Primary Division
Ages 7-13
Primary Division Focus
Beginning with ballet technique, our syllabus focuses on engaging proper alignment, balance, musicality, and instruction with French vocabulary. As the dancers progress through the levels, more intricate movement sequences are introduced, athletic steps such as jumps and turns, appropriate extension of the legs and feet are enforced, use of head is introduced, and proper preparation for center work are of continual focus. Dancers are encouraged to add other dance forms by Level 3 to broaden their scope of understanding contemporary movement. Students in the primary division have the fantastic opportunity to perform in PDT’s production of A Philadelphia Nutcracker ,the annual spring show, and the June Showcase should they choose to join PDT’s Performing Company.
Primary division schedule
See below for our Fall schedule beginning September 11th 2023. Click here for the full class schedule.
Mondays
4:30-5:30 Ballet 1/1x
5:30-6:15 Jazz 1/1x
5:00-6:00 Ballet 2
6:15-7:45 Ballet 2x/3
6:00-7:30 Ballet 3x/4
7:30-8:00 Pointe 3x/4
Tuesdays
4:30-5:30 Ballet 1x/2
5:00-6:00 Ballet 2/2x
6:00-7:00 Jazz 2/2x
7:00-8:30 Ballet 3/3x
Wednesdays
4:15-5:00 Progressing Ballet Technique
4:45-6:00 Ballet 2/2x
5:00-6:00 Contemporary 4/4x
6:00-7:30 Ballet 3/3x
6:00-7:30 Ballet 4/4x
Thursdays
5:00-6:00 Ballet 1
5:00-6:30 Ballet 3/3x
6:00-6:45 Hip Hop 1/2
6:00-7:30 Ballet 4/4x
6:45-7:45 Jazz 3/3x
Fridays
4:30-5:30 Jazz 4/4x
5:30-6:30 Pointe 4/4x
5:00-6:00 Contemporary 3/3x
6:00-7:00 Boys Ballet 1/2
6:30-7:15 Pre pointe/pointe 3/3x
Saturdays
9:30-10:30 Ballet 1x/2
9:30-1:00 Ballet 2x/3
11:00-12:30 Ballet 3x/4
11:15-12:15 Ballet 1
Determining Levels
Placement in levels at Philadelphia Dance Theatre is based upon each child's individual development. Each dancer will develop at their own physiological rate. Ballet is hard and it takes daily practice, discipline, and dedication. Each dancer is evaluated by their abilities, what they can comprehend, and put into their bodies.
All new students must be evaluated in a class before being placed in a level. Please call or email the studio to schedule your free trial / evaluation class.
Level Specific Information
We have compiled all of the information you need to know for each specific level.
Please see the appropriate info packet for your student’s level
Dress code
Our dress code is supplied by Eurotard. Click the link below to find the current styles and colors for your level.
Dancers with darker skin tones are welcome to wear skin tone tights, the only requirement is that their shoe color must match their tights color.
It is not absolutely necessary to purchase this exact brand of shoes - we do ask that you purchase canvas, split sole, ballet slippers without drawstrings.
Tuition
Level
Ballet 1 + 1x
Ballet 2 + 2x
Ballet 3 + 3x
Age
7-8 years
8-10 years
10-12 years
Monthly Fee
$105.00
$175.00
$300.00
For students enrolled in classes that meet from September to June, all tuition is paid monthly. This is the year's tuition divided equally into 9 equal payments and is paid every month. All tuition is automatically billed to your credit card or bank account through TheStudioDirector and is paid the 1st of every month (Sept-May). Families are expected to keep their account in good standing. There are no credits and tuition is non-refundable. Accounts that become delinquent are subject to late fees.
There is a $50 annual registration fee for each student | Siblings receive 15% off their family’s total tuition | Full tuition policies
Registration and Enrollment
With our flat rate system, you are given the flexibility to take as many classes at the student’s level or lower levels as desired. There is no additional cost to participate in extra classes. In order to enhance student confidence and advancement, we encourage enrollment in multiple classes.
All students must be formally registered prior to attending classes at Philadelphia Dance Theatre. To register, please make an account through our studio database TheStudioDirector. Once your account has been created, you will be able to register for the classes you would like to attend. Please note that class sizes are limited. You can also access your account on your mobile device by downloading TheStudioDirector app.
Please feel free to call with any questions. We are always happy to help you!
