For Adult Class Descriptions click here.

Children's Class Descriptions

Follow these links for more on class schedules, overall program information, registration, tuition, summer camps, summer classes or for a yearly calendar. For information on class attire and hair, click here.

Pilates, yoga, stretching and strength training, injury prevention, nutrition, musicality, dance and art history, choreography, acting, and many other dance forms are all aspects that are incorporated at the appropriate levels into the training of dancers at Alameda Ballet Academy.

Mommy & Me Ages 3-4 1 class per week (45 min.)
Students and 1 Caregiver are exposed to the basic concepts, rhythms, and positions of ballet. They also learn proper classroom etiquette in a fun, creative, and focused environment. This class was introduced for our very young students who may have separation anxiety.
Pre-Ballet Ages 4-5 1 class per week (45 min.)
Students are exposed to the basic concepts, rhythms, and positions of ballet. They also learn proper classroom etiquette in a fun, creative, and focused environment.
Ballet 1 Ages 5-6 1 class per week (1 hr.)
In order to achieve the beautiful posture of a dancer, students learn the concepts of abdominal control and 'turnout from the hip' as well as stretching, strengthening and coordination. Students work in first and second positions of both the arms and the legs for the barre and center work - the universal foundation for the training of a ballet dancer. Musicality, expressiveness, grace, focus and self discipline are encouraged at all times.
Ballet 2 Ages 7-8 2 classes per week (1.25 hrs.)
In order to achieve the beautiful posture of a dancer, students learn the concepts of abdominal control and 'turnout from the hip' as well as stretching, strengthening and coordination. Students work in first and second positions of both the arms and the legs for the barre and center work - the universal foundation for the training of a ballet dancer. Musicality, expressiveness, grace, focus and self discipline are encouraged at all times.
Ballet 3 Ages 9-11 3 classes per week (1.5 hrs.)
Building on the basic class that students learned in Ballet 2, exercises become longer and more complex working at an intermediate level. Now that core strength has been achieved, demi-pointe (half toe) and epaulment (carriage of the head and upper body) are incorporated in the class. Greater focus is placed on musicality and expressiveness as they learn to dance new steps with greater grace.
Ballet 4 - Beginning Pointe Ages 11 & up by invitation 4-5 classes per week (1.5 hrs.)
In order for students to begin working on pointe, students must attend at least 3 ballet classes per week and have studied ballet for at least 4 years. Students must also have developed the appropriate placement, leg and core strength, and coordination to be successful. Having met these criteria, under the supervision of the Artistic Director, students are taken to buy their first pointe shoes! This is a very exciting day for any young student and a rite of passage as well. They have shown their dedication to the art form, worked hard, and earned this honor. Then the work and reality begins. Before stepping up on pointe, students must first learn to sew the ribbons and elastic on their shoes, break in their shoes, and learn how to protect their feet from blisters. Once this is learned, students begin basic exercises at the barre for at least 6-12 months before moving to center floor work.
Ballet 5 Ages 13 & up by invitation 5 classes per week (1.5 hrs.)
Working at an intermediate to advanced level, students are now focusing on refining their technique while beginning to take what they have learned and craft it into an art form. Students at this point are asked to be apprentices with Alameda Civic Ballet, where they will learn how to dance in the corps de ballet (an ultimate team effort) in classical, contemporary, and modern works. Students have now developed sufficient strength and technique to perform many of the dance steps they have learned on pointe, and do so in a full pointe class on top of their regular technique classes. They also begin learning the beauty of pas de deux (partnering) in basic adagio, lifts, and turns.
Ballet Fundamentals Ages 9-18 1-2 classes per week (1.5 hrs.)

This is a beginning ballet class for older ballet students interested in taking beginning ballet who wish to be in a class with their own peer group. Students are being suggested to this class for one or more of the following reasons:

  • need more hands on instruction
  • cannot take the number of classes to keep up with their level
  • 9 year old to teenagers who are just starting ballet
Company - by invitation
The saying goes 'It takes ten years to train a dancer'. If students have achieved this level they have shown their dedication to the art form and have earned the honor of being called a 'dancer'. This is where the real work begins! Dancers typically take at least a 1 & ½ - 2 hour class 5-6 days per week plus rehearsals. Dancers at this level are now working at an advanced/pre-professional level giving them a more realistic view of what the life of a professional dancer feels like should they decide to follow that path. As full company members of Alameda Civic Ballet, dancers are asked to perform soloist and principal roles to further challenge them. While still working to strengthen their technical abilities, the focus now is placed on poise, style, musicality and self expression. The dancer's intelligence and artistry developed at this level will give young dancers self confidence and other valuable qualities that they will carry with them into adulthood and down any path they choose.
Alameda Ballet Academy classes

ABA students working with instructor Robert Greer.