Ballet & Dance Programs

Ballet and dance classes for children - Ballet School, Monroe County, Rochester NY

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 ballet and dance classes - Ballet School, Monroe County, Rochester NY

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.

Ballet and dance summer classes - Ballet School, Monroe County, Rochester NY

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

At what age should a child start dance classes?

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 type of dance is best for beginners?

Any style of dance is great for beginners. The important thing for beginners is that you start at the beginning. Don’t skip over the basics. Creating a solid foundation with basic dance training is the best way to guarantee continued growth and to avoid injuries.

How do I teach my toddler to dance?

Ballet & dance 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, movies, & letting them dance freely around the living room, it is best to leave the training to the experts. If your little one shows an interest in ballet you should find the school that best meets your needs in your area.

What is the best age to start dancing?

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.

How much do private dance lessons cost?

Traditionally when learning dance it is taught in a classroom setting, but there are times when a private lesson is exactly what is needed. Private lessons can help a student overcome areas of difficulty they may be experiencing or give them the boost of self confidence needed to excel in their weekly classes. Private lessons range in cost based on the experience of the teacher and the needs of the student. For more information about private lessons, please contact the Draper Center main office.

2024-2025 School Calendar and Schedule

Registration Begins: August 1, 2024
First Day of Classes: September 7, 2024
Visitor’s Week #1: TBD
Thanksgiving Break: November 24-30, 2024
Holiday Break: December 22, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Visitor’s Week #2: TBD
February Break: February 16-22, 2025
Spring Break: April 13- April 19, 2025
Visitor’s Week #3: TBD
Memorial Day Break: May 24-26, 2025

Last Day of Classes: June 7, 2025

CLASS OBSERVATION POLICY
All Draper Center classes rehearsals are closed for observation except during scheduled Visitor’s Weeks. Each level will have one week of observation, three times throughout the school year. Exact dates will be announced in advance.

Class/Level Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Creative Movement - 4:45-5:45/ E 11:00-12:00/ C - 4:45-5:45/ E 10:30-11:30/ C 11:00-12:00/ E
Pre-Ballet 4:45-5:45/ E - 4:45-5:45/ E 4:45-5:45/ E - 9:00-10:00/ E
Pre-Ballet Jazz 6:00-6:45/ E - 6:00-6:45/ E 6:00-6:45/ E - 10:15-11:00/ E
Ballet 1 - - - - - 9:00-10:15/ D
Jazz 1 - - - - - 10:30-11:15/ D
Ballet 1B - - 4:30-5:45/ D - - 9:00-10:15/ C
Jazz 1B - - 6:00-7:00/ D - - -
Ballet 2 - 4:30-6:00/ C - 4:30-6:00/ C - -
Jazz 2 - - - 6:15-7:15/ C - -
Stretch & Strength 2 - 6:15-6:45/ E - - - -
Boy's Class 2 - - - - 6:00-7:00/ E -
Ballet 3 - - 4:30-6:00/ C - 4:30-6:00/ D 10:15-11:45/ B
Pre-Pointe 3 - - - - 6:15-6:45/ D -
Jazz 3 - - 6:15-7:15/ C - - -
Stretch & Strength 3 - - - - - 9:15-10:00/ B
Boys Class 3 - - - - 6:00-7:00/ E -
Ballet 4 4:30-6:00/ C - - 4:30-6:00/ D 4:30-6:00/ B 10:15-12:00/ A
Ballet 4/5A - 4:30-6:30/ D - - - -
Pointe 4 6:15-7:00/ C - - - - 12:15-1:15/ D
Jazz 4 - - - - 6:00-7:30/ B -
Various Styles 4 - - - 6:15-7:30/ D - -
Stretch & Strength 4 - - - - - 9:30-10:15/ A
Boy's Class 4 - - - - - 12:00-1:00/ E
Ballet 5 4:00-6:00/ B 4:00-6:00/ B - - 4:00-5:30/ C 12:00-2:00/ B
Ballet 5/PTPA - - - 4:00-6:00/ B - -
Pointe 5 6:00-7:00/ B 6:00-7:00/ B - - 5:30-6:30/ C 2:00-3:00/ B
Jazz 5 - - 5:30-7:00/ B - - -
Various Styles 5 - - 4:00-5:30/ B - - -
Stretch & Strength 5 - - - 6:00-6:30/ B - -
Boy's Class 5 - - - - - -
PTP Ballet 4:00-6:00/ A 4:00-6:00/ A - 4:00-6:00/ A 4:00-6:00/ A 12:00-2:00/ A
PTP Variations - - - - - 2:00-3:00/ A
PTP Pointe 6:00-7:00/ A 6:00-7:00/ A - 6:00-7:00/ A 6:00-7:00/ A -
PTP Jazz - - 4:00-5:30/ A - - -
PTP Various Styles - - 5:30-7:00/ A - - -
PTP Boy's Class - 6:00-7:00/ C - 6:30-7:15/ E 7:00-7:45/ D -
Open Int/Adv Ballet - 7:00-8:30/ D 12:00-1:30/ A - 12:00-1:30/ A -
Open Beginner Ballet - - 7:00-8:30/ D - - -
Draper Center for Dance Education