Classical Ballet Training – The Vaganova Method
Our ballet program offers students of all ages the opportunity to build a strong foundation in classical dance through the internationally respected Vaganova Method. From creative movement for young children to pre-professional training for serious dancers, our classes develop strength, grace, and artistry in a supportive and inspiring environment.
Ballet Training at Danspirations
At our school, ballet is at the heart of everything we do. Under the guidance of Sheree, an Associate Member of the Society of Classical Ballet (Vaganova Method), students receive exceptional classical ballet instruction rooted in the world-renowned Vaganova technique. This method provides dancers with a comprehensive foundation, combining grace, strength, and expressive movement while minimizing the risk of injury.
Ballet Class Rates
| Ballet | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | Session 2 | Session 3 | |
| CLASS | Sept 16 - Dec 13 2025 (No class Sep 30,Oct 31,Nov | Jan 13 - Mar 14 2026 ( No class Feb 17) | Mar 24 - June 5 2026 ( No class Apr 2,3,4) |
| Creative Dance | $244 | $167 | $178 |
| Pre/Primary | $279 | $193 | $178 |
| Level 2 | $279 | $193 | $178 |
| Level 4 Ballet | $282 | $203 | $178 |
| Level 5 Ballet | $357 | $240 | 271 |
| Level 7 Ballet | $357 | $265 | $246 |
| Senior Ballet Intensive | $357 | $240 | $271 |
| Beginner Pointe | $230 | $151 | $144 |
| Pre-Elementary Ballet | $382 | $265 | $246 |
| Pointe | $230 | $151 | $144 |
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| - | - | - | - |
Ballet Class Schedule
| Ballet | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day | Time | Class | Location | Age | |
| Saturday | 12.30 - 1.15 pm | Creative Dance | 74 Summer Street | Min age 3 years | |
| Saturday | 1.15 - 2.15 pm | Pre/Primary Ballet | 74 Summer Street | Min age 5 years | |
| Thursday | 3.30 - 4.30 pm | Level 2 Ballet | 74 Summer Street | Min age 8 years | |
| Friday | 4.15 - 5.15 pm | Level 4 Ballet | 74 Summer Street | Min age 10 years | |
| Tuesday | 4.30 - 6.00 pm | Level 5 Ballet | 74 Summer Street | Min age 11 years | |
| Friday | 5.15 - 6.45 pm | Level 7 Ballet | 74 Summer Street | Min age 13 years | |
| Friday | 6.45 - 7.15 pm | Beginner Pointe | 74 Summer Street | Min age 13 years | |
| Thursday | 7.15 - 8.45 pm | Pre-Elementary Ballet | 74 Summer Street | Min age 15 years | |
| Thursday | 8.45 - 9.15 pm | Pointe | 74 Summer Street | Min age 15 years | |
| Tuesday | 6.45 - 8.15 pm | Senior Ballet Intensive | 74 Summer Street | Min age 13 years | |
| - | - | - | - | - | |
| - | - | - | - | - | |
Creative Dance & Pre-Primary Ballet (Ages 3–5)
Our youngest dancers embark on their first steps into the world of movement with Creative Dance and Pre-Primary Ballet classes. These early stages are designed to nurture not only physical development but also a lifelong love for dance. At this age, lessons focus on building coordination, balance, rhythm, correct posture, and imaginative self-expression in a warm, encouraging environment.
Through gentle, structured activities—such as tracing playful floor patterns, repeating flowing movement sequences, and exploring simple yet graceful dance steps—children begin to understand how their bodies move through space. Carefully guided by their teacher, they learn to respond to music, follow instructions, and interact positively with others in the group.
Minimal ballet technique is introduced gradually and thoughtfully, ensuring young dancers are physically ready while keeping the emphasis on joy and creativity. Whether they’re pretending to be fluttering butterflies, stepping through a magical forest, or marching like proud toy soldiers, imagination is woven into every exercise. This approach builds both technical readiness for future classical ballet training and a sense of excitement that keeps children eager to return to class week after week.
Classical Ballet (Ages 5 and Up)
From age five onward, students advance into Classical Ballet training, following the Society of Classical Ballet (Vaganova Method) syllabus. Ballet training is offered at all levels, from Primary to Pre-Professional. Each student’s progression is supported through carefully structured classes that build on strength, flexibility, coordination, and artistry.
Every year, students have the opportunity to participate in annual ballet exams and perform in our year-end recital at the Celtic Centre for Performing Arts. This gives dancers both personal milestones and performance experience to celebrate their growth.
Program Levels
Levels Primary to Four (Ages 5–14)
These levels introduce students to the joy of dance while establishing the essential foundations of classical ballet. Students learn musicality, mime, and improvisation alongside ballet technique. This stage is ideal for beginners and also welcomes older students who may be starting ballet later in childhood. Male-specific vocabulary and movement patterns are also introduced.
Levels Five to Eight (Ages 9–18)
At this stage, dancers continue to refine their technique while learning more complex ballet movements, including adage, allegro, and turns. The curriculum expands to include work specifically designed for male students. Students with varying levels of experience are welcome to participate in exams and further their training.
Major Levels: Pre-Elementary to Pre-Professional (Ages 13+)
For dedicated and potentially career-focused students, the major levels focus on performance artistry and technical virtuosity. The hallmark features of the Vaganova Method—expressive coordination of port de bras (arm movements) and powerful allegro (jumps)—are emphasized. Female students develop extensive pointe work, while male students focus on advanced allegro techniques and strength training for virtuoso movement.
Program Levels
Levels Primary to Four (Ages 5–14)
These levels introduce students to the joy of dance while establishing the essential foundations of classical ballet. Students learn musicality, mime, and improvisation alongside ballet technique. This stage is ideal for beginners and also welcomes older students who may be starting ballet later in childhood. Male-specific vocabulary and movement patterns are also introduced.
Levels Five to Eight (Ages 9–18)
At this stage, dancers continue to refine their technique while learning more complex ballet movements, including adage, allegro, and turns. The curriculum expands to include work specifically designed for male students. Students with varying levels of experience are welcome to participate in exams and further their training.
Major Levels: Pre-Elementary to Pre-Professional (Ages 13+)
For dedicated and potentially career-focused students, the major levels focus on performance artistry and technical virtuosity. The hallmark features of the Vaganova Method—expressive coordination of port de bras (arm movements) and powerful allegro (jumps)—are emphasized. Female students develop extensive pointe work, while male students focus on advanced allegro techniques and strength training for virtuoso movement.
Why Choose the Vaganova Method?
The Vaganova Method is a highly respected Russian ballet system known for its gradual, safe, and effective progression. It focuses on training the entire body as a unified instrument, blending strength, fluidity, and artistry. By building a solid ballet foundation, dancers are prepared not only for classical performance but also for success in other dance forms.
Our ballet program offers students of all ages the chance to grow in confidence, discipline, and creativity—whether their goal is recreational learning or professional performance.