Class Descriptions & Requirements

Surrendered School of Dance follows the guidelines for advancement based on the American Ballet Theatre® National Training Curriculum. This structured progression considers not only the knowledge and skills acquired in each level, but also the physical, emotional, and cognitive development of each student.

Our goal is not to rush students through levels, but to guide students in maturing as artists at a safe, healthy, and age-appropriate pace. The curriculum is designed to support dancers from their first steps as a dancer through potential preparation for professional training.

Class Schedule is listed at the top of this page. Scroll down to view detailed Class Descriptions.

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Class Schedule

Tacoma Campus

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Orting Campus (Monday Only)

• Pre-Primary Ballet (Ages 3–5)
  Monday | 4:30–5:00 PM
• Primary Ballet (Ages 5–7)
  Monday | 5:15–6:00 PM
• Ballet Foundations (Ages 8+)
  Monday | 6:15–7:15 PM

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Class Descriptions

Pre-Primary Ballet • Ages 3–5

Pre-Primary Ballet is a joyful introduction to the world of dance. Classes focus on imaginative play, creative movement, and spatial awareness, laying the foundation for musicality, rhythm, and coordination. Students explore balance and expression while being introduced to ballet etiquette and foundational terminology in a supportive, age-appropriate environment.

Additional Notes:

• Students must be potty trained to enroll.
• Students remain in Pre-Primary until the school year following their 5th birthday.
• Students may take more than one class per week.

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Primary Ballet • Ages 5–7

Primary Ballet builds upon early ballet experiences by helping students connect heart, mind, and body through movement. Students explore movement through imaginative prompts, rhythm exercises, and age-appropriate ballet vocabulary, deepening their musical and expressive range. With continued emphasis on etiquette and foundational technique, dancers develop flexibility, coordination, musicality, and grace.

Additional Notes:

• Students must be at least 8 years old to enroll in Ballet Foundations.
• If a student turns 8 during the second half of the school year, they will remain in Primary Ballet through the end of that school year and may advance the following fall.
• Multiple weekly classes are encouraged but not required.

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Ballet Foundations • Ages 8+

Ballet Foundations introduces students to formal classical ballet training. This level bridges imaginative movement with structured technique. Emphasis is placed on correct posture, ballet vocabulary, body alignment, strength, and coordination. Dancers begin building the discipline required for advancement in classical ballet.

Additional Notes:

• Dancers may be in this level for 2 or more years.
• Advancement to Intermediate Ballet A is based on demonstrated mastery of the skills and concepts presented in this level.
• This class is intended for minor students only.

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Ballet Foundations Plus + • By Teacher Placement

Ballet Foundations Plus + is designed for students who are ready to begin transitioning into Intermediate-level ballet training but are unable to commit to the full weekday Intermediate Ballet A schedule. This class introduces many of the concepts and techniques taught in Intermediate Ballet A, but at a slower, more flexible pace appropriate for a once-per-week format. Dancers will continue to build on their foundation with increased attention to detail, discipline, and strength, while preparing for eventual full participation in Intermediate-level classes.

Additional Notes:

• Enrollment is by teacher placement.
• Intended for students who have completed Ballet Foundations and are ready to begin Intermediate A concepts but cannot attend during the week.
• This class meets once per week on Saturday and progresses more gradually than Intermediate Ballet A.
• Advancement to full Intermediate Ballet A or B is based on teacher assessment and demonstrated readiness.
• This class is intended for minor students only.

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Intermediate Ballet A • By Teacher Placement

Intermediate A deepens students’ classical ballet training and introduces elements from the Russian, French, Italian, and English traditions. Dancers work to increase strength, precision, musicality, and expressive movement while learning more complex technical sequences.

Additional Notes:

• Enrollment is by teacher placement.
• Dancers typically remain in this level for 2 or more years.
• Advancement to Intermediate Ballet B is based on demonstrated mastery of the skills and concepts presented in this level.
• This class is intended for minor students only.

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Intermediate Ballet B • By Teacher Placement

Students in Intermediate B develop technical ability and personal artistry through increasingly complex movements. Dancers are introduced to more advanced barre and center work, including turns, balances, and the development of smooth transitions. Instruction is tailored to support each dancer’s growth and physical development.

