It’s never too soon to introduce your kids to the art of dance. The School of Nashville Ballet has classes for kids starting at 2 years old in its Children’s Division. There are eight options for ages 2 – 7 in the fall semester taking place Aug. 20 – Dec. 15:
MOMMY & ME (AGES 2+)
Mommy & Me builds coordination and rhythm while introducing children to movement, music and creative play. With the support of a parent or caregiver, young dancers can experience peer-to-peer interaction and exciting imaginary adventures.
JOY OF DANCE (AGES 3-4)
This class fosters a natural inclination for movement by developing control, coordination, gross motor skills, creativity and expressiveness while helping young dancers understand their bodies and how they relate to space.
BOYS CLUB A (AGES 3-4.5) & BOYS CLUB B (AGES 4.5 -5)
No girls allowed in this class! Boys Club explores the athletic side of dance and creative movement. Young boys burn energy as they march, gallop, kick, punch and leap their way to imaginary lands filled with superheroes, pirates and knights. Children learn musicality, rhythm and coordination while developing an appreciation for active lifestyles and healthy habits.
CREATIVE MOVEMENT (AGES 4-5)
Students develop a greater sense of confidence and self-esteem within an environment that encourages expressiveness and joy of movement. Children learn increased control and coordination in their movements. They also enhance their listening, cooperation and social skills in a nurturing environment.
PRE-BALLET I (AGES 5+), PRE-BALLET II (AGES 6+) & PRE-BALLET III (AGES 7+)
Children develop coordination, creativity and musicality while learning the foundations of ballet vocabulary. Pre-Ballet classes encourage strong focus and active participation. These classes provide a strong link to the beginning levels in the Nashville Ballet Academy Division.
SCHOOL OF NASHVILLE BALLET OPEN HOUSE & FREE TRIAL WEEK!
The School of Nashville Ballet makes it easy for you and your children to explore the Children’s Division offerings before you sign up and pay for anything.
First up, the school hosts an open house on Saturday, Aug. 11 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at it’s Nashville studio location — 3630 Redmon St. You’ll be able to explore the studio and classroom spaces, meet the instructors and learn about the different class offerings for the fall semester.
In addition, the school offers a free trial week Aug. 20 – 25 for ages 2- 7 at both the Nashville and Brentwood campuses (Brentwood’s is at 500 Wilson Pike Cir., #119). The free classes require advance registration. Call 615-297-2966, ext 910, or visit nashvilleballet.com/childrens-division to sign up.
YOUNG MEN’S SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Now entering it’s third year, Nashville Ballet’s Young Men’s Scholarship Program (YMSP) “has been very successful,” says Principal Instructor Jon Upleger. The program comprising four levels of male-specific training provides tuition-free instruction for boys ages 6 – 18.
“The program will be in its third year starting August 20 and comprises four levels where students receive male specific training. We currently have more than 40 young men enrolled,” says Upleger. “Our first two levels have been at capacity the past couple years with a number of potential students on a wait list,” he adds
The wait list became the catalyst for a new offering this year. “Introduction to YMSP” is a bridge from the Boy’s Club classes (ages 3 – 5) to more experienced levels. Upleger says it will allow the school to train more young men interested in dance. The fall semester is Aug. 20 – Dec. 15, and spring runs Jan. 14 – May 4. Learn more and apply at nashvilleballet.com/young-men.
