Youth Ballet & Dance

Discover the Joy of Dance

Whether your child is taking their very first dance class or continuing to build their skills, Mendocino Ballet's Youth Ballet & Dance program offers a welcoming environment where students develop confidence, creativity, musicality, and strong technical foundations. Classes are designed for a variety of ages and experience levels, with opportunities to explore classical ballet, tap, contemporary dance, and movement education.

Young Dancers (Ages 3–8)

Creative Movement (Ages 3–5)

Our Creative Movement classes introduce young children to the joy of dance through imagination, music, and age-appropriate movement. Students develop coordination, rhythm, balance, spatial awareness, and classroom skills while learning the foundational concepts that prepare them for future ballet training. Every class encourages creativity, confidence, and a love of movement in a fun and nurturing environment.

Pre-Ballet (Ages 5–7)

Pre-Ballet introduces students to the fundamentals of classical ballet while continuing to build coordination, musicality, flexibility, and strength. Young dancers begin learning ballet vocabulary and technique through engaging exercises that encourage both discipline and creativity. No previous dance experience is required.

Ballet & Tap (Ages 5–8)

This energetic combination class introduces students to both ballet and tap dance. While ballet develops posture, balance, and grace, tap builds rhythm, coordination, musicality, and confidence. It's an excellent introduction for young dancers interested in exploring multiple styles of dance.

Tap Level 1 (Ages 6–10)

Designed for students who have completed Ballet & Tap or have previous tap experience, this class expands on foundational tap technique while introducing more challenging rhythms, combinations, and musical concepts in a fun and supportive environment.

Ballet Training (Ages 7+)

Intro to Ballet Technique (Ages 7–8)

For students ready to focus more intentionally on classical ballet, this class introduces formal barre work, ballet vocabulary, and technical development. It serves as an excellent bridge for dancers interested in auditioning for Mendocino Ballet's Pre-Professional Division.

Beginning/Intermediate Ballet (Ages 9–13)

This class continues developing classical ballet technique through progressive barre and center work while improving strength, flexibility, musicality, and artistry. Students build confidence as they expand their vocabulary and develop a deeper understanding of classical ballet.

Additional Dance Styles

Contemporary Dance (Ages 8–12)

Contemporary dance encourages students to explore creativity, musicality, and self-expression while building upon the strength and technique developed through ballet. Classes include choreography, improvisation, floor work, and movement exploration in a supportive and family-friendly environment.

Teen & Adult Ballet (Ages 14+)

Whether you're returning to ballet or stepping into the studio for the first time, this welcoming mixed-level class offers an opportunity to improve strength, flexibility, coordination, and classical technique in a supportive atmosphere.

Pilates Conditioning (Ages 10+)

Taught by a certified Pilates instructor with specialized training in dance conditioning and biomechanics, this class focuses on core strength, alignment, flexibility, posture, and injury prevention. Pilates is an excellent complement to ballet training and is also open to members of the community.

Class Enrollment & Tuition

Our Youth Ballet & Dance program is structured around weekly class enrollment for the annual school year. Tuition is based on the number of classes a student attends each week.

• 1 class per week $80/month

• 2 classes per week $150/month

• 3 classes per week $210/month

Students enrolled in multiple classes receive a multi-class tuition rate.

Each class has its own enrollment space and students must be officially registered for each class they attend. Tuition reserves a student's place in their enrolled classes only.

Class Size & Enrollment

To maintain quality instruction and individual attention, class sizes are limited.

• Class sizes vary based on age, level, studio space, and instructional needs.

• Enrollment is first-come, first-served.

• Students must be registered to participate.

• Waitlists are maintained for full classes.

Adding or changing classes is based on availability.

Enrollment is intended to continue throughout the school year, allowing students to maintain their place in class and support consistent progress.

Prior to each new semester, families will receive an enrollment confirmation to continue, make schedule changes, or withdraw from classes. Students who do not confirm enrollment by the stated deadline may forfeit their reserved class placement.

Payment Options

Families may choose from the following payment options:

• Monthly Auto-Pay (Standard)

Monthly tuition payments are automatically charged through our billing software, Studio Pro. Enrollment continues throughout the school year unless a 30 day notice of written withdrawal request is submitted.

• Semester Payment

Families may choose to pay tuition by semester, for half the school year up front. Semester payment options follow the same enrollment and withdrawal policies. Please email office@mendocinoballet.org in order to choose this option for online registration.

Withdrawal Policy

Families wishing to withdraw from classes must provide written notice at least 30 days prior to the requested withdrawal date. Tuition remains due during the notice period.

Attendance

Tuition reserves a student's place in class and is not based on attendance. Missed classes due to illness, vacations, or other absences do not reduce tuition. Makeup classes may be offered when appropriate and space allows.

Registration Fee

A non-refundable $35 annual registration fee is required for each student at the beginning of each school year (maximum $70 per family). Students enrolling mid-year are charged the annual registration fee at the time of enrollment.

Charter School Enrollment

Students enrolling through participating charter school programs (such as Lake View Charter School) are subject to an additional $15 Charter Administrative Fee to help cover the additional billing, compliance, documentation, and reporting requirements associated with charter vendor programs. When registering online through our parent portal, simple choose ‘Lake View Charter’ to add that to your registration. This also allow us to track which students are in this program, so we know not to bill you directly.

Looking for More Intensive Training?

For dedicated students interested in pursuing a structured, year-round ballet education, learn more about our: