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, 5, and young 6 year 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.
Enrollment for the 2025 Fall Session will begin on May 19.
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, 5 and young 6 year olds. Children must be no younger than 4 as of the first day of class and no older than 5 as of September 1 to enroll in the 2025 Winter Session. Children who turn 6 after September 1 are eligible to enroll. To enroll in the 2025 Winter Session, students must have been born between 9/2/2018 and 1/21/2021.
2025 Winter Session
Classes for Little Dancers are co-ed and divided by age. During the Winter Session, students will meet each week for a 45-minute class beginning the week of January 21. 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. All children with long hair should wear it pulled back in either a ponytail or bun.
For Students born between 9/2/2018 and 9/14/2019
| Tuesdays at 4:45 – 5:30 PM | January 21, 28 February 4, 11, 18, 25 March 4, 11, 25 April 1, 8, 22, 29 May 6*NO CLASS March 18, April 15 |
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| Wednesdays at 4:45 – 5:30 PM |
January 22 February 5, 12, 19, 26 March 5, 12, 26 April 2, 9, 23, 30 May 7, 14*NO CLASS January 29, March 19, April 16 |
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| Thursdays at 4:15 – 5:00 PM | January 23, 30 February 6, 13, 20, 27 March 6, 13, 27 April 3, 10, 24 May 1, 8*NO CLASS March 20, April 17 |
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CLASS FULL |
Our Saturday class is now full, all other sections remain available. Please join our waiting list for the 2025 Winter Session to be notified if an opening in the Saturday class becomes available.
Join Our Mailing ListFor Students born between 9/15/2019 and 1/21/21
| Tuesdays at 4:00 – 4:45 PM* |
January 21, 28 *NO CLASS March 18, April 15 |
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Wednesdays at 4:00 – 4:45 PM |
January 22 *NO CLASS January 29, March 19, April 16 |
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2025 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. All children with long hair should wear it pulled back in either a ponytail or bun.
For Students born between 9/2/2019 and 9/1/2020
| Tuesdays at 4:45 – 5:30 PM |
September 9, 16, 30 *NO CLASS September 23, November 25 |
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| 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* |
September 13, 20, 27 *NO CLASS November 29 |
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Registration for the fall session will begin on May 19. Please join our mailing list to be notified when registration begins.
Join our mailing listFor Students born between 9/2/2020 and 9/9/2021
| Tuesdays at 4:00 – 4:45 PM |
September 9, 16, 30 *NO CLASS September 23, November 25 |
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Saturdays at 9:30 – 10:15 AM |
September 13, 20, 27 *NO CLASS November 29 |
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Registration for the fall session will begin on May 19. Please join our mailing list to be notified when registration begins.
Join our mailing list2025 Fall Session Tuition
Tuition: $1800
Registration Fee: $50
Tuition must be paid in full before the start of the session. At the time of registration, you will have the option to select one, two, or three part installments.
Refunds will not be provided for children who withdraw prior to or during the program. Financial aid is not available for this program.
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