Ballet Program
Building strong, versatile dancers through year-round classical training.
The Art of Movement and Grace
Our school is structured in progressive divisions, giving dancers of every age the opportunity to grow with confidence, artistry, and proper technique. From their first plié to advanced training, each level builds thoughtfully toward the next.
The Ballet Program is at the heart of COYB’s training. Our dancers grow through consistent, year-round classes that focus on technique, while rehearsals remain separate to ensure training is never rushed. At every level, we emphasize strength, alignment, and artistry, building dancers who are mindful, confident, ambitious, and collaborative — team players who dance with both grace and power.
Flexible Scheduling
With over 30 class offerings, options, families can choose the schedule that works best for them while keeping consistent, high-quality training.
Separate Classes and Rehearsals
Training time is focused on technique, ensuring dancers build strength, artistry, and confidence without rehearsal distractions.
No Costume Fees
Families can enjoy performance opportunities without the added financial burden of recital-style costume costs.
Class Offerings
Beginning Ballet
The Beginning Ballet levels (IA–IC) lay the foundation for all future training at COYB. Through engaging classes that balance discipline with a playful approach, dancers learn proper alignment, musicality, and the fundamentals of classical technique. Each level thoughtfully adds new challenges, ensuring students progress safely while gaining strength, flexibility, and artistry. By the time dancers complete the Beginning levels, they are prepared to move confidently into Intermediate Study.
Class Levels:
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Ballet IA (Beginning Ballet) – Designed for dancers with little or no experience. Introduces turnout, basic positions, elementary port de bras, petit allegro, and more — all taught in an engaging, supportive environment.
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Ballet IB – Builds on Level IA, reinforcing fundamentals while increasing complexity and focus on alignment and musicality.
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Ballet IC – Expands on IB skills with greater demand on technique and endurance. Electives such as Pre-Pointe and Modern may be added at this level.
Ballet I requires at least one ballet technique class per week.
Intermediate Ballet
The Intermediate Levels (IIA - IIC) build on the strong foundation established in the Beginning levels, guiding dancers into more complex combinations and refined technique. At this stage, students deepen their understanding of alignment, strength, and artistry while developing the stamina required for longer classes and more demanding choreography. Pointe work, partnering, and electives such as Modern and Pilates may be introduced, offering dancers opportunities to expand their versatility. With thoughtful progression and consistent training, dancers in the Intermediate levels grow in confidence and maturity, preparing them for the challenges of Advanced Study.
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Ballet IIA – Introduces intermediate concepts, assuming proficiency at the IC level. More demanding combinations, strength, and artistry are emphasized. Pointe may begin at this level, with electives including Modern, Partnering, and Pilates for Dancers.
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Ballet IIB – Expands on Level IIA with increased technical challenge, artistry, and endurance.
Ballet II requires at least two ballet technique classes per week.
Advanced / Pre-Professional
In the Advanced Levels (Ballet III & IV), dancers focus on mastering the full vocabulary of ballet while building stamina, strength, and refined artistry. Classes challenge students to expand their versatility and performance skills, with increasing emphasis on precision, expression, and endurance. Ballet IV offers pre-professional training on an as-needed basis, providing ambitious dancers with tailored instruction that prepares them for conservatory or professional paths, while upholding the highest standards of technique and artistry. Electives at this level include Advanced Modern, Partnering, and Pilates.
Ballet III+ requires at least three ballet technique classes per week.
Electives & Add-Ons
Alongside core technique classes, dancers may expand their training through electives:
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Pre-Pointe (begins at Level IC)
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Beginning Pointe (Level IIA)
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Pointe I & II (progressive levels)
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Partnering (by invitation, Level IIA and above)
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Boys Conditioning (all levels)
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Modern Dance (Levels IC and above)
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Pilates for Dancers (Levels IIA and above)
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Adult Beginning Ballet (open to adults seeking foundational training)
From First Steps to Big Stages
Your child’s potential is at the center of everything we do. Guided by founders Robert and Lisa Cole, whose backgrounds span world-class companies and conservatory training, our students receive instruction designed to open doors.
With a focus on safe progression, sound technique, and creativity, COYB graduates have been accepted — many on scholarship — to prestigious programs such as Juilliard, American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, The Rock School, Boston Ballet, The Joffrey Ballet, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. Alumni have gone on to apprentice or perform professionally with companies, including San Francisco Ballet, BalletMet, Munich Ballet, The Joffrey Ballet, Minnesota Ballet, Indianapolis Ballet, and more.
We believe every child deserves training that can carry them as far as their passion takes them — whether that means a professional career, a college program, or a lifelong love of dance.
Take the next step in your dancer’s journey.
At COYB, every class is designed to nurture confidence, creativity, and strong foundations in dance. Whether your child is just beginning or continuing their training, our Ballet Program provides the perfect place to grow.