Training Programs at Balance Dance Studios 

At Balance Dance Studios, we believe that every dancer’s journey is unique. Whether you are dancing for fun, seeking personal growth, or pursuing a professional career, we offer a variety of training pathways to help you reach your goals. Each path is designed to provide the right level of challenge, commitment, and opportunity for dancers of all ages and aspirations.

Our training programs include:

• Recreational Pathway – A fun, enriching way to explore dance, build friendships, and stay active—while developing coordination, creativity, and confidence in a supportive, low-pressure environment.
• Excel Pathway– For dancers looking to refine their technique and explore more advanced training without the full-time commitment of a pre-professional program.
• Pre-Professional Pathway– A rigorous training program for serious dancers preparing for collegiate programs, professional careers, and performance opportunities.

Dancers in the Excel and Pre-Professional tracks train with our highest-level instructors, all of whom have extensive experience in teaching, performing, and/or coaching advanced students. These instructors provide specialized training, mentorship, and individualized feedback to ensure each dancer reaches their full potential. This is a great path for students on company or who wish to be on company. 

Each pathway is structured to help dancers grow, develop their skills, and find their passion for dance, whether they are training once a week or dedicating themselves to intensive pre-professional development. Our experienced faculty and welcoming community provide the support needed for every dancer to thrive.

Let’s find the perfect path for you! Speak with our team to explore the best training options based on your interests and goals.

Recreational Program

“Where Fun Meets Foundations”

The Recreational Dance Pathway is designed for dancers who love to move, create, and connect—without the demands of competitive or pre-professional programs. This track offers a joyful, balanced dance experience where students can thrive at their own pace while still gaining valuable life skills and strong technical foundations.

Who is this for?

• Dancers and dance families who want weekly classes for fun, fitness, and friendship—whether that’s young dancers (ages 3–6) building healthy routines with 2–3 engaging weekly classes that support coordination, rhythm, and classroom structure, or students of any age who want a fun, skill-building activity through just 1–2 classes per week.
• Students balancing school, sports, or other extracurriculars who want dance to complement their lifestyle.
• Families looking for low-commitment performance opportunities, such as in-studio showcases, seasonal recitals, and themed events.
• New-to-dance students of all ages who want to explore different styles in a supportive, welcoming environment.

What to Expect:

• Access to a variety of styles—including ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, acro, contemporary, and musical theater.
• Emphasis on coordination, rhythm, fundamental technique, and self-expression.
• Focus on social development and creativity within a positive, community-driven class culture.
• Opportunities to participate in studio-wide performances and events throughout the year.
• Flexibility to build a weekly schedule that works for your dancer—whether that’s a single class or a more immersive experience with 2–3 classes that grow confidence and open doors for future advancement.

About Our Teachers

Our recreational dancers are taught by the same dedicated, professional faculty who support all of our programs. These instructors are not only technically trained and highly experienced, but also deeply committed to nurturing each dancer’s confidence, curiosity, and joy. They specialize in meeting students where they are—whether that’s helping a new dancer find their footing or encouraging a returning student to grow and explore new styles. Every class is built on connection, encouragement, and the belief that every dancer deserves to feel inspired, valued, and successful.

How to Join the Recreational Track

Getting started on the Recreational Dance Track is simple and stress-free—perfect for dancers and families looking to explore movement, creativity, and connection at their own pace.

Steps to Join:

1. Explore Class Options
   Browse our class schedule by age and style—options include ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, musical theater, acro, and more.
2. Register Online
   Choose the classes that work best for your family’s schedule and register directly through our website. No audition or placement is required for most recreational classes.
3. Try It Out
   Not sure if a class is the right fit? We welcome trial classes to help you find the perfect match for your dancer’s energy, interests, and learning style.
4. Start Dancing!
   Once enrolled, your dancer will be welcomed into class by our nurturing faculty and friendly studio community. We’ll help you get familiar with what to bring, what to wear, and how to make the most of the experience.
5. Grow at Your Own Pace
   Recreational dancers can stick with one class a week or gradually explore more as their interest grows. Our team is here to support you if your dancer is ready to add classes—or even consider a future in Excel or Pre-Pro training!

Excel Training Program

At Balance Dance Studios, we know every dancer’s journey is unique. That’s why we offer two elevated training pathways to meet dancers where they are—whether they’re building strong foundations or preparing for a future in the performing arts.

Excel Pathway

A great fit for dancers who are ready to grow their technique, expand their training, and take their passion to the next level—without the full-time commitment of a pre-professional program.

Commitment & Class Expectations

We guide families based on age and developmental readiness, with flexible class recommendations that help support healthy, balanced growth.

• Ballet enrollment is required for most Excel dancers*, as it supports overall technical development.
  *Dancers focusing only on Hip Hop should also consider adding Acro to support strength and versatility.

• For well-rounded training, participation in jazz, contemporary, lyrical, or other technique-based styles is encouraged for well-rounded growth.

