About the School
Mary Pat Robertson, Director of Princeton Ballet School, sees it as her charge to make certain that the school provides the atmosphere and training that will nurture both the potential artist and the dance student who studies only for the inherent rewards -- self-discipline, physical fitness, and a greater appreciation of movement and music.
In contrast to ballet schools which require the child’s body to conform to the rigid expectations of the technique, we strive to allow the developing dancer to find out how her or his body can approach the technique; and, as the body matures, to grow technically in a safe, progressive way -- to feel the dancing from within.
Our children’s classes go slowly and allow plenty of time for imagination and exploration, even as the children are mastering the basic concepts. For the older student, we continue to emphasize the importance of understanding the hows and whys of technique, so that safe work habits, personal responsibility and concentration become second nature. Our goal is to give the student dancers the tools of mind and body that they need to become a professional or to become a lifelong friend of the arts, while providing a supportive atmosphere for their endeavors.
Summer Courses for Children
June 28 - July 29, 2010
for children 3 through 12 years old |
Photo: Ellen Crane |
- Classes for ages 3 through 12 years old
- Small class sizes
- Outstanding faculty with experience in children’s
dance teaching
- Studios in Cranbury and Princeton
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The Princeton Ballet School Advantage |
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- Classes for ages 4 through 9
- Special classes for three year olds with accompanying parent
- Small class sizes
- Outstanding faculty with experience in children’s
dance teaching
- Optional performance at the end of the year for Children’s Ballet 1 and up
- Flexible enrollment
- Studios in Cranbury, New Brunswick, and Princeton
- Live musical accompaniment for all classes
- Special dance flooring
- Competitive tuition
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Enrollment in the Children’s Division is based on a combination of age and prior experience. Students must meet the age requirements by October 1 of the academic year. Following are descriptions of our Children’s Division courses for beginners, presented in order of age:
PLEASE NOTE THAT CLASSES FOR INTERMEDIATES WILL FOLLOW ALL BEGINNER CLASS LISTINGS |
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Hand In HandA first Dance Class for Young Dancers and their Parents!
Hand in Hand is designed for three and four year old dancers. The class will focus on discovering the world of rhythm and dance through gentle exercises and dances hand in hand with parents or caregivers. |
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Download the Fall 2010 Hand-In-Hand Information Packet
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NOTE FOR FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH PRIOR DANCE TRAINING: |
If your child is four or five years old, and has had prior dance training, we would still like to work with her/him in the age-appropriate class. The training at Princeton Ballet School is very careful and thoroughly thought-out, and we do not believe in moving very young children ahead of their age peers. We want them to pass through our early childhood curriculum at our pace. |
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CLASSES FOR CHILDREN WITH PRIOR TRAINING: |
If your child is four or five years old, and has had prior dance training, we would still like to work with her/him in the age-appropriate class. The training at Princeton Ballet School is very careful and thoroughly thought-out, and we do not believe in moving very young children ahead of their age peers. We want them to pass through our early childhood curriculum at our pace. |
Parents of children six and above with prior training should speak to our Dean of Students to set up a PLACEMENT CLASS to determine which level is most appropriate for them. Children who need more advanced or intensive training will be offered that opportunity later on, at the more appropriate age of eight or nine.
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For more information on Children's Division classes,
please call
the the Princeton studio (609) 921 - 7758.
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