Ages 7-12

Take your dance training to the next level in a supportive, professional, and positive environment in our Junior Division.

Our goal at this level is to develop strong and confident dancers while igniting their love for dance. While continuing to learn the basics of body movement and strengthening their technique, our Junior Division students start exploring and experiencing new and different dance genres such as tap, jazz, modern, and contemporary.

One of the greatest benefits of dancing at this age is the sense of community and camaraderie created in the classroom. Lifelong friendships are developed during these pivotal years of adolescence. We foster these relationships by encouraging teamwork, understanding, commitment, and patience in and out of the classroom.

All ballet classes in the Junior division follow the ABT National Training Curriculum

We proudly follow the American Ballet Theater National Training Curriculum (ABT NTC)
Benefits of following the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum
At Dance Matters we understand that a good technical foundation is essential to developing strong confident dancers. We offer a warm and supportive environment for our dancers to thrive.
We take our role as dance teachers to heart and know that dance teaches our students life skills beyond the classroom, like commitment, camaraderie, discipline, focus, love for movement and self confidence.
Our students ages 5 and up have the opportunity to present graded examinations with an ABT examiner each year and learn about their progress and move unto the next level of training.
Examinations are optional and by invitation only. Students will receive a certification from The American Ballet Theatre upon passing the level. This certification will serve students that continue dancing in high-school, collegiate, and pre-professional training programs.
Examinations are also a great way for us to see how we are doing. It is important we offer you our very best.

Our approach to training and examinations:
Our school’s approach to examinations is aligned with our training philosophy. We believe that every child should have the opportunity to reach their full potential given the right tools, understanding, and space to grow. We know that dance is an empowering experience when offered properly, lovingly, and respectfully.

What does this mean?
We are committed to high quality dance training and have created a safe and professional environment for students ages 2.5 – 16 to train and enjoy the beauty of dance. We value the discipline and commitment that comes with ballet training and follow the American Ballet Theater National Training Curriculum.

How does this work?
Ages 2.5 – 4.5 begin a fun filled dance experience with a creative and imaginative class. These classes are carefully designed to captivate their imagination and introduce the joy for dance and movement to our youngest of students. Each one of our levels consistently builds on each other allowing our dancers to grow and get ready for the next level.

Ages 5 and up.
Our students ages 5 and up have the opportunity to start presenting graded examinations each year and go up in level. This year examinations will be by invitation only, as well as optional. Those students who decide to take the examinations will be presented with a certification and recognition from this highly renowned institution. The ABT certification will serve students that keep dancing in the future and go unto dance majors and pre-professional training programs.

What to expect:
We will hold brief information sessions for parents during regularly scheduled ballet classes to understand requirements, fees and commitment. – Same beautiful ballet classes all year long!