Level 1
Building the Foundation
Level 1
Ages 7-9
Level 1 marks the beginning of more formal classical ballet training. Students strengthen posture, alignment, turnout awareness, coordination, foot articulation, musicality, and an understanding of essential ballet vocabulary. Barre and center exercises introduce dancers to more structured combinations while developing the focus and classroom discipline needed for continued progression.
Students also begin working on foundational turning and allegro skills, expressive port de bras, and introductory pre-pointe preparation when developmentally appropriate. The emphasis remains on learning how the body moves, creating healthy technical habits, and building confidence through patient, consistent practice.
Choose Your Campus
Every Ayala Ballet Conservatory campus follows the same thoughtfully designed curriculum, exceptional faculty, and commitment to artistic excellence. Simply choose the location that best fits your family's schedule.
Brickell
Schedule
Tuesday & Thursday • 4:30 PM
Tuition and Registration
Two Days per Week $250/month
Three Days per Week $350/month
Four Days per Week $450/month
Five Days per Week $550/month
Unlimited Classes $600/month
A non-refundable $100 registration fee and $90 uniform fee are due upon enrollment.
Placement
Students are placed in the appropriate level based on their age, previous experience, and faculty recommendation. Our goal is to ensure every dancer begins in a class where they feel confident, challenged, and supported.
Audition is required for The Upper School classes.
Enrollment
Enrollment is limited to maintain small class sizes and provide thoughtful, individualized instruction.
Registration is accepted on a rolling basis as space permits. Once a class reaches capacity, students will be placed on a waitlist and contacted when an opening becomes available.
Dress Code
Students must wear the official Ayala Ballet Conservatory uniform assigned to their level.
Girls
Assigned conservatory lipstick pink leotard
Pink canvas ballet slippers
Hair secured in a classical ballet bun
No jewelry, except small stud earrings
Boys
White Ayala T-shirt
Black shorts
White ankle socks
White leather ballet slippers
The dress code promotes discipline and unity while allowing teachers to observe alignment and movement clearly.
Policies
Registration, tuition, uniform fees, and all other payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. Please review our Policies & Procedures Handbook for complete information regarding tuition, attendance, withdrawals, performances, and school policies.
Your Child's Training Pathway
Every stage of training is thoughtfully designed to prepare students for the next. Through the American Ballet Theatre® National Training Curriculum, dancers grow with confidence, discipline, and artistry from their very first class through advanced conservatory training.
The Lower School
Where the love of ballet begins.
Primary C
Level 1 Ballet Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Level 1 ballet class?
Level 1 marks the beginning of formal Upper School training at Ayala Ballet Conservatory. Through the structured progression of the American Ballet Theatre® National Training Curriculum, students develop a strong technical foundation while building strength, flexibility, coordination, musicality, discipline, and artistry in a more focused conservatory environment.
What age is Level 1 ballet designed for?
Level 1 is generally designed for students ages 7 to 9. Placement is determined through an audition or placement class and may also consider previous training, physical development, maturity, and overall readiness for Upper School training.
Can beginners join Level 1 ballet?
Yes. Level 1 serves as the entry point to Ayala Ballet Conservatory's Upper School program, and beginners are welcome to audition. Placement is determined individually and considers a student's age, coordination, focus, musicality, physical readiness, and overall potential for success within the conservatory training environment.
What will my child learn in Level 1 ballet?
Students begin studying the foundational principles of classical ballet through a structured curriculum that develops posture, turnout awareness, alignment, flexibility, coordination, musicality, strength, balance, and ballet vocabulary. Greater emphasis is placed on proper technique, discipline, artistry, and movement quality.
What makes Level 1 different from Lower School ballet classes?
Level 1 marks the transition into Ayala Ballet Conservatory's Upper School program. Students move beyond introductory ballet education and begin more structured technical training through the American Ballet Theatre® National Training Curriculum. Expectations for focus, discipline, commitment, and technical development increase as dancers begin their conservatory journey.
What should my child wear to Level 1 ballet?
Level 1 students wear the official Ayala Ballet Conservatory Level 1 uniform, pink tights, pink canvas ballet slippers, and their hair secured in a classical ballet bun. The dress code promotes professionalism, discipline, and proper observation of alignment and technique.
How many classes per week should a Level 1 dancer take?
To build a strong technical foundation, Level 1 students are encouraged to attend multiple ballet classes each week. Consistent training allows dancers to develop strength, flexibility, coordination, musicality, and proper technique while progressing successfully through the conservatory curriculum.
Is an audition required for Level 1?
Yes. Admission to Level 1 requires a placement class or audition with Ayala Ballet Conservatory faculty. Because Level 1 marks the beginning of Upper School training, students are evaluated on their technical foundation, coordination, focus, physical readiness, and overall potential for continued classical ballet study.