Young Dancer Classes
Young Dancer Division
The Young Dancer Division is a stepping stone into classical ballet training for young dancers ages 3-7. Students’ gross motor skills are engaged through creative and expressive exercise, and a focus on coordination, flexibility, and ballet etiquette prepares them for the next level of study.
Our faculty for the Young Dancer Division is dedicated to focusing on the needs of our youngest dancers, while at the same time preparing them for their next steps in dance. Dancers may join mid-session following the age requirements. Email office@portlandballet.org for assistance.
Please click here for our Handbook and more information about schedules, policies, and dress codes.
Young Dancer Classes 2025/2026
Young Dancer Classes meet in 3, 11-week sessions from September-May. Depending on family availability, dancers can take 1, 2, or all 3 sessions.
Level placement is determined by age as of September 1, 2025 for Creative Movement & Pre-Ballet. For dancers 3 and under who have not met the age cut-off requirement, please check out our Baby & Me classes!
Fall Session: September 2 - November 15
Indigenous Peoples’ Day (No Classes) — October 13
Halloween (No Classses) — October 31
Winter Session: November 17 - March 7
Thanksgiving Break (No Classes) — November 24 - November 29
Winter Break (No Classes) — December 15 - January 4
February Break (No Classes) — February 16 - February 21
Spring Session: March 9 - May 30
April Break (No Classes) — April 20 - April 25
2025/2026 Classes
Creative Movement (Ages 3-4 by Sept. 1, 2025)
Fall, Winter, and Spring Sessions; Meets 1 day per week for 30 minutes per week
Class times: Tuesdays 3:30-4:00pm OR Saturdays 9:00-9:30am
Focuses on gross motor skills through creative and expressive exercise, and building an appreciation for dance and proper studio behavior. Tuition: $180 (11 weeks) — Register
Pre-Ballet 1 (Age 5 by Sept. 1, 2025)
Fall, Winter, and Spring Sessions; Meets 1 day per week for 45 minutes per week
Class times: Wednesdays 4:00-4:45pm OR Saturdays 9:30am-10:15am
Focuses on building the foundation of proper posture and coordination, musicality and movement, and age-appropriate stretching and strengthening. Spring Session Pre-Ballet Classes participate in the Year End Showcase in May. Tuition: $195 (11 weeks) — Register
Pre-Ballet 2 (Age 6 by Sept. 1, 2025)
Fall, Winter, and Spring Sessions; Meets 1 day per week for 45 minutes per week
Class times: Tuesdays 4:00pm-4:45pm OR Saturdays 10:15am-11:00am
Continues the focus on posture and ballet positions, as well as coordination, musicality, and age-appropriate stretching and strengthening. Spring Session Pre-Ballet Classes participate in the Year End Showcase in May. Tuition: $195 (11 weeks) — Register
Classes for Dancers Under 3
Baby & Me (Ages 1-3 with an adult)
Fridays 10am-10:30am, once per month
Friday, November 7 - 10:00am-10:30am —Register
Friday, December 5 - 10:00am-10:30am —Register
Friday, January 5 - 10:00am-10:30am —Register
Friday, February 6 - 10:00am-10:30am —Register
Friday, March 6 - 10:00am-10:30am —Register
Parents and Caregivers have fun and engage with their children (ages 1-3) and each other through dance, rhythms and music. Designed to inspire movement through observation, dance and creative exploration, these classes focus on engaging children to find expression through movement.
Parents and Caregivers are expected to attend and participate with their children in this class. (1 adult per child.) *Children must be 1 year old by the first day of class and should be comfortable walking independently*
Community Division
For dancers 3 and under who have not met the age cut-off requirement, please check out our Baby & Me classes in the Community Division! Baby & Me meets once per month on Friday mornings. Click HERE to learn more.
Junior Division
Dancers who are age 7 and up can join our Junior Division!
