Training · Children & teens
Children’s and teen ballet classes at MBA’s Scottsdale studios build technique, musicality, and artistry, from first steps through progressive training.
Level I serves ages 3–5, and Level II suggests ages 5–7. Levels III and IV are by assessment only. The Age 13+ group offers ballet and complementary disciplines for older students.
These groups follow the 2026–2027 schedule. Age ranges are a starting point; contact the academy about the best fit for your dancer’s experience.
Get to know MBA’s teaching faculty.
Ages 3–5
An introduction to ballet through movement, music, creativity, and imagination. Students explore patterns, musical awareness, and moving both individually and as a group, while learning basic ballet vocabulary and class etiquette.
On the schedule: Ballet, creative movement, and ballet with tap.
Suggested ages 5–7
Students begin the structure of a ballet technique class, including conditioning, stretching, barre work, and ballet vocabulary. Musicality, body placement, alignment, small jumps, and exercises across the floor build coordination and strength.
On the schedule: Ballet, stretching, jazz, musical theater, contemporary, acrobatics, ballroom, and technique.
Assessment only
Barre combinations become more complex as students develop accuracy, strength, musicality, and use of the upper body. Ballet vocabulary and technique continue alongside an introduction to artistry and performance quality. An assessment determines placement.
On the schedule: Ballet, contemporary, jazz, acrobatics, musical theater, ballroom, character, and conditioning.
Assessment only
Continued ballet study develops musicality, accuracy, strength, and upper-body coordination. Pre-pointe work strengthens the feet and ankles, with pointe participation subject to the academy’s requirements. An assessment determines placement.
On the schedule: Ballet, pointe / pre-pointe, character, contemporary, musical theater, ballroom, tap, lyrical, jazz, and conditioning.
Pointe and pre-pointe students must take at least three ballet classes in their level, including ballet on the same day as pointe.
Ages 13+
Ballet technique is supported by complementary dance styles and conditioning. The schedule includes character, musical theater, ballroom, lyrical / contemporary, jazz, and ballet with pre-pointe / pointe. Ask the academy which classes suit your experience.
On the schedule: Ballet, pre-pointe / pointe, character, musical theater, ballroom, lyrical / contemporary, jazz, and conditioning.
Pointe and pre-pointe students must take at least three ballet classes in their level, including ballet on the same day as pointe.
Continue your training
Learn about the program, its divisions, and audition requirements.