Pre-School Division
Ages 2-6
Pre-School Division Focus
At PDT, we strive to instill a love of music and movement from a dancer’s very first class through games, guided imaginative play, and developmentally appropriate movement. Little Movers (Age 2) introduces our youngest dancers to the classroom environment while building gross motor skills, balance, coordination, rhythm, and confidence through joyful movement and exploration.
As dancers progress through Pre Ballet 1–3 (Ages 3–6), basic ballet positions and French terminology are gradually introduced, while creativity, musicality, and exploration remain at the heart of each class. Pre Ballet dancers also have the opportunity to perform in our end-of-year June Showcase.
2025-2026 Pre-School division schedule
See below for our Fall 2026 schedule beginning September 12th, 2026. Click here for the full class schedule.
Tuesdays
Pre Ballet 1 - 4:15-5:00 pm
Pre Ballet 3 - 5:00-5:45 pm
Wednesdays
Pre Ballet 2 - 4:15-5:00 pm
Thursdays
Pre Ballet 3 - 4:15-5:00 pm
Fridays
Little Movers (ages 2-3) - 9:30-10:00 am
Open Pre Ballet (ages 3-6) - 10:00-10:45 am
Tot Hip Hop - 4:15-5:00 pm
Saturdays
Pre Ballet 1 - 9:00-9:45 am
Pre Ballet 3 - 9:45-10:30 am
Tot tap - 10:30-11:00 am (Ages 4+)
Pre Ballet 2 - 11:00-11:45 am
Class Descriptions
-
Ages 2-3
Little Movers is a playful, developmentally appropriate movement class designed especially for two-year-olds as they prepare for PDT’s Pre Ballet program. Through music, imaginative movement, and simple ballet-inspired activities, dancers will develop coordination, balance, body awareness, rhythm, and classroom skills in a fun and encouraging environment.
This is an independent class for dancers rather than a parent-and-child class, giving little ones the opportunity to build confidence, practice following directions, and become comfortable participating in a class on their own. No prior dance experience is needed.
-
Ages 3-6
Our Pre Ballet program introduces young dancers to the joy of music and movement through imaginative play, creative exploration, and age-appropriate ballet exercises. Classes focus on developing coordination, balance, rhythm, musicality, gross motor skills, and body awareness while building confidence and independence in the classroom.
As dancers progress from Pre Ballet 1 through Pre Ballet 3, basic ballet positions, movements, and French terminology are gradually introduced, with an increasing emphasis on ballet technique and classroom structure. Creativity, exploration, and a love of movement remain at the heart of the program.
Each Pre Ballet class has the opportunity to perform in our end-of-year June Showcase.
-
Ages 4-6
Tot Tap is a fun and energetic introduction to tap dance designed especially for young dancers. Through age-appropriate exercises, games, and music, dancers begin to explore basic tap steps and rhythms while developing coordination, musicality, balance, and listening skills.
Classes encourage dancers to make music with their feet, build confidence, and develop a strong foundation for continued tap training- all while keeping movement playful and engaging. No prior tap experience is required.
-
Ages 4–6
Tot Hip Hop is a fun, high-energy introduction to hip hop designed especially for young dancers. Through age-appropriate movement, upbeat music, and creative exercises, dancers explore basic hip hop steps while developing coordination, rhythm, musicality, and body awareness.
Classes encourage confidence, self-expression, and individual style while giving dancers a fun opportunity to explore a different style of movement. No prior dance experience is required.
Level Placement
Placement at Philadelphia Dance Theatre is based on more than age alone. While the ages above serve as general guidelines, PDT reserves the right to place dancers in the level that will best support their individual success and development. Faculty consider a variety of factors, including a child's developmental readiness, prior dance experience, social and emotional maturity, and the time of year they are joining the program. Our goal is always to place each dancer where they will feel confident, challenged, and set up for long-term success.
Schedule your Free Trial Class today to determine your dancers level!
Tuition
Level
Little Movers
Pre Ballet 1
Pre Ballet 2
Pre Ballet 3
Age
2~3
3~4 years
4~5 years
5~6 years
Monthly Fee
$75.00
$95.00
$95.00
$95.00
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 posted to your Parent Portal and is due the 1st of every month (Sept-May). Families are expected to keep their account in good standing. Tuition is non-refundable. Accounts that become delinquent are subject to late fees.
There is a $50.00 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. Registration is still required for all 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. 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.
Please feel free to email with any questions. We are always happy to help you!
Pre Ballet Dress Code
At Philadelphia Dance Theatre, our Pre Ballet dress code creates a focused, respectful environment that honors the traditions of dance. Wearing a uniform helps young dancers understand discipline and community while minimizing distractions and comparisons. When all dancers wear proper attire, teachers can better observe alignment and technique, supporting safe and effective instruction.
Importantly, the Pre Ballet dress code also serves as the costume for the June Showcase performance. This means families do not need to purchase additional recital costumes, which helps limit extra expenses and simplifies preparation. The same uniform worn in class is worn on stage, making it both practical and economical.
-
Little Movers
Pink Eurotard Short Sleeve Dress
Black Ballet Slippers
Optional:
Pink or Skin tone tights
-
Pre Ballet 1
Pink Eurotard Dance Dress
Black Ballet Slippers
Optional:
Pink or Skin tone tights
-
Pre Ballet 2
Purple Eurotard Dance Dress
Black Ballet Slippers
Optional:
Pink or Skin tone tights
-
Pre Ballet 3
Blue Eurotard Dance Dress
Black Ballet Slippers
Optional:
Pink or Skin tone tights
-
Boys
White t-shirt
Black Leggings
White Socks
Black Ballet Slippers
PDT’s dress code is supplied by Eurotard and can be purchased directly from the links above, or in person at Dress 2 Dance in Glenside, PA.
-
Tights are optional for Pre Ballet Students
Dancers are welcome to wear pink or skin tone tights.
Tights should be clean, without holes, and pulled down around feet.
-
Hair must be neatly secured away from the face before class.
Ballet buns are preferred whenever possible.
Dancers may wear another secure hairstyle that is appropriate for their hair type and keeps hair from becoming a distraction during class.
Hair may only be worn down if it is too short to be pulled back. In this case, a headband must be worn to keep hair out of the face.
-
Students may wear any style of black ballet slippers that are split sole, pre sewn, and do not have drawstrings
Such as: • Eurotard - “Assemblé” (available through links above) • So Danca - “SD16” • Bloch - “Performa Stretch”
Drawstrings are especially distracting for our younger students, and valuable class time is taken away by teachers having to re-tie them
In the best interest of our dancers' progress all dancers in Pre Ballet dancer are required to wear black ballet slippers. This is for dancers to see their feet more clearly during class to help them execute properly pointing their feet.
Additional Guidelines:
Please clearly label all dance wear and shoes to prevent loss.
Uniforms should be purchased within two weeks of registration and must be worn for all classes throughout the year and the June Showcase Performance. If your child advances, you may swap uniforms with other families or purchase a new uniform.
By adhering to the PDT dress code, your child will feel confident, comfortable, and ready to grow as a dancer.
