Pre-ballet Division

Ages 2.5 years to 5 years. Classes are developmentally appropriate and a lot of fun! Enrollment is open now.

The Pre-Ballet Division provides a fun introduction to ballet and movement fundamentals for students ages 2.5 years to five years old. Developmentally appropriate classes are provided by professional faculty who encourage the success of each student. Engaged professional teachers and live piano music in the classroom ensures that we provide the Bay Area's most inspiring dance program for young movers. We offer two class levels in the Pre-Ballet Division, Dance with Me and Pre-Primary. These classes are available as a full session, September-May, by the semester, or by drop-in.

Dance with Me Class (Ages 2.5–4 years)
Saturdays, 9:15-10:00am
Based on the ABT® National Training Curriculum

Our “Dance with Me” class is a joyful introduction to dance for children ages 2.5 to 4, based on the American Ballet Theatre’s National Training Curriculum for early childhood. This class encourages young dancers to explore movement, music, and imaginative play in a nurturing and supportive environment with a parent or caregiver by their side.

Designed to develop coordination, musicality, body awareness, and social skills, the class gently introduces age-appropriate movement fundamentals that lay the foundation for future ballet training. Parents are welcome to participate as much or as little as they like—whether moving alongside their child, providing gentle encouragement, or simply enjoying the experience together.

Guided by a professional instructor, this class blends structure with creativity, fostering a love of movement while honoring each child’s individual pace of development. It’s the perfect way to bond, learn, and grow together.

Pre-Primary Ballet (Ages 4–5)
Saturdays, 10:00-11:00am
Based on the ABT® National Training Curriculum

Our Pre-Primary Ballet classes offer a joyful and developmentally appropriate introduction to classical ballet for children ages 4 to 5. Rooted in the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum, this program emphasizes movement fundamentals, musicality, coordination, and creative expression laying a strong foundation for future ballet study.

Led by experienced, professional faculty and with live pianists in select classes, training is thoughtfully designed to meet young dancers where they are, building confidence and skill through engaging activities and imaginative play. Our teachers are passionate about nurturing every student’s success, helping them grow physically, artistically, and socially in a supportive and encouraging environment.

With a focus on fun, discipline, and inspiration, our Pre-Primary Ballet classes are the perfect first step into the world of classical dance.

See our Schedule + Tuition page for details.

Primary Division

Primary Division Ballet (Ages 5–10)
ABT® National Training Curriculum – Levels Primary A, B & C

New Ballet’s Primary Division offers professional ballet training for children ages 5–10, following the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum Levels Primary A, B, and C. These developmentally appropriate classes are designed to nurture musicality, creativity, coordination, and the fundamentals of classical ballet technique while inspiring a lifelong love of dance.

Classes are open-enrollment and meet once a week, with both weekday and weekend options available. No audition is required; all students within the age range are welcome. Led by experienced, professional faculty and with live pianists in select classes, training is thoughtfully designed to encourage and uplift young artists while building a strong basis of classical ballet technique. Makeup classe are available for Primary A, B and C in case of absence.

Dancers in the Primary Division also have the exciting opportunity to participate in a brief appearance in The San Jose Nutcracker and to perform in our annual Spring Performance.

NOW INTRODUCING PRIMARY FLEX - An opportunity for kids ages 5-10 to study with New Ballet’s expert faculty on a drop in basis. Primary Flex classes are held on Thursdays from 5-6 pm. This class is perfect for dancers who want to explore ballet without a long-term commitment. Come when it works for your schedule with no long term commitment required. Each class includes age-appropriate ballet technique, creative movement, and lots of fun! SIGN UP BY THE CLASS HERE

See our Schedule + Tuition page for details.

Junior Pre-Professional Division

Junior Pre-Professional Division (Ages 8 & Up)
Placement Class Required | ABT® National Training Curriculum Levels 1A–3B

New Ballet’s Junior Pre-Professional Division offers serious young dancers a comprehensive classical ballet education rooted in the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum. Designed for students ages 8 and up, this program requires a placement class and provides structured, progressive training at Levels 1A through 3B.

Led by expert ABT® Certified faculty with select classes accompanied by live piano music, classes focus on building a strong technical foundation while emphasizing dancer health, proper alignment, musicality, and artistry. Our nurturing environment supports each student’s physical and emotional development as they grow into confident, expressive performers.

Dancers in the Junior Pre-Professional Division perform in two fully produced annual productions: The San Jose Nutcracker and our Spring Story Ballet offering valuable stage experience in a professional setting.

See our Schedule + Tuition page for details.

Senior Pre-Professional

Senior Pre-Professional Division
Audition Required | ABT® National Training Curriculum Levels 4–6

New Ballet’s Senior Pre-Professional Division is designed for dedicated ballet students training at the highest level. Students in this division typically train 4–5 days per week and study under expert ABT® Certified faculty in a focused, supportive environment with live pianists in select classes. Whether preparing for a professional ballet career or simply seeking the highest level of training, dancers receive rigorous technical instruction, artistic development, and individualized mentorship.

To support academic success alongside dance training, New Ballet offers flexible rehearsal and performance accommodations for high school juniors and seniors working to maintain a healthy school–dance balance.

Senior Pre-Professional Division dancers perform in two professionally produced annual productions: The San Jose Nutcracker and our Spring Story Ballet. Students in the Senior Division are eligible for private coaching at an additional charge, and elibible to be considered for New Ballet’s Competition Team, led by New Ballet’s School Director Linh Mai Le, named Outstanding Teacher in 2025 by Youth America Grand Prix.

Audition is required. Financial aid and scholarships are available for qualified students based on merit and need.

Studio Company & Studio Company Apprentice Programs

Full-Day, Performance-Based Programs for Advanced Dancers

Step into the life of a professional ballet dancer with New Ballet’s full-day, performance-focused programs designed for advanced dancers transitioning from student to artist. These programs offer unparalleled access to professional-level dancing, mentorship, and stage experience—providing the tools and support needed to pursue a fulfilling career in dance.

Studio Company Apprentice
For advanced students ages 16 and up who are ready to begin training during weekday hours (starting at 11:00am), the Studio Company Apprentice program offers a full-day, tuition-based experience that blends training and performance. Apprentices rehearse and perform with New Ballet’s professional company during the day, and continue their technical training in our Senior Pre-Professional Division during afternoons, evenings, and weekends.

Merit- and need-based scholarships may be available; however, they are limited and may not cover full tuition. This program is ideal for dancers ready to deepen their commitment and take the next step toward a professional career.

Studio Company
The Studio Company is a tuition-free, full-day program for dancers with exceptional promise who are fully committed to a professional ballet career. Dancers rehearse and perform regularly with New Ballet’s professional company while continuing their technical training with our ABT® Certified Faculty. Stipends may be available, depending on the dancer’s experience and ability.

Both the Studio Company and Apprentice programs include personalized career and professionalism counseling, designed to support each dancer’s artistic growth and prepare them for a successful, sustainable future in ballet.