Classes
The New England Academy of Dance is a pre-professional ballet training program for students, ages 3-18. Under the direction of Artistic Director’s Frances Ortiz, Ginna Ortiz and Ted Thomas students thrive in an elite atmosphere dedicated to the success of each student. NEAD School follows a specific graded curriculum, divided by age, which is outlined in the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum. The Vaganova Method is introduced at the Sr. Pre-Professional Division. Classes include Classical Ballet Technique, Pre-pointe, Pointe, Variations, Pas de Deux, Character Dance, Modern, Contemporary as well as Strength and Stretch Class.
School Divisions and Classes
Pre-Primary Division
The joy of ballet begins with Pre-Ballet classes. We introduce young children to the fundamentals of classical ballet by focusing on proper body alignment, basic ballet technique, terminology and musicality. As part of the NEAD family, Pre-Ballet students will learn much more than ballet, as the exposure to dance reinforces important life skills like creativity, discipline, and team participation—all in a safe, fun, and nurturing environment. Pre-Primary Division Classes are scheduled once a week and perform in the Student Showcase along with the Kinderballet at the end of the Spring Semester.
Tiny Dancer
Ages 2-3
Students must be 2 years of age by the start of the school year (Sept. 1st ) and be potty trained. This is an introductory creative movement class. Designed for our young dancers.
Pre Ballet 1
Ages 3-4
Pre ballet 1, is an introductory dance class for 1st year pre-schoolers (3 turning 4 during the school year– must be 3 by Sept 1st). The class focuses on introducing ballet basics using methods designed for young imaginative minds and bodies. Students are given the opportunity to move, stretch, and improve self-confidence while being introduced to basic ballet concepts, body alignment, posture, locomotor skills, as well as develop self-expression through creative movement.
Pre Ballet 2
Ages 4-5
Pre-Ballet 2 is a dance class for 2nd year pre-schoolers (4 turning 5 during the school year). The class builds on ballet movements and terminology introduced during Pre Ballet 1.
Kinderballet
Ages 5-6 / Kindergarten
Kinderballet focuses on the fundamentals of ballet technique. The class emphasizes proper placement, vocabulary, etiquette, and ballet-based improvisation. Students must be 5 turning 6 during the school year or entering Kindergarten.
| Class Name | Registration Fee | Semester Price | Full Year Price | Spring Performance Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tiny Dancer | $40 | $492 | $984 | Does not participate |
| Pre Ballet 1 | $40 | $492 | $984 | $200 |
| Pre Ballet 2 | $40 | $492 | $984 | $200 |
| Kinderballet | $40 | $492 | $984 | $200 |
No refunds after school begins.
Primary Division
In the Primary Division, students ages 6 to 10 are introduced to the fundamentals of classical ballet. Our curriculum focuses on body alignment, basic ballet technique, terminology, and musicality with an emphasis on each child’s self expression. Students learn proper dance etiquette, body awareness and build a solid dance foundation in a joyful, creative environment. Each level is divided by age in order to accommodate the developmental needs of every student. Students perform in the Student Showcase at the end of the Spring Semester. No auditions are necessary for The Primary Division.
Ballet 1
Ages 6-7 / 1st Grade
Ballet 1 introduces students to the fundamentals of classical ballet technique. Each class focuses on proper posture, body positions, and alignment while also building on ballet vocabulary. Class structure and discipline are also emphasized, and musicality and creativity are explored through improvisation. Watch your child’s confidence and appreciation for the art form grow as they master new skills and make new friends. Students must be 6-7 years old or starting 1st Grade at the start of the school year. Class is 45 min long and meets once a week.
Ballet 2
Ages 7-8 / 2nd Grade
The structure of this traditional ballet class enhances students’ physical and mental discipline while re-affirming posture, placement, flexibility, and strength. Students learn performance skills and basic music fundamentals while cultivating self-confidence and presence. Students must be 7 turning 8 years old or starting 2nd Grade at the start of the school year. Class is 60 min long and meets once a week.