Additional Notes:

• Enrollment is by teacher placement.
• Dancers may remain in this level for 2 or more years.
• Advancement to Intermediate Ballet C is based on demonstrated mastery of the skills and concepts presented in this level.
• This class is intended for minor students only.

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Intermediate Ballet C • By Teacher Placement

Intermediate C dancers continue to refine classical technique, build endurance, and advance their expressive artistry. Pointe work becomes an integrated component of training. Students at this level should also be enrolled in designated Pointe classes.

Additional Notes:

• Enrollment is by teacher placement.
• Dancers typically remain in this level for 2 or more years.
• Advancement to Advanced Ballet A is based on demonstrated mastery of the skills and concepts presented in this level.
• This class is intended for minor students only.

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Advanced Ballet A, B, & C • By Artistic Director Invitation

Advanced Ballet offers the highest level of technical and artistic training for serious young dancers. Pointe work is integrated into classes. Students are expected to demonstrate maturity, discipline, and commitment.

Level A: Dancers refine advanced barre and center combinations, focusing on clean technique, musical interpretation, and stamina.

Level B: Classes emphasize adagio control, multiple pirouettes, petit allegro precision, and expressive performance quality in solo and ensemble work.

Level C: This pre-professional level prepares dancers for training and vocational opportunities beyond SSD. Emphasis is placed on artistic maturity, classical variations, and advanced pointe work.

Additional Notes:

• Enrollment is by invitation from the Artistic Director.
• Continued enrollment in Pointe is required.
• Advancement through Advanced Ballet levels is based on demonstrated mastery of the skills and concepts at each stage.
• This class is intended for minor students only.

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Pointe Classes

Pre-Pointe • Teacher Placement

Pre-Pointe is designed to prepare students for the physical demands of dancing en pointe. Dancers strengthen their core, ankles, and feet while improving balance and body alignment. For male dancers, this training also supports overall strength and technique.

Requirements:

• Must be concurrently enrolled in an approved ballet technique class.
• Enrollment by teacher placement only.
• This class is intended for minor students only.

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Pointe 1 • By Teacher Placement

Students are carefully evaluated before beginning pointe work. This class focuses on safe and proper technique at the barre to develop foundational pointe strength and alignment.

Requirements:

• Open to Intermediate Ballet C and above.
• Must be enrolled in at least 3 ballet classes per week.
• This class does not perform in the Spring Showcase.
• Dancers may remain in this level for 2 or more years.
• This class is intended for minor students only.

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Pointe 2 • By Teacher Placement

This level builds on foundational pointe skills with increased complexity and control. Dancers continue to strengthen their technique through both barre and center work.

Requirements:

• Open to Intermediate Ballet C and above.
• Must be enrolled in at least 3 ballet classes per week.
• This class performs in the Spring Showcase.
• Dancers may remain in this level for 2 or more years.
• This class is intended for minor students only.

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Teen / Adult Classes

By enrolling a minor student in a class labeled Teen/Adult, you acknowledge and accept that the class may include adult students over the age of 18.

Ballet Foundations – Beginning Teen/Adult Ballet • Ages 13+

Ideal for older beginners, this class provides a welcoming and structured environment for students with little or no previous ballet training. Emphasis is placed on alignment, core technique, and the joy of movement. The class is progressive in nature, moving from basic concepts to full ballet class participation over time.

Additional Notes:

• Students may join at any time during the school year; however, those joining after the first couple of months are encouraged to schedule a few private lessons to catch up on foundational terminology and technique introduced earlier in the year.
• Monthly tuition only; no drop-ins.
• Class is taken on flat (not en pointe).
• This class Does Not participate in in the school showcase.
• Please note school breaks and closures on the SSD School Calendar
• Requires a minimum of 4-students to run

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Intermediate/Advanced Teen/Adult Ballet • Ages 13+

This class is for experienced dancers seeking to maintain and refine their ballet technique. Instruction supports continued artistic and technical growth for teens and adults with prior ballet training.

Requirements:

• Minimum 5 years of ballet training recommended.
• Monthly tuition only; no drop-ins.
• Class is taken on flat (not en pointe).
• This class Does Not participate in in the school showcase.
• Please note school breaks and closures on the SSD School Calendar
• Requires a minimum of 4-students to run