Ballet Class Levels & Divisions

Registration for 2023/24 classes is NOW OPEN!

Mankato Ballet Company is based on ballet technique and is known for producing quality ballet productions and dancers. We are proud of our emphasis on technique, terminology, and dance etiquette. Our ballet program is divided into three divisions. Children’s Division: includes our Creative Movement and Pre-Ballet Classes, Youth Division: is for intermediate students who are eligible for The Nutcracker and are beginning to take ballet more seriously, and our Pre-Professional Division: is eligible for the Performing Company and dances 4-5 days a week.

2023/24 Schedule CLICK HERE

Children’s Division

Creative Movement 1

Ages: 3 years turning 4
Cost: $45 a month
(1) 30 minute class per week
Leotard: White Tank Style

Dancers learn to experience dance in a fun environment. The class uses age appropriate music, movement, and memory games. These are enhanced by fun props such as scarves, tutus and wands.

Creative Movement 2

Ages: 4 years turning 5
Cost: $60 a month
(1) 45 minute class per week
Leotard: Lt. Pink Tank Style
Hair: Pulled Back in a pony or bun

Dancers learn to experience dance in a fun environment. This is a ballet based class and dancers begin to learn basic terms and concepts associated with ballet. The class uses age appropriate music, movement, and memory games. These are enhanced by fun props such as scarves, tutus and wands.

Pre-Ballet 1

Ages: 5 years turning 6 (Must be entering Kindergarten)
Cost: $60 a month
(1) 45 minute class per week
Leotard: Cerise Pink Tank Style
Hair: Pulled Back in a pony or bun

Based on Creative Movement with more emphasis on detail and terminology. Dancers begin some barre work and enjoy a more structured class.

Pre-Ballet 2

Ages: 6 years turning 7
Cost: $60 a month
(1) 45 minute class per week
Leotard: Marine Blue Tank Style
Hair: Pulled Back in a pony or bun

Dancers will take a longer barre and not use as many props in class. Terminology is highly emphasized and dancers should have a working knowledge of all feet and arm positions.

Youth Division

Ballet 1A

Ages: 7 years turning 8
Cost: $75 a month
(1) 60 minute class per week
Leotard: Peacock Tank Style
Hair: Pulled Back in a pony or bun

Classical dance for the semi experienced dancer. Dancers begin taking a full barre at this level and applying more difficult concepts such as use of turn out and pointing toes. Dancers in this level have usually had some previous ballet/dance training and are comfortable with the terminology and structure. This class is 1 hour long and more time will be spent in the center working preparations for pirouettes and petite allegro.

Ballet 1B

Ages: 8-9 years
Cost: $75 a month
(1) 60 minute class per week
Leotard: Royal Tank Style
Hair: Pulled Back in a pony or bun

Classical dance for dancers with previous ballet experience. Dancers in this level are comfortable with the terminology, structure, and begin focusing more on quality of movement. Arms and legs work together for a complete dancer who can travel across the floor.

Ballet 2A

Ages: 9-12 years
Cost: $125 a month
(1) 60 minute class & (1) 75 minute class per week
Leotard: Red Tank Style
Hair: In a bun

This level is for dancers that have completed levels 1A and 1B or have had two prior years of ballet training. Classes increase to a mandatory 2 classes a week. Dancers are evaluated mid-year and year-end and must accomplish certain aspects of their evaluation before they are promoted to the next level. Supplementary class recommended.

Ballet 2A Class Times: Tuesday class with Miss Maria 4:15-5:15, Wednesday class with Miss Eryn 5:15-6:30.

Ballet 2B

Ages: 10-13 years
Cost: $125 a month
(1) 60 minute class & (1) 75 minute class per week
Leotard: Black Cherry Tank Style
Hair: In a bun

This level builds on the level 2A syllabus and begins to incorporate pre-pointe work and strength building for pointe work. Dancers must be strong enough by the end of this year to move on to level 3A where pointe shoes are introduced. Dancers MUST dance 2 days a week to complete this level and move up to level 3A. Dancers are evaluated for their skills and strength twice a year to make sure they are ready for pointe shoes. Supplementary class recommended.

