Children’s Division

The Children’s Division offers an introduction to the art of ballet by promoting the exploration of creativity and expression through movement. Our new syllabus is created to introduce children into ballet technique work. Once students complete this Division, they will have knowledge of basic barre and center work. All classes are taught to live piano accompaniment, a crucial element in developing the child’s understanding of the relationship between music and movement.

The syllabus, created by School Director Carlos Valcárcel, is designed to bring consistency and is based on traditional classical ballet. The syllabus is taught in all divisions of the school and is followed by every faculty member.

No previous ballet training is necessary; however our Children’s Division requires an evaluation prior to enrollment in the School.

Students are encouraged to participate in Spring Performance, open to all Children’s, Lower, and Upper Division students.

Lower Division

The Lower Division is divided into four levels and the syllabus is created to begin formal training in traditional classical ballet. The syllabus progresses at a rate that allows the student to learn the exercises correctly and with full physicality.

The syllabus, created by School Director Carlos Valcárcel, is designed to bring consistency and is based in traditional classical ballet. The syllabus is taught in all divisions of the school and is followed by every faculty member.

All classes are taught to live piano accompaniment, a crucial element in developing the student’s understanding of the relationship between music and technical execution.

All Lower Division students (ages 8 ½ and up) are eligible to audition for Ballet Arizona’s The Nutcracker. They are encouraged to participate in Spring Performance, open to all Children’s, Lower, and Upper Division students.

Upper Division

The Upper Division is divided into four levels and students meet 4-6 times a week. Students are introduced to a wider variety of classes, including Pointe, Variations, Pas de Deux, Modern, Flamenco, Men’s class and Gyrokinesis.

The syllabus, created by School Director Carlos Valcárcel, is designed to bring consistency and is based in traditional classical ballet. The syllabus is taught in all divisions of the school and is followed by every faculty member.

All classes are taught to live piano accompaniment, a crucial element in developing the student’s understanding of the relationship between music and technical execution.

All Upper Division students are eligible to audition for Ballet Arizona’s The Nutcracker and possibly other Ballet Arizona productions. They are encouraged to participate in Spring Performance, open to all Children’s, Lower, and Upper Division students.

Teen Intermediate Program

Upon completing level III of the Lower Division, students may choose to enroll in the Teen Intermediate Program (TIP) which follows the same syllabus and taught by same faculty of The School of Ballet Arizona. TIP is designed for students with high academic demands by providing a less rigorous schedule.

The syllabus, created by School Director Carlos Valcárcel, is designed to bring consistency and is based in traditional classical ballet. The syllabus is taught in all divisions of the school and is followed by every faculty member.

Pre Professional Program

The Pre Professional Program (PPP) is designed for young talented students who would like to pursue a career in dance. Students in this program have the opportunity to perform alongside Ballet Arizona’s professional dancers as part of their training. Acceptance in this program is by invitation only. Students who are interested in joining this program are strongly encouraged to participate in our Summer Intensive prior to the school year.

The syllabus, created by School Director Carlos Valcárcel , is designed to bring consistency and is based in traditional classical ballet. The syllabus is taught in all divisions of the school and is followed by every faculty member.

In addition to having opportunities to perform in Ballet Arizona productions, PPP students will perform in the Spring Performance as well as have other performance opportunities.