Ballet Program at Danse Élan
A strong foundation for young dancers — built with care, experience, and artistry.
At Danse Élan, ballet is the foundation of our dance education. From the very first plié to advanced training, our program is designed to support healthy development, musicality, and a lifelong appreciation for the art of ballet.
Why Ballet Matters
Ballet provides young dancers with the building blocks for all styles of dance. It develops strength, coordination, posture, balance, musical awareness, and discipline — skills that support dancers both inside and outside the studio.
For young children, ballet also teaches focus, body awareness, and confidence in a structured yet nurturing environment. When taught correctly, ballet helps dancers grow safely and joyfully over time.
Our Approach to Ballet Training
Our ballet program emphasizes thoughtful progression, proper technique, and age-appropriate instruction. Dancers are never rushed or pushed beyond what their growing bodies are ready for.
Our approach includes:
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A strong emphasis on foundational technique
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Developmentally appropriate expectations at every age
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Musicality, alignment, and body awareness
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Careful attention to strength and flexibility
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An appreciation for artistry, not just movement
This ensures dancers build skills gradually and correctly, creating a solid base for future training.
Certified Ballet Faculty
All instructors who teach within our ballet program hold professional teaching certifications through Dance Masters of America and are active members of Carolina Dance Masters.
Unlike many youth activities, there is no single governing body that oversees qualifications for dance teachers. Anyone can legally open a studio or teach dance — regardless of training or experience. We believe families deserve higher standards and greater transparency when it comes to instruction for growing bodies.
Our faculty has intentionally gone beyond minimum expectations by completing rigorous certification processes that evaluate not only movement, but pedagogy, anatomy, and age-appropriate instruction. These certifications include written, oral, and practical examinations administered by experienced ballet educators.
In addition, our teachers participate in ongoing professional development and continued education each year, staying current with best practices in ballet training, injury prevention, and effective teaching methods.
For parents, this means your child is learning from instructors who are committed to both expertise and lifelong learning — teachers who understand how dancers develop over time and who prioritize safety, clarity, and thoughtful progression in every class.
Pre-Pointe & Pointe Training
Pointe work is an important milestone in a dancer’s journey — and one that must be approached with care.
At Danse Élan, dancers enter a Pre-Pointe program before being considered for pointe shoes. During this phase, dancers focus on:
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Strength and alignment
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Ankle and foot stability
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Core control
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Technical readiness
Before advancing to pointe, dancers must successfully pass a pre-pointe assessment, ensuring their bodies are ready for this next step.
This process prioritizes dancer health and long-term success, rather than rushing to meet an age-based milestone.
A Program That Grows With Your Child
Ballet training looks different at every stage of development.
From ages 3–5, dancers are introduced to ballet through creative movement, basic positions, rhythm, and joyful exploration.
As dancers grow, their training becomes more structured, gradually introducing increased technique, vocabulary, and artistry — always in a way that supports healthy physical development.
We believe that strong, confident dancers are built over time through consistency, care, and thoughtful instruction.
Progression Through Ballet Training
This video highlights the natural progression of ballet technique as dancers grow — from early childhood through adolescence — and reflects our commitment to long-term, developmentally informed training.
Every stage matters. Progress happens over time.
Every stage matters. Progress happens over time.
Is Ballet at Danse Élan Right for Your Child?
Our ballet program is a wonderful fit for families who value:
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Strong foundational training
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Age-appropriate instruction
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Certified, knowledgeable teachers
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A supportive, non-competitive environment
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Long-term development over quick results
Whether your child is just beginning or continuing their ballet journey, our goal is to nurture both technique and a genuine love for dance.
Interested in Learning More?
We’re happy to help families explore ballet training options and determine the best starting point for their dancer.