Starting as a Teen? ages 12.5-17
Ballet 1: TEEN Fundamentals (ages 12.5-17)
This is for the teen with no ballet experience! Learn the basic steps, class etiquette, direction of movement, and more. Ages 12 (by June 1, 2026) through 18.
Tuesdays 6:45-8:00pm | Instructor: SPB Faculty. BEGINS SEP 29, 2026
If you are a dancer aged 12.5-17 with little to no ballet experience this is the class for you. Classes are drop-in. If you have questions about this class or our Leveled program please give us a call at 651-690-1588 or email us at spb@spballet.org with your contact information.
The pre-requisite is that you have passion for learning classical ballet. To fully engage in ballet training the priority is practicing foundational steps and positions. Rushing to the end result or a focus on getting to the stage may mean that you’re missing out on building foundational ballet training.
For placement in our Leveled programs please contact us. When starting at an older age this means you may be placed in classes with younger students so that you do not have “gaps” in your training.
A good dance school will constantly assess your progress to make sure you are receiving the appropriate curriculum.
There are many different life skills you can develop in the process of learning ballet and over time, you will be prepared to enjoy continued study in SPB’s Adult Ballet 2.
We look forward to welcoming you! Please call or email for more information 651-690-1588 and spb@spballet.org
Studios at 655 Fairview Avenue N., St. Paul, MN 55104
Registration & Scholarships
• FAQs
TUITION PAYMENTS:
Tuition payments are due before the start of class sessions.
Do you offer scholarships? Yes, we offer need-based scholarships. If tuition is a barrier, please complete the application HERE OR call and ask for a scholarship application. We would like to provide dance for any child who would like to try! Please complete the application and mail, email or bring it to our studios at: 655 Fairview Avenue N., St. Paul, MN 55104
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Dancewear for Classes
Teen and Adult Classes are designed for students who wish to begin or continue dance training for health, recreation or self-enrichment. Students are encouraged to grow as an individual artist and to participate at their own pace. Classes are taught by teachers dedicated to the growth and fostering of ballet as an art form and believe dance contributes to a healthy lifestyle. Classes emphasize overall body conditioning and encourage an aesthetic appreciation of dance. Classes are accompanied by professional musicians.
Classes Offered in order of mastery:
Teen Fundamentals 1 – ages 12.5-17
Adult/Teen 2 Fundamentals – all ages (min 13yrs)
Adult/Teen 3 Beginning Ballet – all ages (min 13yrs)
Adult/Teen 4 Intermediate Ballet – all ages (min 13yrs)
DANCEWEAR: Adults are welcome to wear clothing that gives full freedom of movement for bending, stretching and moving. This can be the traditional leotard (fits like a one-piece swimsuit) and tights or a fitted t-shirt and leggings, yoga clothes, or other athletic wear.
Deep colors (black, navy, burgundy, purple, hunter green, etc.) are worn in ballet to make it easier for you and your teachers to check your alignment during classes. In winter months you may want to start the class with a warm-up layer over-shirt or close-fitting sweat-top until your muscles are ready.
If you are interested in a more traditional ballet look, do it! You can find affordable tights, leotards and wrap skirts in straight and plus sizes online from Discount Dance Supply and in stores such as Grand Jete in St. Paul. We recommend ordering dance clothes a size up from what you’d normally wear, and making sure you can move comfortably in them — a leotard should feel like a comfortable swimsuit. If it pinches somewhere, or if wearing it makes you feel anything less than great and confident, exchange it.
FOOTWEAR: Soft ballet shoes are required for adult dancers. They come in black, pink and many shades of skin-color in canvas or leather. We recommend you buy your first pair of dance shoes in-person at Grand Jete in St. Paul. Their staff can help you find shoes with pre-sewn elastics or give you instructions. When it comes to ballet slippers, if they are too tight in the store, they will hurt in class but do not buy shoes with extra length as you may trip over your toes.
For Parents/Caregivers
Location and Parking:
655 Fairview Avenue N., St Paul, MN 55104 Ample free parking in the lot. Just 3 blocks north of the Fairview Ave. LRT Station on University Ave.
Volunteer opportunities: Help support the ballet through volunteering at performances and events. Sign up with the Administrative Assistant.
Fall Fling Open House (October 10, 2026)
Nutcracker (December 11-12, 2026)
Spring Student Showcase (TBA, 2027)
and other opportunities as announced throughout the year!