Ballet Studios for Kids in NYC

Ballet Academy East

• This pink-hued ballet studio on Third Avenue offers ballet classes for children beginning at age 2, when parents or caregivers participate in the class along with the child. Pre-ballet programs offered for children through age 6 incorporate learning, creativity, musicality and fun and include live musical accompaniment. Traditional ballet instruction begins at age 6. Students have the option of enrolling in a recreational enrichment program or auditioning for the pre-professional division, if interested in pursuing a professional career in ballet.

Broadway Dance Center

• Ballet classes at the Broadway Dance Center begin at age 5 and range from basic to professional level, depending on the number of years of training. In addition to traditional ballet classes, the Broadway Dance Center offers a variety of ballet-style classes. In the POP ballet class, students learn ballet technique set to current music. Complexions Contemporary Ballet combines modern and ballet styles for an innovative mixed dance method specific to the Broadway Dance Center.

Dance Conservatory of New York

• Valentina Kozlova, former principal dancer for the New York City Ballet, runs the Dance Conservatory of New York. Pre-ballet classes -- where students are introduced to ballet basics and work on developing musicality -- begin at age 3. At age 6, students begin formal study of classical ballet using the Vaganova syllabus -- a traditional Russian method of ballet -- and are required to take a minimum of two classes each week. At age 9, students must begin taking four weekly classes and pointe study for female ballerinas begins.

Jewish Community Center in Manhattan

• An affordable option for young ballerinas, the Jewish Community Center in Manhattan offers ballet classes for children ages 2 through 4. In each class, students travel on a new adventure as they are taught ballet positions and technique that will give them a strong foundation in ballet. Creativity and imagination is encouraged in class, with the goal of turning out confident and strong young dancers who love and appreciate the arts.

The School at Steps on Broadway

• Situated on the Upper West Side, the School at Steps on Broadway offers a variety of classes beginning with creative movement classes at age 2. When a child reaches the age of 6, she can begin studying basic ballet at the studio -- and continue studying until she reaches the advanced level. The classes are curriculum-based and geared toward strengthening technique and developing artistic skills as students become familiar with correct muscle placement and ballet vocabulary.