Ballet & Dance Programs
Children’s Division – Creative Movement and Pre-Ballet
The children’s division is a prelude to formal ballet instruction. These dance classes introduce children to musicality and movement through creativity and group interaction. Creative Movement is tailored for ages 3 and 4, and Pre-Ballet for ages 5 and 6. At the end of Pre-Ballet, students will have a strong foundation in place to advance into the Student Division.
Student Division – Levels 1 thru 5
This division is grounded in technique with an emphasis on classical ballet. Dance classes in the student division are carefully graded by age, physical strength, and understanding of each level’s curriculum. Students are introduced to progressive levels of ballet technique. They are promoted according to individual progress.
Professional Training Program
Students selected for this elite level of training are serious-minded dancers looking to pursue dance at the highest level. Are you looking to continue your training at the College or University level and/ or pursue a career as a dancer on a professional stage? Our Professional Training Program will provide you with the skills necessary to succeed. Dancers in this program train six days each week. In addition to classical ballet technique, dancers study Pointe, Variations, Contemporary, Modern, & Jazz with additional training in Yoga, Pilates, & Stretching/ Conditioning. Students have frequent opportunities to perform with the Rochester City Ballet, Rochester’s premier professional ballet company.
Open Adult Dance Classes
We offer classes for those just getting started or revisiting ballet/dance again as an adult! Open adult dance classes are a fun way to achieve flexibility, muscle tone, and coordination.
Summer Program
Draper Center offers an array of options in its well-respected and nationally renowned Summer Programs. Whether your child is just starting dance, would like to improve their abilities in a short time, or is training to become a professional dancer, we offer all levels of study and intensity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost for ballet lessons?
Like any extracurricular activity, there is a wide range of fees associated with dance. There are some upfront costs to anticipate for their class uniform and appropriate dance shoes. Dancers attending class one day a week can expect to pay between $50.00 – $75.00 a month, depending on the length of the class. At the Draper Center, we like to look at the cost associated with studying dance as an investment in your child’s future.
At what age should a child start ballet lessons?
There is no wrong age to start ballet classes. Studying ballet & dance at any age helps with physical fitness, coordination, confidence, & self-discipline. At Draper Center we offer classes for ages 3 to adult. Like any art form that requires coordination and technique, starting with the proper foundation ensures greater success and physical longevity in the art form.
What age is too late to start ballet?
It’s never too late to start studying ballet and dance for the joy of it. To be a professional dancer is another story. It takes years and years of training to perfect your ballet technique; in fact you will continue to hone your skills far into your professional career. There is no confirmed age limit that you have to start ballet classes by. Success is more determined by your commitment, hard work, discipline, & of course, level of natural ability.
How do I teach my 7 year old ballet?
Ballet is a detailed & difficult art form to accomplish. It takes many years of training and information and even the professionals still seek the guidance of their coaches and teachers as they strive to achieve ballet at the highest level. While as a parent it is wonderful to expose young children to ballet through theater experiences and movies, it is best to leave the training to the experts. If your little one shows an interest in ballet find the school that best meets your needs in your area.
What are the health benefits of adult ballet classes?
A total body workout, ballet will help you achieve strength, balance, and coordination. It improves flexibility and lengthens muscles; it is good for stamina, posture, and increases your energy levels. Adult ballet has also been known to improve your concentration and cognitive function. Most importantly, ballet makes you feel alive and is a great way to express yourself.
What is the best age for ballet?
Like anything, you want to build upon a solid foundation. Getting children started as early as 3-5 years old is recommended. Ballet students 3-5 years of age begin to develop musicality, flexibility, strength, balance, and a joy for expressing themselves through movement. These early years lay a foundation but also start to prepare students for a more structured setting. Above and beyond the mental and physical benefits of early ballet training, young dancers are slowly taught proper ballet classroom etiquette which makes their first years in structured ballet training even more successful and enjoyable. With that being said, it is never too late to start ballet and as long as a child is motivated and hard-working, there will be endless benefits to ballet training.
Can you learn ballet at any age?
Studying ballet & dance at any age helps with physical fitness, coordination, confidence, & self-discipline. At Draper Center we offer classes for ages 3 to adult. Like any art form that requires coordination and technique, starting with the proper foundation ensures greater success and physical longevity in the art form.
How many times a week should I do ballet?
This is best determined by how far a student has advanced through their ballet curriculum in addition to their age and physical preparedness. For example, a Level 1 dancer may only attend ballet classes once or twice a week while a student in our Professional Training Program attends classes 6 days a week. Setting up an evaluation with one of Draper Center’s professional teachers would be the best way to get a recommendation regarding the best schedule of dance classes for your aspiring dancer.
Can adults learn to do pointe?
Absolutely! If someone is committed to learning the proper technique and gaining the strength and flexibility required to safely tackle the difficult task that is pointe work, it is certainly possible.