Nashville Ballet

Students are placed in a level appropriate for both their age and level of physical and/or technical development and based on the syllabus of the Royal Academy of Dance for the Children’s Division and School of Nashville Ballet’s syllabus for Academy, Community Youth, and other programs. Our instructors are trained professionals who provide age appropriate dance training for all our young artists. Placement within a level is subject to change solely at the discretion of the Artistic Faculty.

It is important to understand that ballet is a rigorous activity both physically and mentally. When young students begin ballet training, it is extremely important to remember that their bodies are still developing. At an early age the bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles are not necessarily strong enough for the support of the body required by formal dance training. Strength, flexibility, coordination, confidence and the love for dance may be gained during these early years and will prepare the student for the demands of the art. For the same reason, students should not be put on pointe too soon. Eleven is generally an appropriate age for beginning pointe. Readiness for pointe is assessed on an individual basis taking into consideration age, years of training, strength and the understanding and physical demonstration of necessary skills and the required technique.

Children's Syllabus:

School of Nashville Ballet Children's Divison follows The Royal Academy of Dance curriculum. The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is an international dance education and training organization, and examination board that specializes in Ballet. The RAD was established in London, England in 1920 as the Association of Operatic Dancing of Great Britain, and received its Royal Charter in 1936.

The RAD was created with the objective to improve the standard of ballet training in the UK and, in pursuit of that goal, a new teaching method and dance technique was devised for the Academy by a group of eminent European dancers. The RAD is one of the largest dance organizations in the world with over 13,000 members in 79 countries. For more information, go to www.rad.org.uk..

Academy & Young Men's Scholarship Program Syllabus:

Adhering to strict classical standards and logical progressions, the School of Nashville Ballet syllabus evolves in tandem with students progress and adapts to advancements in pedagogy practices. Our goal is to train versatile pre-professional dancers that are competitive in any college or professional program they wish to pursue.

Community Youth:
This division also adheres strict classical standards and logical progressions with an emphasis on ballet movement. The faculty for these classes are trained by Academy Artistic Faculty to ensure consistency across all programs. The schedule for this division allows students to participate in other extracurricular activities while still receiving exceptional ballet training.

Children's Division:

For the first time ever, we are excited to announce that our Children's Division will have the opportunity to perform in May 2025 in our Celebration of Dance. In these weekly classes we focus on fostering a love of movement and building a strong classical ballet foundation, so students are ready to join our Academy or Community Youth Programs. We also have an Observation Week twice a semester where family and friends are welcome to watch and see their dancer's growth! Check with School Calendar for dates. Students are not eligible to audition for Nashville's Nutcracker until age 8.

Academy/Young Men's Scholarship Program:

Students are strongly encouraged to audition for Nashville's Nutcracker. School of Nashville Ballet students receive priority casting, and it is an incredible opportunity to perform with professional dancers. Academy and YMSP students will also have the opportunity to participate in our May Celebration of Dance performances at the end of the school year. These will include a Contemporary Showcase for Levels 3 and up as well as a full-length classical ballet, featuring all Levels, that changes from year to year. There are also class Observation Days built into the School Calendar where family and friends may watch their dancers in class.

Community Youth:

Students are strongly encouraged to audition for Nashville's Nutcracker. School of Nashville Ballet students receive priority casting, and it is an incredible opportunity to perform with professional dancers. Additionally, the Community Division will have the opportunity to perform in the May Celebration of Dance performance that includes our Community Adult Dancers, Adaptive Dancers, Optional Disciplines and other community partners. We also have Observation Week twice a semester where family and friends are welcome to watch and see their dancer's growth!

Observation of classes is only permitted during Observation Week, or by special arrangement with the School Administrative Director. It is highly inappropriate and disruptive to the class for parents and friends to wander the hallway looking in on classes. This is to ensure that the students stay focused on their class work and teacher, rather than visitors. You will meet your child’s instructor at Open House, Orientation, or by scheduling a meeting with the front desk.