Ages 4 to pre-professional
Los Gatos Ballet’s year-round program runs from August through June and welcomes students of all abilities, from age 4 through the pre-professional level. Our unique curriculum takes a progressive approach, integrating the finest principles of the Vaganova, French, and American ballet traditions. Through our comprehensive training and performance program, dancers develop a strong foundation in anatomy, musicality, technique, and artistry. This thoughtful progression supports the advancement of physical, mental, and emotional strength—empowering students to achieve a high level of control and mastery.
Preparatory Division
Pre-Ballet 1, 2, 3 (Ages 4-7)
Our Preparatory Division nurtures your child’s passion for dance and is thoughtfully designed to build self-confidence, focus, creativity, and musicality. Within a warm and supportive environment, pre-ballet classes follow a structured progression, laying the foundation for formal ballet training.
Primary Division
Levels 1b, 1a, 2b, 2a (Age 7+)
The Primary Division offers young dancers the opportunity to begin or continue their exploration of the fundamental elements of classical ballet. Students are introduced to basic ballet positions and vocabulary, both at the barre and in the center.
In this level, dancers focus on proper turnout and body alignment while building coordination, strength, and flexibility. As these foundational skills are strengthened, classes gradually progress to more advanced concepts.
Our artistic staff and faculty carefully guide each student’s progression into the next levels based off of their ability rather than their age.
Elementary Division
Levels 3, 4 (Age 9+)
In the Elementary Division, dancers deepen their understanding of classical ballet technique as they explore a broader range of steps built upon previously established fundamentals.
There is a focused emphasis on coordination between the upper and lower body, single-leg strength and stability, and an evolving awareness of line. Dedicated preparation for pointe work begins in Level 4.
Our artistic staff and faculty carefully guide each student’s progression into the next levels based off of their ability rather than their age.
Intermediate Division
Levels 5, 6 (Age 11+)
Students in the Intermediate Division reach an exciting milestone in their dance journey with the introduction of pointe work, once they are physically and technically prepared.
During this stage, dancers solidify their knowledge of ballet vocabulary and begin to explore a range of stylistic approaches. Creative and artistic expression is further cultivated, while continued technical development prepares them for advancement to the Advanced Division. Conditioning classes and access to the WellnessLAB support cross-training and overall dancer wellness.
Our artistic staff and faculty carefully guide each student’s progression into the next levels based off of their technical ability rather than their age. It is common for students in the Intermediate and Advanced Divisions to train in each level for more than one year.
Advanced Division
Levels 7, 8 (Age 13+)
In the Advanced Division, students refine their training with classes that emphasize speed, strength, artistic maturity, and precise musicality. A well-rounded dancer emerges through enrichment classes, personal development, and cross-training supported by our Wellness team.
Advanced dancers receive individual mentorship as they prepare for auditions—whether for summer intensives, year-round programs, or collegiate-level opportunities. Many go on to attend prestigious ballet schools and universities.
Our artistic staff and faculty carefully guide each student’s progression into the next levels based off of their technical ability rather than their age. It is common for students in the Intermediate and Advanced Divisions to train in each level for more than one year.
Boys Program
The syllabus at Los Gatos Ballet supports foundational development and progression for both boys and girls at every level. In addition, boys-only classes offer valuable opportunities to focus on coordination, strength, and athleticism in a supportive environment.
“Los Gatos Ballet is the most professional ballet studio I have ever trained at. The training, studio, and faculty embody the true essence of what ballet should be, a culture and artform of upliftment, detail, and passion. No matter who you are and your capabilities, their faculty will push you to become the best you can be and you’ll find yourself unlocking potential you never knew existed. I’ve worked so hard and dedicated practically my life to ballet, but then again I have never been so happy to be apart of this studio and this art form. Los Gatos Ballet has taught me what dedication, perseverance, and tenacity is, and how a community and a family can truly make you a better person. For this, I am forever grateful.”
-Brook Chuang