Level 5-6. Age 7-9

Level 5–6 is one of the most important stages for developing a child’s physical and artistic abilities for both classical ballet and contemporary dance. At this age, students can make major progress in strength, flexibility, coordination, mobility, balance, musicality, body control, and artistic expression. These abilities become the foundation for more advanced technical and artistic training in the future.

At this level, students begin performing with greater confidence and purpose. They become an important part of BISD’s competition team and may begin preparing for solo performances, competitions, and more serious ballet education.

Students also begin developing their core classical ballet syllabus in a more structured way. Training includes barre work, center practice, jump technique, and pre-pointe preparation, with continued attention to correct placement, coordination, strength, and musicality.

The program includes classical ballet technique, contemporary dance foundations, stretching, strengthening, body conditioning, repertoire, and variation classes. Students continue developing the physical abilities and movement quality needed for healthy progress in both classical ballet and contemporary dance.

Students who are ready for stronger progress and attend three times per week may join the Level Up pre-pointe class. This additional class is taken together with older students and gives them extra preparation, experience, and motivation for the next stage of ballet training.

Students participate in Ballet Institute of San Diego’s two annual performances. For the best progress and continuity, we strongly recommend the full program. The minimum commitment is attendance two days per week.