White River Ballet Academy is located in White River Junction, VT at 87 Maple St. Our facility consists of 2 large harlequin sprung studios, 2 bathrooms, 2 dressing rooms, 2 waiting areas, a large, comfortable lobby area and WiFi. We invite you to come in and share in our beautiful, spacious and clean space. Parents and guardians are welcome to observe class quietly. 
WRBA is proud to offer the American Ballet Theatre® National Training Curriculum, a breakthrough, nine-level program that combines high quality artistic training with the basics of dancer health and child development. The ABT National Training Curriculum consists of a comprehensive set of age-appropriate, outcome-based guidelines to provide the highest quality ballet training to dance students of all ages and skill levels.  We also offer Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet’s Proven Syllabus by Marcia Dale Weary. 

         Class placement is at the discretion of the instructors. Advancement through the curriculum is based on many factors including a student’s strength, physical development, effort, mastery of material, maturity, attendance record and artistic development. The most important factor is the student’s ability to safely execute the required class material. It is not unusual for a student to repeat a level of the curriculum. Most of our students will repeat a level at some point in their training. It is critically important that students advance at their own rate so they master the work demanded of them, avoid injury and achieve their fullest potential.

PRIMARY A/B/C

8/2/23 UPDATE: CLASS IS FULL. EMAIL US TO GO ON OUR WAIT LIST

Ages: 5-7 (must be 5 by September 30 unless child has completed a year of Pre-Primary Ballet from 2022-2023)
Classes: once a week
More Information: Class Schedule | Dress Code | Registration                                             

Rudimentary classical ballet terminology is introduced along with developmentally appropriate exercises that emphasize gross motor skills, correct alignment and body placement, sensitivity in the fingers, arms and hands and improvisation exercises that nurture artistry and musicality in the very young child.

LEVEL 1A & 1B

Ages: 8-10
Classes:  once or twice a week
More Information: Class Schedule | Dress Code | Registration

Building stability through movement in the center is essential at this level. The joy of dance with the use of imagery, pathways and terminology is learned. Barre work is introduced at age 8-10.

LEVEL 2A & 2B

Ages: 9-12
Classes: two times a week
More Information: Class Schedule | Dress Code | Registration

Students continue to improve and strengthen body awareness, alignment and technique while adding more relevés, center work, jumps and turns.  Let stretches on are barre are introduced. ABT/NTC’s 6 Fundamentals are introduced.

LEVEL 3A & 3B

Ages: 12+
Classes: two times a week plus 1x every 2nd Saturday of the month
More Information: Class Schedule | Dress Code | Registration

This class places emphasis on developing a strong back and core, fully stretched legs and a stable demi-pointe. Pointe shoes are awarded once these goals are reached and upon teacher’s evaluation. The 6 ABT/NTC Fundamentals are introduced and emphasized.

LEVEL 4A/4B  

Ages: 12+
Classes: 3 times a week
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Pointe work is the main focus of this class as well as continuing to refine technique, correct posture, placement and the ABT/NTC 10 principals of classical ballet. Classical Ballet Variations are introduced as well as other classical repertoire.

LEVEL 5A/5B  

Ages: 12+
Classes: three times a week
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Advanced movement is continued focusing on battery  and complex turns in the center as well as classical ballet variations, repertoire and the ABT/NTC 10 principals. The ABT/NTC Fundamentals are mastered.

Advanced Adult Ballet  

Ages: 18+
Classes: two times a week
More Information: Class Schedule | Dress Code | Registration

An advanced level class that includes a full barre and center and pointe work when possible. It is recommended that you have at least 5 years of consistent classical ballet experience. Adult students that commit to regular, bi-weekly class attendance and additional rehearsal time may be eligible to participate in the annual spring performance, if interested.

Advanced Beginner Adult Ballet  

Ages: 18+
Classes: once or twice a week
More Information: Class Schedule | Dress Code | Registration

No experience necessary.
Starting from the beginning, this class will focus on the beautiful art form of classical ballet. You’ll learn proper terminology, foundation, the fundamentals, principals, technique and musicality. Barre and center work will help you achieve strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, poise, gracefulness, discipline and so much more. We’ll move at a comfortable pace for everyone and encourage questions, conversations and discussions.