Recreational Dance Classes

A full view of our Fall 2025 schedule will be available here soon. In the meantime, you can register online by clicking on the button above.

Our recreation dance classes are for the beginning dancers, and those who would love to dive into the world of ballet, at any age. These are fun, age appropriate dance classes that focus on anatomically correct body movement while learning the beginnings of ballet technique, and explore tap, jazz, and contemporary dance styles as well. See below for all the different dance classes we are offering this fall 2025. For more information, please go to our parent portal, or email us at office@mendocinoballet.org.

Class Descriptions

CREATIVE MOVEMENT TINY TOTS - ages 3-4

This class is for the 3-4 year old's first starting out. The basic elements of movement, dance, and rhythm are taught in our Creative Movement classes for ages 3-4 yr olds as follows: Space and how the student relates to it, the eight basic locomotor movements, musical rhythm, beat and time, opposites and directions, and elementary positions of ballet, which is the foundation of all traditional dance forms. Integrated with these physical concepts are the concepts of self-awareness, creative expression, and imagination.  Students also learn the basic concepts of classroom behavior and manners, which remain the same throughout their dancing years: how to take turns, following instruction, leading the way, waiting patiently, maintaining a positive attitude, and working together with others. Class content is based on appropriate developmental skills for their specific age. Both boys and girls can benefit from this learning experience in a fun and positive environment. This class is 45 minutes long and size is limited to allow for individual attention and space.

CREATIVE MOVEMENT CLASS - ages 3-5

The basic elements of movement and dance are taught in our Creative Movement classes for ages 3-5 as follows: Space and how the student relates to it, the eight basic locomotor movements, musical rhythm, beat and time, opposites and directions, and elementary positions of ballet, which is the foundation of all traditional dance forms. Integrated with these physical concepts are the intellectual concepts of self-awareness, creative expression, and imagination.  Students also learn the basic concepts of classroom behavior and manners, which remain the same throughout their dancing years: how to take turns, following instruction, leading the way, waiting patiently, maintaining a positive attitude, and working together with others. Class content is based on appropriate developmental skills for their specific age. Both boys and girls can benefit from this learning experience in a fun and positive environment. This class is 45 minutes long and size is limited to allow for individual attention and space.

PRE-BALLET - Ages 5-6

This class is designed for the beginning ballet student, with no experience required for 6 year old's. If you have a 5 year old starting out for the first time, we recommend starting with the creative movement class. In this class, an increased vocabulary of basic ballet technique and terminology are introduced to the student along with a continuation of elements from the Pre-Ballet class: the eight locomotor skills, musicality and rhythm, spatial awareness. Flexibility and strength building are also incorporated in the class as well as using imagination and creativity to create movement phrases. Both boys and girls can benefit from this learning experience in a fun and positive environment. This class is 50 minutes long.

TAP/BALLET

Ballet/Tap and Tap classes are offered for ages 6 - 8 years old. Tap dancing is a fun style of dance that anyone can learn, regardless of previous dance experience. Benefits of tap dance include increasing cardiovascular conditioning, strength, flexibility and coordination. Tap builds strength in the legs and feet in addition to increasing flexibility in the hips, knees and ankles. Tap dancing also develops a great sense of rhythm and timing with a focus on music awareness while incorporating tap steps and combinations. This class is 55 minutes long.

Pre Ballet- ages 6-8

This class is designed for the 6-8 year old dancers with possible previous dance experience but is not needed. As students get older, more technique and an increased vocabulary of terminology are taught along with a continuation of elements from the Creative Movement class. Flexibility and strength building exercises are also increased in the class. Musicality is explored so dancers learn performance skills for the stage. This class is a good next step for dancers after the creative movement, and pre-ballet for 5-6 year olds, and prior to our Intro to Ballet Technique class. This class is 55 minutes long.

INTRO TO BALLET Technique - ages 7-8

This class is designed for the 7-8 year old dancers with 1-2 years previous experience who are looking to try out for our Ballet School Program next year, as an intro prior to our Beginning I level. Students will learn the basic steps first starting out at the barre, as more terminology is introduced. As students get older, more technique and an increased vocabulary of terminology are taught along with a continuation of elements from the basic pre-ballet class. Flexibility and strength building exercises are also increased in the class. Musicality is a focus so dancers learn performance skills for the stage. Classics are taught along with original choreography in Classical and Contemporary Ballet. This class is 1 hour long.

BEGINNING/INTERMEDIATE BALLET - ages 9-13

Our beginning/intermediate Ballet class is for the ballet students in the age range of 9-13 years old. Some experience is a plus, but not a requirement. As students get older, more technique and an increased vocabulary of terminology are taught along with a continuation of barre work and center work. Each class builds as we go through the semester, adding to the repertoire of dance steps being introduced and choreography for combinations increase as the class develops.

CONTEMPORARY DANCE CLASS - ages 8-12

Contemporary Dance classes offer an exciting way to explore new textures, style, and freedom in the form of dance. With Ballet as the foundation for all dance forms, students will be introduced to creative new ways to build their movement repertoire and explore learning choreography, floor work, and improv in a safe and family-friendly environment. This is a wonderful class for the new and experienced dancer who loves to explore freedom of expression through dance, as opposed to the rigor of a ballet technique class. Come join the fun!

TEEN/ADULT BALLET - All Levels - ages 14+

Classes for teens and adults who have had some ballet training, whether recently or in the past, or are beginners who want to explore the joy of Classical Ballet, this is the class for you! Technique, terminology and musicality are explored and expanded in this class. The student will have the chance to develop their technique while increasing strength and flexibility. This is a mixed level class, offered to all levels. A Minimum of 3 people are needed to ensure class will be held each day. This class offers Punch Cards as well as drop ins which can all be purchased online as well. You can pre-register your drop in so we know to expect you!

Parent Portal with available classes left for the season: https://app.gostudiopro.com/online/mendocinoballet