CHILDREN’S DIVISION

CHILDREN’S DIVISION

Ages 5–7

The Children’s Division at Delaware Dance Company is designed for dancers approximately ages 5–7, with placement based on age, experience, and readiness. Age placement is determined by the child’s age as of September 1.

This division provides a strong foundation in classical ballet and complementary dance styles while nurturing confidence, coordination, and a love of movement. As dancers grow, classes become more structured, supporting technical development in an encouraging, age-appropriate environment.

Through a balance of structure and creativity, dancers develop coordination, musicality, basic ballet vocabulary, classroom etiquette, and independence. No prior dance experience is required. The Children’s Division bridges early childhood classes and more focused ballet study, preparing dancers for continued training..

 

MONDAYS

4:45–5:45 pm – Pre-Ballet 1

4:45–5:45 pm – Pre-Ballet 2

 CLASS SCHEDULE

TUESDAYS

5:15–6:00 pm – KinderBallet 1

5:15–6:00 pm – KinderBallet 2

6:00–7:00 pm – KinderCombo 1

6:00–7:00 pm – KinderCombo 2

WEDNESDAYS

5:00–6:00 pm – Pre-Ballet 1

5:00–6:00 pm – Pre-Ballet 2

FRIDAYS

5:00–5:45 pm – KinderJazz 1

5:00–5:45 pm – KinderJazz 2

5:45-6:30 – Boys Technique 1

SATURDAYS

9:30–10:30 am – Pre-Ballet 1

9:30–10:30 am – Pre-Ballet 2

10:30–11:30 am – KinderCombo 1

10:30–11:30 am – KinderCombo 2

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

  • An introductory ballet class for young dancers age 4 that focuses on basic movement patterns, musicality, coordination, and classroom structure. Emphasis is placed on creativity, posture, and developing a love of ballet in a supportive environment.

  • An introductory jazz class for dancers age 4 that explores rhythm, energy, and movement through age-appropriate jazz technique. Classes emphasize musicality, coordination, and expressive movement in a fun, high-energy setting.

  • A combination class for dancers age 4, KinderCombo 1 includes both ballet and tap. Ballet focuses on posture, coordination, and basic technique, while tap introduces rhythm and sound awareness in a playful, engaging format.

  • Designed for dancers age 5 entering Kindergarten, this class builds on introductory ballet skills with increased structure and focus. Dancers develop coordination, balance, musical awareness, and foundational ballet vocabulary while continuing to learn through movement and imagination.

  • Designed for dancers age 5 entering Kindergarten, this class introduces jazz fundamentals with added structure. Dancers develop rhythm, coordination, and confidence while learning basic jazz movement and performance skills.

  • Designed for dancers age 5 entering Kindergarten, this ballet and tap combination class offers a more structured experience. Dancers continue to develop coordination, musicality, and foundational technique in both disciplines.

  • An elementary ballet class for dancers age 6 entering First Grade. Pre-Ballet 1 introduces more formal ballet structure, emphasizing posture, alignment, musicality, and classroom etiquette while maintaining an encouraging learning environment.

  • Designed for dancers age 7 entering Second Grade, Pre-Ballet 2 builds on foundational ballet technique with increased focus and discipline. Classes prepare dancers for continued ballet study through consistent technique, strength development, and musical awareness.

  • Designed specifically for boys ages 6–12, this class focuses on developing strength, coordination, and confidence in dance training. Dancers work on proper posture, flexibility, and age-appropriate strengthening techniques to support success across multiple dance styles in a supportive, encouraging environment.

DRESS CODE

  • DDC’S dress code supports safe movement, focus, and uniformity in the classroom while remaining comfortable for young dancers.

    GENERAL GUIDELINES

    Hair should be neatly pulled back and secured away from the face

    Girls should wear tights that complement their skin tone and match their ballet shoes

    Shoes should be worn only inside the studio

    EUROTARD PARTNERSHIP

    Delaware Dance Company has partnered with Eurotard to assist families with dress code shopping. Dancers are welcome to purchase dancewear from any vendor; Eurotard is offered as a convenient option, and DDC does receive support through this partnership.

    Items purchased through the Dress Code Solutions link may be picked up at participating dancewear stores or shipped directly to your home.

  • Girls - Kinderballet/Kindercombo

    Attire:

    Light blue leotard (any style); matching skirt optional

    Shoes:

    - Pink or skin-tone ballet shoes

    - black tap shoes (for combo)

    Purchase Online

  • Girls - Preballet

    Attire:

    Royal blue leotard (any style); no skirts

    Shoes:

    Leather pink or skin-tone ballet shoes

    Purchase Online

  • Boys - Children's Division

    Attire:

    Black shorts and white t-shirt

    Shoes:

    - Black ballet shoes

    - Black tap shoes

    Purchase Online

TUITION & POLICIES

Tuition at Delaware Dance Company is structured to provide consistent, high-quality instruction while supporting families throughout the season.

  • DDC charges an annual registration fee of $40 for families with one dancer, $65 for two dancers, and an additional $15 for each third and fourth dancer.

  • Tuition is based on a 34-class dance year and is billed in 10 monthly installments, with one payment due at registration and remaining payments billed monthly from September through May.

  • Tuition is calculated by the total number of class hours enrolled per week for all children in a family.

  • Parents are not included in family hours but receive 25% off tuition for any classes in which they enroll. Parents may also purchase a Class Card for 10 hours of dance for $150.

Delaware Dance Company understands that financial circumstances vary. Financial Assistance is available for families with demonstrated need, and families are encouraged to contact the office with questions or concerns.

 

25/26 Tuition Rates
Financial Aid Information

Children’s Division Performance Opportunities

Performance is an important part of a dancer’s growth. In the Children’s Division, students have joyful and meaningful opportunities to share what they are learning in the studio with family and friends.

All students are eligible to perform in DDC’s annual June Showcase, where choreography is learned during regular class time and presented in a celebratory end-of-year performance.

Beginning at age 7, dancers may also audition to perform in DDC’s main stage productions, including The Nutcracker and the Annual Spring Production. These performances offer valuable stage experience and the opportunity to be part of a full-scale theatrical production.

25/26 Performance Season
Five young girls in blue ballet costumes performing a dance on stage, with the girl in the center kneeling and smiling, and the others striking various poses.
Young ballet dancers performing on stage in white tutus against a blue background.
Group of young girls and a woman on stage during a dance recital, with the girls wearing red costumes with glitter, performing poses, and the woman in a black top with red skirt, in front of a blue curtain.
Children practicing ballet in a dance studio, some with hands raised in ballet positions.
Four young children dressed in colorful costumes, with face paint, standing together in a dance studio with a yellow wall and wooden window blinds in the background.
A group of young girls dressed as fairies holding hands in a ballet or dance performance on stage with a purple backdrop.
A young girl performing a ballet dance on stage, wearing a white leotard, a purple tutu with a star and comet embellishment, a tiara, and ballet slippers.
A young girl in a sparkly blue dress performing a dance on stage, with a purple background.
Young girl in a red sequined costume performing a dance on stage with a blue background.
Four young girls in ballerina costumes standing on stage during a dance recital.