Ballet Levels

The Ballet Academy has revised the names of our ballet classes to align with the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum. After the Primary levels it is normal to stay in the same level for more than one year.

Changing levels is based on proficiency which is influenced by many factors including age, attendance, attitude and aptitude. Placement decisions are made in the best interest of the child's development as a dancer.

Dancers age 4 through 8 should register by age.

Dancers age 9 and up will need a placement. Level 1 includes dancers both age 8 and age 9.

Students in Primary B through Level 1 ballet are eligible to participate in Cedar Rapids Children’s Ballet (CRCB). Students in Level 2A ballet and up who attend ballet classes twice a week are eligible to participate in Youth Repertory Ensemble (YRE). Students in Level 3A and up who attend ballet classes at least twice a week and who are ready to perform en pointe are eligible for The Ballet Academy Youth Company (BAYC). An all-inclusive fee is charged to help defray the expenses specific to these ensembles.

Members of these ensembles must commit to regular attendance of both classes and rehearsals. Rehearsals may be scheduled during holiday breaks. All absences must be pre-approved. Irregular attendance will result in the reduction or elimination of the dancer’s part in upcoming performances. Rehearsal details and updates will be distributed via email and website and posted at the Academy. BAYC, YRE, CRCB have a major mid-winter performance and a special section in the Spring Concert (recital)  Performances are sometimes also scheduled at community or private events. BAYC dancers typically perform corps de ballet and soloist roles, YRE dancers corps de ballet roles and CRCB corps de ballet or children’s roles.