Children's Division
(Ages 3 - 12+)
The Children's Division of the ABT Gillespie School focuses on building a solid foundation in ballet technique with an emphasis on proper placement and safe progression of movement while remaining sensitive to the developmental needs of younger dancers.
The Children's Division is subdivided into Pre-Primary & Primary Classes (ages 3-8*) and Levels 1-3 (ages 8-12+). Admission into Levels 1-3 is by audition only.
Pre-Primary & Primary LevelsPre-Primary & Primary Levels
ABT students ages 3-7 are introduced to music and movement in our Pre-Primary & Primary Levels. All classes feature live piano accompaniment. The emphasis in these courses is on rhythm, dynamic, and placement, so that students graduate from Primary with an understanding of spatial awareness, correct alignment, teamwork, and focus. Each level is divided by age in order to accommodate the developmental needs for every student.
No auditions are necessary to enroll.
Pre-Primary & Primary Schedule
| Class | Age | Day & Time | Duration |
| Pre-Primary (1) | 3 - 5 | Wednesdays 4:00 - 4:45pm | 45 minutes, 1x per week |
| Pre-Primary (2) | 3 - 5 | Saturdays 9:00 - 9:45am | 45 minutes, 1x per week |
| Pre-Primary (3) | 3-5 | Saturdays 10:00 - 10:45am | 45 minutes, 1x per week |
| Primary A (1) | 5 - 6 | Wednesdays: 4:00 - 5:00pm | 60 minutes, 1x per week |
| Primary A (2) | 5 - 6 | Saturdays: 9:15 - 10:15am | 60 minutes, 1x per week |
| Primary B (1) | 6 - 7 | Tuesdays 4:15 - 5:15pm | 60 minutes, 1x per week |
| Primary B (2) | 6 - 7 | Fridays 4:00 - 5:00pm | 60 minutes, 1x per week |
| Primary B (3) | 6 - 7 | Saturdays 11:15 - 12:15pm | 60 minutes, 1x per week |
| Primary C | 7 - 8* | Wednesdays 5:15 - 6:15pm Saturdays 10:45 - 11:45am | 60 minutes, 2x per week |
* Students ages 8 and above must audition to be placed and accepted into the Children's Division. Students with no prior ballet training can enroll in Primary C if they are 8 years of age by September 1st.
Please contact us at abtgillespieschool@scfta.org if you are interested in enrolling.
Levels 1 - 3
Serious ballet students ages 8+ must audition for Levels 1 - 3 to pursue pre-professional training. ABT Faculty follow a specific graded curriculum designed to strengthen technique, stamina, and discipline through practical training. Classes are co-ed with the exception of Pre-Pointe/Pointe classes and Men's Class or unless otherwise noted. Pointe work typically begins in Level 3 in the National Training Curriculum.
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Level 1 Info & Schedule
Class Age Day & Time 1A (1) 7+ Mondays & Fridays | 4:15 - 5:30pm 1A (2) 7+ Tuesdays & Thursdays | 4:15 - 5:30pm 1B 7+ Tuesdays | 5:45 - 7:15pm
Saturdays | 12:30 - 2:00pmPlease contact us at abtgillespieschool@scfta.org if you are interested in enrolling.
Please Note:
- Age ranges are given as guidelines and Faculty may adjust placements as needed
- Schedule is subject to change
- All classes are mandatory unless otherwise noted
- All classes are mixed boys and girls unless otherwise noted
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Level 2A Info & Schedule
Class Age Day & Time 2A (1) 8+ Tuesdays | 4:15 - 5:45pm
Saturdays | 11:15 - 12:45pm2A (2) 8+ Wednesdays | 5:30 - 7:00pm
Saturdays | 11:15 - 12:45pmPlease contact us at abtgillespieschool@scfta.org if you are interested in enrolling.
Please Note:
- Age ranges are given as guidelines and Faculty may adjust placements as needed
- Schedule is subject to change
- All classes are mandatory unless otherwise noted
- All classes are mixed boys and girls unless otherwise noted
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Level 2B Info & Schedule
Class Age Day & Time 2B 8+ See schedule below Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
Technique4:15 - 5:45pmTechnique4:15 - 5:45pmBody Conditioning6:00 - 7:00pmPre-Pointe4:15 - 5:00pmTechnique5:15 - 6:45pmPlease contact us at abtgillespieschool@scfta.org if you are interested in enrolling.
Please Note:
- Age ranges are given as guidelines and Faculty may adjust placements as needed
- Schedule is subject to change
- All classes are mandatory unless otherwise noted
- All classes are mixed boys and girls unless otherwise noted
-
Level 3 Info & Schedule
Class Age Day & Time 3 10+ See schedule below Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Technique & Pointe6:00 - 7:45pmTechnique & Pointe5:45 - 7:30pmBody Conditioning4:45 - 5:45pmTechnique6:00 - 7:45pmPlease contact us at abtgillespieschool@scfta.org if you are interested in enrolling.
Please Note:
- Age ranges are given as guidelines and Faculty may adjust placements as needed
- Schedule is subject to change
- All classes are mandatory unless otherwise noted
- All classes are mixed boys and girls unless otherwise noted