Lower Division

The Lower Division marks the beginning of a student’s formal education in classical ballet. Beginning in Level 1, students are introduced to the structure, vocabulary, and discipline of traditional ballet training while developing the physical and artistic foundations necessary for continued advancement.

Classes emphasize proper posture and alignment, coordination, musicality, strength, flexibility, foot articulation, port de bras, and an understanding of basic classical technique. As students progress through the Lower Division, they build greater control, confidence, focus, and independence in the classroom, preparing them for the increasing technical demands of the Upper Division.

Students in Pre-Primary through Level II participate in the annual Year-End Demonstration Performance, showcasing the skills and artistry they have developed throughout the school year. Beginning in Level III, students perform in Westside Ballet of Santa Monica’s annual productions, including The Nutcracker and the Spring Showcase, gaining valuable stage experience alongside their technical training.

Uniforms are required for all Lower Division students. More details provided upon registration.

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Level I–IV+ Curriculum

Designed for students ages 7 and older, Levels I through IV+ offer a progressive course of study in classical ballet. Beginning in Level I, students establish essential technical habits through the study of proper posture and alignment, turnout, coordination, musicality, flexibility, French ballet terminology, and foundational barre and center work. Each level builds systematically upon the one before it, allowing students to develop strength, control, confidence, and an increasingly sophisticated understanding of classical technique.

As students advance, the curriculum expands to include more complex movement vocabulary, refined port de bras, balance, extension, adagio, pirouettes, petit and grand allegro, and greater attention to movement quality and artistic expression. Jazz is introduced at the intermediate levels to broaden students’ coordination, versatility, and performance skills.

Levels I and II offer two scheduling options, with students attending class twice per week. At Level IV+, the course of study becomes more intensive and may include progressive pointe training. Eligible students begin with pre-pointe preparation before advancing to introductory and continued pointe work based on their technical development, strength, and readiness.