Ballet 3
Ages 8-9 / 3rd Grade
Ballet 3 introduces a traditional ballet class structure. Students learn fundamental ballet technique through barre work, center exercises, and across the floor combinations designed to improve coordination, flexibility, endurance, and musicality. Students must be 8-9 years old or starting 3rd Grade at the start of the school year. Class is 60 min long and meets twice a week
Ballet 4A
Ages 9-10 / 4th Grade
Ballet 4a begins the journey towards more formal ballet classes by adding classical elements as one handed barre work, adagio, petite allegro, grand allegro, and port de bras. Emphasizing the importance of form, musicality, and presence makes this class both challenging and rewarding. Students must be 9-10 years old or starting 4th Grade at the start of the school year. Class is 60 minutes long and meets twice a week. Students in this level must complete a year of instruction before moving up to the Jr. Pre-Professional Division.
| Class Name | Registration Fee | Semester Price | Full Year Price | Spring Performance Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ballet 1 | $40 | $492 | $984 | $200 |
| Ballet 2 | $40 | $492 | $984 | $200 |
| Ballet 3 | $40 | $984 | $1968 | $200 |
| Ballet 4A | $40 | $984 | $1968 | $200 |
| 4A Lyrical | *N/A | $492 | $984 |
*To be eligible for lyrical, students must be fully enrolled in the appropriate ballet level. Students in the spring performance for ballet and lyrical will be charged one performance fee plus one costuming fee for the additional costume.
Students in Ballet 1 and older are eligible to audition for The Nutcracker at the beginning of the Fall Semester. For fees and participation requirements, please click here.
No refunds after school begins.
Jr. Pre-Professional Division
Classes in our Jr. Pre-Professional Division follow a structured sequence of training stages designed to increase technical skills, stamina, and artistry in accordance with students’ age and physical development. Students are taught both ABT’s National Training Curriculum as well as a mix of ballet styles including Vaganova. The division over the course of several levels incorporates classical ballet technique, pointe work and variations. Students earn their placement in each level through hard work, determination, and discipline. Students have the opportunity to perform in our annual Nutcracker at the end of the Fall Semester and Student Showcase at the end of the Spring Semester.
Ballet 4B
Ballet 4b expands on concepts and formal class style introduced in Ballet 4a by participating in a more technically advanced level that prepares them for pre-professional training. Emphasis is placed on coordination, musicality, and technical proficiency as dancers learn how to execute ballet combinations and choreography both in the center and across the floor. Students in this level must have completed a year in 4a or an audition for placement. Classes meet 3 times a week and are encouraged to take pre-pointe classes.
Ballet 5A
Ballet 5a focuses on Intermediate barre work, center exercises, across the floor combinations, and beginner pointe work. Students learn the bulk of classical ballet technique, with an emphasis on musicality, discipline, and ballet vocabulary. Students in this level must have completed a year in 4b or an audition for placement. Class meets 3 times a week, and it includes 1st year pointe at the barre.
Ballet 5B
Ballet 5b students expand on the ballet technique introduced during 5a during their technique and pointe classes. Students in this level must have completed a year in 5a or an audition for placement. Class meets 4 times a week.
Ballet 6A
Ballet 6a is the last year of Jr. Pre-Professional Division and includes technique and pointe classes to prepare students for Sr. Pre-Professional Division. Students in this level must have completed a year in 5b or an audition for placement. Class meets 5 times a week.
Ballet 4B: PRE-POINTE
Eligible pre-pointe students must take at least two regular technique classes per week to participate. This class focuses on gaining the necessary foot, ankle, and lower leg strength and flexibility needed to execute proper pointe technique. Students learn how to sew their own pointe shoes and will be evaluated by a dance physical therapist for advancement to pointe class. Pre-pointe students will take pointe classes on flat until they develop the strength to begin pointe work.
Lyrical/Modern Dance
Lyrical dance combines techniques of classical ballet, jazz, and modern dance techniques. It is performed to music generally with lyrics , conveying strong emotions through movement. Classes include warm up, isolations, stretches, across the floor progressions, and choreography combinations. Our curriculum focuses on precision, rhythm, technique, personal style and self-expression.
| Class Name | Registration Fee | Semester Price | Full Year Price | Spring Performance Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ballet 4B Pointe Class | $40 N/A | $984 $537 | $1986 $1,074 | $200 N/A |
Ballet 5A Pointe Class | $40 N/A | $1476 $984 | $2952 $1968 | $200 N/A |
Ballet 5B Pointe Class | $40 N/A | $1958 $1,396 | $3936 $2,792 | $200 N/A |
Ballet 6A Pointe Class | $40 *N/A | $1958 $1,396 | $3936 $2,792 | **N/A **N/A |
| Lyrical | *N/A | $492 | $984 | *$75 |
*To be eligible for lyrical, students must be fully enrolled in the appropriate ballet level. Students in the spring performance for ballet and lyrical will be charged one performance fee plus one costuming fee for the additional costume.
