Little Dancers Classes for 4-5 Year Olds
The School of American Ballet — the preeminent ballet school in the U.S. and the official school of New York City Ballet — is pleased to offer beginner ballet classes for 4 and 5 olds. SAB’s Little Dancers program introduces students to the art of ballet through a curriculum of music and movement especially crafted for young learners. Taught by current and former New York City Ballet dancers, classes are offered in two sessions each year. Little Dancers is a part of the School’s SAB OPEN division which does not require auditions for admission. Enrollment is first-come, first-served.
Enrolled students participate in a 45-minute class each week in SAB’s beautiful glass studios at our Lincoln Center headquarters. Led by members of SAB’s faculty who have been trained in a special curriculum for young learners, classes focus on teaching the fundamentals of dance, developing spatial awareness, and introducing elementary ballet steps. Live music accompanies each class, allowing students to better understand the relationship between music and dance and helping them develop a sense of musicality.
Watch the video below for an inside look at the program with faculty member Meagan Mann.
Admission
Auditions are not required for the Little Dancers program and children do not need previous ballet training. Students must meet the age requirements detailed below in order to enroll. Enrollment is first come, first served. Tuition must be paid in full before the start of the session to secure a student’s space in the program.
Age Criteria
Little Dancers is for 4 and 5 year olds. Children who turn 6 after September 1 are eligible to enroll. To enroll in the 2025 Fall Session, students must have been born between 9/2/2019 and 9/10/2021.
2026 Spring Session
Classes for Little Dancers are co-ed and divided by age. During the Spring Session, students will meet each week for a 45-minute class beginning the week of January 18. One parent/caregiver will be allowed to accompany their dancer to SAB’s 5th floor and are allowed to remain outside of the studio for the duration of the class. During the final week, two guests will be invited into the studio to observe the final class of the session for an Observation Day.
DRESS CODE: Female identifying students must wear lavender leotards in any style, and pink or flesh tone tights and ballet shoes. Male identifying students must wear a white T-shirt, black tights, white ankle socks and white or black ballet slippers. Please no skirts or tutus
Long hair should be secured off the child’s face in a hairstyle that best suits their needs.
For Students born between 9/2/2019 and 9/13/2020
| January 20, 27 February 3, 10, 24 March 3, 17, 24, 31 April 14, 21, 28 May 5, 12 *NO CLASS February 17, March 10, April 7 |
Class Full | ||
| Wednesdays at 4:15 – 5:00 PM |
January 21, 28 February 4, 11, 18, 25 March 4, 11, 18, 25 April 15, 22, 29 May 6*NO CLASS April 1, 8 |
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| Thursdays at 4:15 – 5:00 PM | January 22, 29 February 5, 12, 19, 26 March 5, 12, 19, 26 April 16, 23, 30 May 7 *NO CLASS April 2, 9 |
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| January 24, 31 February 7, 21, 28 March 14, 21, 28 April 18, 25 May 2, 9, 16, 30 *NO CLASS February 14, March 7, April 4, April 11, May 23 |
Class Full |
*This section is now full. Please join the waitlist to be notified if an opening becomes available.
Enroll NowFor Students born between 9/14/2020 and 9/10/2021
| January 20, 27 February 3, 10, 24 March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 April 14, 21, 28 May 5, 12*NO CLASS February 17, March 10, April 7 |
Class Full |
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January 24, 31 *NO CLASS February 14, March 7, April 4, April 11, May 23 |
Class Full |
*This section is now full. Please join the waitlist to be notified if an opening becomes available.
Enroll Now2025 Fall Session
Classes for Little Dancers are co-ed and divided by age. During the Fall Session, students will meet each week for a 45-minute class beginning the week of September 7. One parent/caregiver will be allowed to accompany their dancer to SAB’s 5th floor and are allowed to remain outside of the studio for the duration of the class. During the final week, two guests will be invited into the studio to observe the final class of the session for an Observation Day.
DRESS CODE: Female identifying students must wear lavender leotards in any style, and pink or flesh tone tights and ballet shoes. Male identifying students must wear a white T-shirt, black tights, white ankle socks and white or black ballet slippers. Please no skirts or tutus
Long hair should be secured off the child’s face in a hairstyle that best suits their needs.
For Students born between 9/2/2019 and 9/13/2020
| Tuesdays at 4:45 – 5:30 PM |
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Class Full | |
| Wednesdays at 4:15 – 5:00 PM |
September 10, 17, 24 *NO CLASS October, 1, November 26 |
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| Thursdays at 4:15 – 5:00 PM |
September 11, 18, 25 *NO CLASS October 2, November 27 |
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| Saturdays at 10:15 – 11:00 AM* |
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Class Full |
For Students born between 9/14/2020 and 9/10/2021
| Tuesdays at 4:00 – 4:45 PM |
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Class Full |
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Saturdays at 9:30 – 10:15 AM |
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Class Full |
Fall & Spring Session Tuition
Tuition: $1800 per session
Registration Fee: $50
Tuition must be paid in full before the start of each session. At the time of registration, you will have the option to pay in full or in installments.
Refunds will not be provided for children who withdraw prior to or during the program. Financial aid is not available for this program.
Enroll Now
Enrollment is now open!
Join our mailing list to receive updates and be notified of future sessions!
Enroll Now