BALLET
Overview
Ballet is a classical art form incorporating grace with precise steps and movements. It uses dance to tell a story through movement and mime. It is traditionally danced to classical music. The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) syllabus is renowned worldwide as one of the premier syllabi for training technical ballet dancers. It provides a strong foundation in all elements of Ballet dance. We also offer NZAMD scholarship opportunities to senior dancers as an option to extend their training.
We are incredibly proud of our dancers who often achieve to the highest level in their exams.
Students work towards sitting mid-year exams, and then work on an item for our annual show over term 3 and 4.
Competition work is offered in solos. Entry is through invitation or audition processes.
Come and take a free trial class to experience the best ballet classes in Auckland.
Classes
Age at 31 Dec | Level | Classes per week | Class Type |
|---|---|---|---|
5 years | Ballet Prep | One | Exam |
6 years | Pre-Primary Ballet | One | Exam |
7 years | Primary Ballet | One | Exam |
8 years | Grade 1 | Two | Exam |
9 years | Grade 2 | Two | Exam |
10 years | Grade 3 | Two | Exam |
11 years | Grade 4 | Two | Exam |
12 years | Grade 5 | Two | Exam |
13 years | Intermediate Foundation | Two | Exam |
14 years | Intermediate Ballet | Two | Exam |
15 years | Advanced Foundation | Two | Exam |
16 years | Advanced One | Two | Exam |
17 years | Advanced Two | Two | Exam |
Ballet class guide by age
Ballet follows the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) syllabus, with NZAMD and scholarship options for seniors. Levels go by age on 31 December, and our team can help pick the right level. Your free trial is one class per style.
Ballet for 5–7 year olds
One class a week on Saturday morning. Ballet Prep dancers must turn 5 this year. Pre-Primary is the first RAD exam level; exams are recommended, not compulsory.
| Level (age on 31 Dec) | Day & time | Classes a week | Free trial |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ballet Prep (5) | Sat 10:45–11:15am | 1 | Book free trial |
| Pre-Primary (6) | Sat 11:15am–12:00pm | 1 | Book free trial |
| Primary (7) | Sat 10:00–10:45am | 1 | Book free trial |
Ballet for 8–10 year olds
From Grade 1, ballet is two classes a week and both are required, covering classical ballet and character technique, towards a mid-year RAD exam and the annual show. New to ballet at 8–10? Start in the class for your age group.
| Level (age on 31 Dec) | Day & time | Classes a week | Free trial |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 (8) | Mon 5:15–6:15pm + Sat 10:45–11:45am | 2 (both required) | Book free trial |
| Grade 2 (9) | Fri 5:45–6:45pm + Sat 11:45am–12:45pm | 2 (both required) | Book free trial |
| Grade 3 (10) | Mon 6:15–7:15pm + Fri 4:45–5:45pm | 2 (both required) | Book free trial |
Ballet for 11–12 year olds
Two classes a week, both required. From Grade 5, Junior Pointe is compulsory too: it builds strength in the feet and ankles. Dancers start in pointe shoes when their teacher invites them.
| Level (age on 31 Dec) | Day & time | Classes a week | Free trial |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 4 (11) | Thu 6:00–7:00pm + Fri 3:45–4:45pm | 2 (both required) | Book free trial |
| Grade 5 (12) | Tue 6:00–7:00pm + Thu 6:00–7:00pm + Junior Pointe Thu 4:00–5:00pm | 3 (all required) | Book free trial |
Ballet for 13–15 year olds
Two classes a week, both required, plus a pointe class. Intermediate is for dancers who have completed Intermediate Foundation and can take 1–2 years before exams. Advanced Foundation is only for dancers who have completed Intermediate.
| Level (age on 31 Dec) | Day & time | Classes a week | Free trial |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intermediate Foundation (13) | Tue 4:00–5:00pm + Thu 5:00–6:00pm + Junior Pointe Thu 4:00–5:00pm | 3 (all required) | Book free trial |
| Intermediate (14) | Thu 8:00–9:00pm + Fri 6:45–7:45pm + Senior Pointe Tue 5:00–6:00pm | 3 (all required) | Book free trial |
| Advanced Foundation (15) | Wed 8:30–9:30pm + Thu 4:00–5:00pm + Senior Pointe Tue 5:00–6:00pm | 3 (all required) | Book free trial |
| Advanced One (16) | Not running in 2026 | — | — |
| Advanced Two (17) | Not running in 2026 | — | — |
Ballet troupe and competition
Solos and the Ballet Troupe are by invitation or audition. Troupe and competition dancers must also take their ballet exam classes.
| Level (age on 31 Dec) | Day & time | Classes a week | Free trial |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ballet Troupe | Mon 4:15–5:15pm | 1 | By invitation |
Common questions
- How many ballet classes a week?
- One a week up to Primary. From Grade 1, two a week, both required. From Grade 5, Junior Pointe as well.
- My 8–10 year old is new to ballet. Where do they start?
- In the class for their age group.
- When does pointe work start?
- Junior Pointe is compulsory from Grade 5. Dancers start in pointe shoes when their teacher invites them.
- Is ballet good for jazz dancers?
- Yes. We recommend ballet for jazz dancers, but it isn't required.
- Are ballet exams compulsory?
- No, but we highly recommend them.
Times are for Term 4 2026. Pricing varies based on class size: see timetable and fees. Questions? Ask us.