**Students in levels 6A and above are eligible for Enrichment and Company Auditions- performance fees are part of dues. -excluding lyrical-
Students in Ballet 1 and older are eligible to audition for The Nutcracker at the beginning of the Fall Semester. For fees and participation requirements, please click here.
No refunds after school begins.
The Doris Driver Scholarship Fund was established in order provide financial support to our dancers who want to pursue summer intensive training and might not otherwise be able to afford dance tuition.
Eligibility
- Students must have been a NEAD student for at least 2 years.
- Students must be in level 4B or higher.
- Students must have a good attendance record, show talent, promise and dedication.
- Student’s family must have a financial need.
- Students who have outstanding balances may be ineligible for scholarships.
- Students must take a full class load for the student’s assigned level in order to be eligible for a scholarship.
Completed scholarship applications must be submitted to the NEAD office by February 1, 2023.
Further information can be found on the application form.
Sr. Pre-Professional Division
The Sr. pre-professional ballet training program focuses on building the framework to becoming a professional dancer as well as help achieve each student’s individual potential. Our faculty includes NEAD alumni, in addition to professional dancers and choreographers, who provide the highest level of instruction and guidance to Sr. pre-professional students. Students in the Pre-Professional Division, consisting of levels 6b through Int/Adv attend technique, pointe, pas de deux, modern and variation classes. Students in this division will be versatile in both Cecchetti and Vaganova ballet styles.
Ballet 6B
Ballet 6b is the first year of Sr. Pre-professional Division and prepares students to enter into the NEAD Company
Intermediate
Intermediate classes incorporate advanced technique with emphasis on developing individual artistry, technical detail and movement.
Advanced
The Advanced level is the highest level offered at NEAD which offers a mixture of Pas de Deux, ballet technique, and modern classes throughout the week. The rigorous curriculum and emphasis on flawless technique prepares students to participate in professional dance companies while honing students’ individual artistry and creativity. Class meets 4 times a week.
Pas de deux
The Pas De Deux class, better known as “Partnering” class, is an essential part of any dancer’s training. Advanced students will learn basic elements and techniques of partnering with another dancer, balance, strength, fluidity and the basic principles of physics as it relates to movement. After achieving a level of efficiency, students are then be taught more intricate technical combinations and how to execute repertories from classical and contemporary pas de dues. Entrance is by invitation only.
Lyrical/Modern Dance
Lyrical dance combines the technique of classical ballet, jazz, and modern dance. Unlike other dances, lyrical is performed to music that usually has lyrics. The combination of movement and lyrics creates strong emotional compositions. Class includes a warm up, isolation, stretching, across the floor progressions, and choreography combinations. Our curriculum focuses on precision, rhythm, technique, personal style and self-expression.
| Class Name | Registration Fee | Semester Price | Full Year Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ballet 6B | $40 | $3394 | $6748 |
| Intermediate | $40 | $3394 | $6748 |
| Advanced | $40 | $3394 | $6748 |
| Pas De Deux | *N/A | $462 | *N/A |
*Students in levels 6A and above are eligible for Enrichment and Company Auditions- performance fees are part of dues. -excluding lyrical-
No refunds after school begins.
The Doris Driver Scholarship Fund was established in order provide financial support to our dancers who want to pursue summer intensive training and might not otherwise be able to afford dance tuition.
Eligibility
- Students must have been a NEAD student for at least 2 years.
- Students must be in level 4B or higher.
- Students must have a good attendance record, show talent, promise and dedication.
- Student’s family must have a financial need.
- Students who have outstanding balances may be ineligible for scholarships.
- Students must take a full class load for the student’s assigned level in order to be eligible for a scholarship.
Completed scholarship applications must be submitted to the NEAD office by February 1, 2023.
Further information can be found on the application form.
