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"I love MDSBMD because I love ballet, and my teachers are really nice."

- Ginger: Age 5

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MSBMD now offering Birthday Parties!!

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PETITE BALLET AGES 3 &4 BALLET FOUNDATIONS AGE 5
At Maryland School of Ballet and Modern Dance, Inc. we pride ourselves on teaching our youngest dancers the foundation of movement and dance through structured, repetitive, organized practice with a dance professional. Though Ballet Training doesn’t truly begin until the age of 6, in our Elementary Ballet classes, your dancer is certain to gain skills through our Petite Ballet and Ballet Foundations programs that will not only prepare him/her for strict ballet training at age 6, but instill a passion for movement and music; while learning discipline, teamwork, and enhancing creativity. Most importantly, they will have fun!

Strict ballet technique does not start until the age of 6. Children are developing cognitively, physically and emotionally, and like their academic studies in school, dance should reflect this growth through age appropriate studies. Though some studios may advertise “Ballet for 2, 3, 4yr olds…” in a professional setting, the truth of the matter is, “real” Ballet training does not, and should not, begin until age 6. So, what is the benefit of taking dance before the age of 6, and will it really prepare the child for his/her ballet career starting at age 6? The answer is …Absolutely; when taught in the proper environment.

What is the proper environment? Dancers ages 3-5 should be taught by a professional- NOT an older student at the school. Younger dancers should not equal lesser qualified instruction. The instructor should be well balanced in being able to maintain structure and discipline during her classes; while maintaining a charming, pleasant and warm personality. The studio should be equipped with mirrors and a safe dance floor. What is a safe dance floor? The ONLY safe floor appropriate for dance instruction is an air based sub floor with a marley top surface. The studio should be clean—a dirty studio equals lack of attention to detail. The appearance of the studio will be a good indicator as to what one can expect the training to be like. A messy, dirty studio equals disorganized and unfocused leadership.

What will my child learn?

Petite Ballet
Most likely, dancers in this class will be attending their first organized group activity. Through circle time, center activities, and across the floor movement sequences, they will learn the following valuable skills that are necessary not only in dance, but for school as well:

Emotional: Courtesy, respect, confidence, kindness and self esteem.

Cognitive: Following directions, taking turns, formations and patterns, right from left, sequences of movement, memorization and problem solving.

Physical: Gross Motor Movement patterns (leaping, skipping, hopping, jumping, turning), levels (High, low, middle), Balance, Coordination, Flexibility, Control and Good Posture.

Ballet Foundations
The dancers in this class will not only improve upon all of the above mentioned skills; they will also start learning basic ballet vocabulary that will be necessary for success once they move into Elementary Ballet.

Once the dancer is age 5.5/6, he/she is ready to start training in strict ballet technique. Through the completion of Petite Ballet and Ballet Foundations, he/she will be well prepared for the demands of classical ballet training. Therefore, our Pre-Professional program begins at the age of 6 (some students are ready at 5.5) with Elementary Ballet. We also have an “open” program for those who love to dance for fun and exercise, but are unable to commit to the demands of a rigorous pre-professional training program.

Click Here for our current and upcoming schedules.

We look forward to having your child learn, dance, and grow with us!

Hair and Dress Code:
In the Pre-Professional program, your dancer will be provided with a leotard for her class. A size request will be sent out prior to the start of class and your leotard will be available for pick up before the class begins. You will need to purchase for your dancer footed pink tights and leather or canvas split sole ballet slippers.

Hair must be pulled away from the face and in a bun. If the hair is chin length or shorter, a headband may be worn in lieu of a bun.

Boys must wear a white t-shirt and black dance tights (specifically made for boys) and black ballet slippers. Exceptions and other attire options may be made, for boys who do not feel comfortable wearing traditional male ballet attire. Simply contact the director.