Pre-Professional Program

Classes for students ages 8-18 | Students are placed by age as of August 30, 2026 | Enroll Now‍ ‍

Comprehensive Dance Training

The Pre-Professional Program offers advanced instruction in classical ballet while introducing the versatility of other dance forms such as tap, jazz, and modern. Our curriculum blends tradition and innovation to build well-rounded dancers.

A Supportive, Inclusive Community

As the region’s premier destination for dance education, we provide exceptional training in the Balanchine style within a welcoming environment. Students are placed by skill level to ensure they thrive, with an emphasis on strong technique, wellness, and personal development over competition.

Pathways to Excellence

Whether pursuing a professional dance career or deepening a love for the art form, our students gain the discipline, strength, and artistry needed to reach their full potential - enhanced by unique opportunities to learn from and perform alongside the Indianapolis Ballet.

Level 1

Ages 8-10

Level 1 is the first formal training level within the School, designed to support students transitioning from our Young Children’s Program as well as new students ages 8–10, based on placement. This level focuses on building a strong foundation in dance technique and discipline. Students participate in two ballet technique classes and one tap class each week. Family members are welcomed into the studios two times per year to observe classes. Level 1 students perform in the annual May We Dance spring showcase and may also be eligible to audition for select company productions. Enrollment is for the full school year, running from August through May.

Level 2

Ages 9-11

Level 2 students continue to build on their foundation in classical ballet as they are introduced to more complex steps and techniques. Training intensifies with three ballet technique classes and one tap class per week, designed to support technical growth, musicality, and artistry. Family members are welcomed into the studios two times per year to observe classes. Level 2 students perform in the annual May We Dance spring showcase and may also be eligible to audition for select company productions. Enrollment is for the full school year, running from August through May.

Level 3

Ages 10-12

Level 3 emphasizes the development of physical strength, proper alignment, and an expanded ballet vocabulary as students prepare for the eventual transition to pointe work. Dancers at this level attend ballet technique classes three times per week with a focus on refining technique and building the stamina necessary for more advanced training. They also continue with tap class and add in pre-pointe in preparation for the next level. Family members are welcomed into the studios two times per year to observe classes. Level 3 students perform in the annual May We Dance spring showcase and may also be eligible to audition for select company productions. Enrollment is for the full school year, running from August through May.

Level 4

Ages 11 & up

Level 4 represents a key step toward more advanced training and includes the introduction of pointe work. Alongside continued development in ballet technique, dancers begin to explore additional styles through Modern, supporting greater versatility and expression. They also add in pointe class, and have the option to take Pilates while continuing their tap training. Students at this level train four times per week, deepening their technical ability and artistic maturity. Family members are welcomed into the studios two times per year to observe classes. Level 4 students participate in the annual May We Dance spring showcase and may also be eligible to audition for select company productions. Enrollment is for the full school year, running from August through May.

Level 5

Ages 12 & up

Level 5 continues to advance students’ technical abilities through more sophisticated and complex combinations, while reinforcing the fundamentals of early pointe work. Dancers at this level attend ballet technique classes four times per week while continuing their versatility in training with modern, tap and pointe. They have the opportunity to enhance their technique through additional elective classes in jazz and Pilates. Family members are welcomed into the studios two times per year to observe classes. Level 5 students perform in the annual May We Dance spring showcase and may also be eligible to audition for select company productions. Enrollment is for the full school year, running from August through May.

Level 6

Ages 13 & up

Level 6 focuses on refining advanced technique while encouraging the development of each student’s personal artistry through more expansive movement and attention to stylistic nuance. In addition to ballet, students continue their exploration of other dance forms through Modern classes, supporting a well-rounded dance education. Level 6 students train five times per week and have the option to participate in additional elective classes in tap, jazz and Pilates. Family members are welcomed into the studios two times per year to observe classes. Level 6 students perform in the annual May We Dance spring showcase and may also be eligible to audition for select company productions. Enrollment is for the full school year, running from August through May.

Level 7

Ages 14 & up

Level 7 intensifies training as students prepare for potential careers or collegiate study in dance. At this level, dancers focus deeply on artistic expression and stylistic refinement while expanding their technical skills through diverse dance disciplines. Students attend classes six times per week, with the option to take additional elective courses in contemporary, tap, jazz and Pilates to further enhance their training. Family members are welcomed into the studios two times per year to observe classes. Level 7 students participate in the annual May We Dance spring showcase and may also be eligible to audition for select company productions. Enrollment is for the full school year, running from August through May.

Level 8

Ages 15 & up

Level 8 is the culmination of the School’s Pre-Professional Program, designed to prepare students both technically and artistically for success in professional programs, traineeships, or collegiate dance studies. At this advanced level, students are proficient in a wide range of styles, supported by their study of various dance disciplines. Level 8 students attend classes six times per week and have the option to supplement their training with elective courses in many different styles. Family members are welcomed into the studios two times per year to observe classes. Level 8 students perform in the annual May We Dance spring showcase and may also be eligible to audition for select company productions. Enrollment is for the full school year, running from August through May.

Boy’s Class

Ages 8 & up

Designed specifically for young male dancers, Boy’s Class offers a unique introduction to the athleticism, strength, and artistry of ballet. Students will explore male-specific ballet vocabulary, including jumps, turns, coordination, and movement quality, while building confidence, discipline, and physical strength in a fun and supportive environment.

This class provides students with the opportunity to learn from a professional artist while gaining a deeper understanding of the male ballet tradition. Whether new to dance or looking to supplement existing training, Boy’s Class encourages students to challenge themselves, develop new skills, and discover the excitement of ballet in a welcoming atmosphere.

Enrollment is for the full school year, running from August through May.

First Class is Free!

Indianapolis School of Ballet welcomes new students of all ages to try their first class for free.


  • YOUTH CLASSES

    Ages 3 – 18

    From August through January, try one of the School’s classes free of charge. In addition to ballet, we offer classes in tap, jazz, and more. All experience levels are welcome.

    Interested participants are welcome to contact the School using the link below to schedule your free trial/placement class.

  • ADULT/OPEN CLASSES

    Ages 13 and up

    Join us for a complimentary Adult/Open Class!

    To redeem your free class, please call us at (317) 955-7525 to register or sign up at the front desk when you arrive. We’ll be happy to get you started!

  • ISB STUDENTS

    Currently enrolled students

    Current students are encouraged to explore a new dance discipline with a free single-session class in a program elective.

    Interested participants are invited to reach out to the School to schedule your free class.

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