Early Childhood
The Early Childhood Program includes Creative Movement and Pre-Ballet classes. This program is designed to cultivate the joy for ballet in our youngest dancers while introducing them to the format of a dance class. The use of music, props, and imagination keeps students engaged while they learn basic ballet vocabulary.
Primary
The Primary Program begins with Ballet I, a beginner class for ages 6 and 7. This fundamental class focuses on body alignment, proper external rotation from the hip, articulation of the feet, and elementary barre and center exercises. Students progress through these levels at the discretion of the faculty.
Pre-Professional
The Pre-Professional Program begins with Ballet IIIB. As students progress through these levels, their coordination and control is developed through more demanding and complex exercises. As they advance, an emphasis is placed on developing personal artistry through port de bras and epaulement (head and arm movements).
Theater Dance
The Theater Dance Program pulls from many techniques, genres, and styles. The class focuses on balancing technical ballet training and stylized theater choreography. Students will learn a vast repertoire of classical, as well as contemporary, Broadway and Movie Musical choreography.
Adult/Teen
Adult/Teen classes are open to all levels. Enrollment is by semester, but you may join mid-session. Classes are structured and build during the course of the semester, so for that reason we do not do “drop-in” classes.
Pilates
Group Pilates sessions are designed for adults of any experience level. Classes are structured and build during the course of the semester, so for that reason we do not do “drop-in” classes. Classes are taught by Lori Lahnemann, Director of The Philadelphia Dance Academy. Private lessons are also available.
Boys Program
At The Philadelphia Dance Academy, we believe that ballet is for boys too. To encourage boys to foster a love of dance, all boys enrolled in our Primary and Pre-Professional Divisions (Ballet I and higher) can take class on scholarship.
Summer Program
Keep your kids physically active and creatively engaged with Summer Half or Full Day Performing Arts Programs and Intermediate/Advanced Intensives. Week-long programs for ages 4-18 encourage dancers to polish ballet technique while exploring new genres. There is an informal studio showing at the end of each week. Creative Movement classes for ages 2.5-4 are also available.
