As Defined by ABT® National Training Curriculum

Class Placement
At the foundation of each level is a specific syllabus containing a set of skills that are developmentally appropriate for each group. Proper level placement prevents injuries and ensures proper technical development. Advancement from one class level to the next is not automatic and is not based on age, but on the acquisition of specific skills. It is not uncommon for students to spend two to three years in one level. Class placement is at the discretion of the instructors.

Ballet
Pre-Ballet I: Children must be at least age 3 by the first class. Creative movement with emphasis in ballet.
Pre-Ballet II: Children must be at least age 4 by the first class. Creative movement with emphasis in ballet.
Primary A: Children must be at least age 5 by the first class. Basic ballet skills are introduced.
Primary B: Children must be at least age 6 by the first class. Basic ballet skills are taught and reinforced.
Primary C: Children must be at least age 7 by the first class. Basic ballet skills and vocabulary are reinforced.
Levels 1, 2, 3, 4: By permission only. Fundamentals of technique, increasingly complex ballet vocabulary and artistry are the focus of these levels. Levels 2-4 must commit to attending ballet twice per week.
Levels 5, 6: By permission only. Must commit to attending ballet three times per week.
Beginning/Continuing Pointe: Instructor permission required.

Jazz
Jazz I: Must be at least age 7 by the first class. Basic jazz skills are explored.
Jazz II: Instructor consent required. Basic jazz skills are reinforced, with more complex steps being introduced.
Jazz III: Instructor consent required. Designed for the intermediate-advanced dancer.
Jazz IV: Instructor consent required. Designed for the advanced dancer.

 Modern
Modern 2/3: Designed for dancers in Ballet Levels 2 and 3. Emphasis is on proper modern technique, contemporary choreography, and improvisation.
Modern 4/5/6: Designed for dancers in Ballet Levels 4, 5, and 6. Emphasis is on proper modern technique, contemporary choreography, and improvisation.

Tap
Tap I: Must be at least age 5 by the first class. Basic movement skills are explored, with an emphasis in tap dance.
Tap II: Must be at least age 7 by the first class, or instructor permission. Basic tap skills are emphasized, with more complex steps being added.
Tap III: Prior tap training and instructor consent required. More complex tap skills are emphasized.