By age 8, students are ready for longer, more formal ballet classes. They begin working at the barre, and learn proper ballet terminology. Students in Ballet 1 attend two 60-minute classes per week, and those in Ballet 2 attend two 75-minute classes per week. Students have the opportunity to perform in the annual production of The Nutcracker, as well as the end-of-year June Concert.

​Intermediate Technique & Introduction to Pointe

Once students have mastered the basics of ballet, they are ready for more rigorous training. Ballet 3 attends three 90-minute classes per week. Ballet 4 attends three 90-minute classes per week. Pointework is introduced in the second semester of Ballet 4, with pointe class scheduled immediately following two classes per week. In accordance with ABT’s National Training Curriculum, CDS emphasizes proper technique, alignment and age-appropriate introduction of pointework. No student is permitted on pointe until appropriate strength and stability are achieved.