject to a $20.00 late pick-up fee.


What policies should I be aware of?


You can find all of School of Philadelphia’s policies listed on this page. If you have any questions, please contact the School Office at [email protected].

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