Ballet 2B Class Times: Monday with Miss Bekah 4:00-5:00, Wednesday class with Miss Eryn 4:00-5:15.

Advanced Division

Ballet 3A

Ages: 10-14 years
Cost: $190 a month
(3) Ballet classes per week
Leotard: Mulberry Pinch Front Camisole
Skirt: Mulberry Bullet Pointe Skirt (optional for pointe class)
Hair: In a bun

CLICK HERE to access the skirt order form.

This level is for dancers that have successfully worked through the syllabus. This will be the first year of pointe work. One of the classes is a pointe class and the others will be used to continue strength building and work on technique. Dancers MUST be dancing 3 days a week with MBC to go on pointe. Dancers receive written evaluations twice a year to help track their progress. Supplementary class HIGHLY recommended.

Ballet 3A Class Times: Mondays with Miss Bekah 5:00-6:00, Tuesdays with Mr. Benjamin 5:15-6:30, Thursdays with Miss Eryn 4:00-5:00.

Ballet 3B

Ages: 11-14 years
Cost: $190 a month
(3) Ballet classes per week
Leotard: Raspberry Pinch Front Camisole
Skirt: Raspberry Bullet Pointe Skirt (optional for pointe class)
Hair: In a bun

CLICK HERE to access the skirt order form.

This level builds on the level 3A syllabus and introduces more advanced pointe work away from the barre. It requires more attention to quality and a firm understanding and appropriate strength with pointe work in order to advanced to the next level. Dancers receive written evaluations twice a year to help track their progress. Placement is by instructor approval only.

Supplementary class required. Supplementary classes include: Modern, Jazz or Tap.

Ballet 3B Class Times: Mondays with Mr. Pacheco 6:00-7:00, Tuesdays with Miss Maria 5:15-6:30, Thursdays with Miss Eryn 5:00-6:00.

Pre-Professional Division

Ballet 4

Ages: 12+ years
Cost: $245 a month
(4) Ballet classes per week
Leotard: Purple (optional styles)
Skirt: Purple Bullet Pointe Skirt (optional)
Hair: In a bun

Dancers in Ballet 4 must order leotards through Mankato Ballet Company, but have alternative styles to select from. Matching Bullet Pointe Skirts may also be worn.

CLICK HERE to access the leotard and skirt order form.

Dancers who have the strength and maturity to work in this level take 4 classes per week. Most classes include some form of pointe work including rehearsals. Dancers receive written evaluations twice a year to help track their progress. Placement is by instructor approval only. Supplementary class required. Supplementary classes include: Modern, Jazz or Tap.

Ballet 4 Class Times: Mondays with Mr. Pacheco 7:00-8:00, Tuesdays with Miss Maria 6:30-8:00, Wednesdays with Miss Eryn 6:30-8:00, Thursdays with Miss Eryn 6:00-7:30.

Ballet 5 – By Invite ONLY

Ages: 13+ years
Cost: $270 a month
(4) Ballet classes per week
Leotard color: Navy (optional styles)
Skirt: Navy Bullet Pointe Skirt (optional)
Hair: In a bun

Dancers in Ballet 5 must order leotards through Mankato Ballet Company, but have alternative styles to select from. Matching Bullet Pointe Skirts may also be worn.

CLICK HERE to access the leotard and skirt order form.

Dancers who have the strength and maturity to work in this level take 5 classes per week. Most classes include some form of pointe work including rehearsals. Dancers receive written evaluations twice a year to help track their progress. Placement is by instructor approval only. Supplementary class required. Supplementary classes include: Modern, Jazz or Tap.

Ballet 5 Class Times: Mondays with Mr. Pacheco 8:00-9:30, Tuesdays with Mr. Benjamin 6:30-8:00, Wednesdays with Miss Eryn 8:00-9:30, Thursdays with Miss Eryn 6:00-7:30.