The Academy at Newport Contemporary Ballet offers classes to students of all ages and skill levels. To help find the perfect class, browse through the guide below. For further help with placement, contact Brooke@newportcontemporaryballet.org.
Registration for Fall Classes is now open! Learn more.
Ages 3-6
Creative Movement, Jazz, Tap, Musical Theater, Pre Ballet
Curriculum for 3 and 6 year olds at The Academy is especially designed to capture the young dancer’s imagination! We introduce ballet and dance concepts in a kind and structured environment. Students enjoy exploring movement, music, develop gross motor skills, coordination, listening skills, and confidence.
Pre-Ballet
45 min. per week. A class for 5-6 year olds that builds on the creative movement class but adds concepts of spatial awareness, patterns, working together and some ballet terminology.
Classical Ballet ages 7 -18
Beginner Ballet, Ballet 1, Ballet 2, Ballet 3, and Ballet 4
Classical Ballet is taught using The Academy’s own curriculum created to develop a technically and artistically sound graduate. Emphasis is placed on correct foundations starting in Beginner Ballet at age 7. Students progress though the school’s levels spending an average two years in each level. Classes are are detailed, challenging, and nurturing. Students are given individualized corrections and care to help them to reach their fullest potential. All classes are taught in a pre professional setting. We want to help you reach your goal! Students training for a career in dance can opt to take our full course load and those who choose a recreational path can opt for the number of weekly classes they would like to take.
Pre Pointe, Beginner Pointe, Pointe, Variations
Pre Pointe, Beginner Pointe, Pointe, Variations
Pre Pointe and Pointe work begins in level 2. Students are invited to join Pre/Beginner Pointe and required to take two ballet classes per week. In the second year of level 2, barre is performed en pointe.
Students taking pointe or variations are required to take a ballet class prior.
Beginner Contemporary – Contemporary 2
Beginner Contemporary – Contemporary 2
Contemporary dance exposes students to different ways to move and express themselves. Classes are based off of modern dance techniques to establish a movement vocabulary. Classes include floorwork, center combinations, choreographed phrase work, and improvisation.
Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop
Jazz/ Tap (3-6), Jazz/ Hip Hop (7-11), Hip Hop (ages 12+)
Jazz, Tap, and Hip Hop classes are upbeat, energetic, and full of expression! Students explore diverse dance styles and genres, and enjoy moving through a variety of tempos, dynamics, and intentions.
Class guide
At the Academy, we strive to offer the best dance education possible. Our curriculum is designed to develop with each dancer as they grow and hone their skills. Dance education takes a commitment from families and students as practice time increases as the dancer becomes more experienced. We are happy to work with all families whether the student prefers to dance on a pre-professional track or recreationally.
A couple things to keep in mind while choosing classes:
- If unsure of a level, choose the lower option as it is better to adjust up a level instead of down.
- In order for our faculty to keep your child safe, a technique class must be taken before a pointe class. Students must be warmed up before dancing on pointe.
- If a student’s schedule doesn’t allow for a complete course load, add a class in the style desired a level down.
- Students can expect to stay in the same level for a couple years. Level numbers change sometimes to reflect the student body. The numbers of the levels are not important, the suggested ages are more useful.
- It’s ok for your child to be the oldest one in the level! The foundations of ballet are very precise. As your child refines their technique, the basics and foundations will become harder because they will have more knowledge and experience to apply to their practice. There is no rush to be in the top level and if joined too early, will prohibit the dancer from reaching their full potential. When a student is advanced too quickly they often become frustrated when they are older because they did not have a chance to establish a solid foundation.
- We are happy to advise on level placements. Our suggestion will always be based on what is best for your dancer and we will provide our reasoning.
Age and level/course guide
Creative Movement– Ages 3-5
Pre Ballet– Ages 5-6
Beginner Ballet– Ages 7-9
Ballet 1– Ages 9-11
Ballet 2– Ages 11-13
Ballet 3– Ages 13-14
Ballet 4– Ages 14+
Beginner Contemporary– Ages 7- 9
Contemporary 1– Ages 8- 11
Contemporary 2– Ages 12-18
Jazz/ Tap– Ages 3-6
Jazz/Hip Hop– Ages 7-11
Hip Hop 3– Ages 12+
Musical Theater– Ages 6-8
Junior Company – Ages 13-18
Junior Company
For the 2026-2027 school year, any student can qualify to participate in the Junior Company if they meet the following requirements.
- Student must turn 13 years old by January 1, 2027.
- Student must take a minimum of two ballet classes, one pointe, and one other dance style of their choosing (hip hop or contemporary) per week.
Students must enroll in the Jr Company Program through the online portal. For more information about Junior Company CLICK HERE.