What to Expect in Class

• Consistent attendance is expected (no more than 3 absences per class per semester).
• Dancers are expected to come prepared, focused, and respectful—ready to work hard, try new things, and grow.
• Studio performances are part of the experience for classes in performance-based styles.
• Private lessons and workshops are recommended but optional for dancers who want to accelerate progress.

Is Excel Right for Your Dancer?

This program is ideal for:

• Dancers interested in school dance teams, musical leads, or future competitive team auditions
• Students who show enthusiasm, focus, and natural ability
• Families looking for a structured yet flexible path to support technical development without an intense weekly schedule

How to Join the Excel Track

The Excel Track is designed for dancers who are ready to take their training to the next level with a focus on technique, growth, and performance opportunities—without the full-time commitment of a pre-professional program.

How to Get Started:

• Teacher Recommendation: Dancers showing strong focus, skill development, and positive class etiquette may be invited by an instructor to join Excel-level classes.
• Request an Evaluation: If your dancer is motivated and interested, families may request a placement evaluation to determine if Excel is the right fit.
• Commitment Review – Families should be prepared for increased training hours, attendance requirements, and participation in performances.

We’re here to help guide you through this exciting next step in your dancer’s journey!

Pre-Professional Program

For dancers ages 8+ who are highly committed and passionate about pursuing advanced training—whether for competitive teams, elite performance opportunities, or future careers in dance or the performing arts.

This pathway is designed to challenge and elevate serious dancers who are ready to train at a higher level, both technically and artistically.

Commitment & Training Expectations:

• Required 6+ classes per week (can include company rehearsals). 
• Must enroll in 2-3 ballet classes per week (ballet requirements for level are met)
• Required to take Jazz, Contemporary/Lyrical, Acro, and Injury Prevention/Conditioning
• Attendance Policy: Strict limit of 3 excused absences per class per semester
• Private lessons highly encouraged for personalized development
• Injury prevention and cross-training expectations (Pilates, strength training, etc.) either in studio or out of studio

Who is This For?

• Dancers pursuing college scholarships in dance programs.
• Students preparing for professional careers in dance (performance, choreography, or teaching).
• Individuals who thrive in an intensive, high-level training environment and want to prioritize dance as a primary focus.

What to Expect

• Highly consistent attendance required; dancers must prioritize training and communicate absences in advance.
• Participation in competitions, company shows, end of year recital and select outside performance opportunities.
• Attend select workshops, masterclasses, intensives, and seasonal events.
• Regular goal-setting, progress tracking, and evaluations by faculty.
• Private lessons and mentorship opportunities are strongly encouraged to support individualized growth.

Is the Pre-Pro Track Right for Your Dancer?

This program is ideal for:

• Dancers who dream of a future in dance, whether on stage, in college, or as a career
• Students who thrive with structure, challenge, and commitment
• Families ready to support a more involved training schedule and performance calendar

How to Join the Pre-Professional Track

The Pre-Professional Track is for dancers who are fully committed to pursuing dance at a collegiate or professional level. This program offers the most advanced training, mentorship, and performance preparation we provide.

How to Get Started:

• Audition Required: Dancers must apply and complete an audition or instructor evaluation to demonstrate technique, artistry, and readiness for intensive training.
  (Dancers already participating in our highest-level company—Rise at TDS or Verge at BDS—are automatically included in the program.)
• Training Background: Dancers should have a strong foundation in ballet, jazz, and contemporary, either at our studio or from another training program.
• Commitment Agreement: Families and dancers must commit to the program’s training hours, attendance expectations, and participation in outside workshops and intensives.

This track is designed for dancers who are ready to invest in their passion and take their training as far as it can go.

How to Join the Program: Excel & Pre-Professional Tracks

Excel Track

The Excel Track is for dancers interested in higher-level training with a focus on technical growth and performance opportunities. Entry into this program is based on:

• Instructor Recommendation – Dancers who show strong focus, skill development, and class etiquette may be invited.

• Class Placement – Students can request to be evaluated for Excel-level classes based on prior experience and committing to an evaluation class.

• Commitment Review – Families should be prepared for increased training hours, attendance requirements, and participation in performances.

Pre-Professional Track

The Pre-Professional Track is for dancers fully committed to pursuing dance at a collegiate or professional level. Admission is based on:

• Audition– Dancers must apply and receive a formal audition to demonstrate technique, artistry, and readiness for intensive training (If a dancer is on the highest commitment company already (Rise at TDS or Verge at BDS), they do not need to apply and are automatically accepted in the pre-professional program).

• Training History – Applicants should have a strong background in ballet, jazz, and contemporary from us or another studio.

• Commitment Agreement – Families and dancers must commit to training hours, attendance requirements, and external workshops.

For both tracks, placement is determined by instructor approval to ensure dancers are in the best environment for their growth and success. If interested, speak with an instructor or studio director for guidance on the next steps!

Dance Pathways at a Glance

Explore the right fit for your dancer’s interests, goals, and schedule. All tracks are supported by our nurturing, professional faculty and offer performance opportunities in a joyful, community-centered environment.