Our Preschool Level introduces dancers to the foundations of ballet, tap, hip-hop, and acro while developing coordination, musicality, confidence, and classroom independence. Dancers work on age-appropriate movement skills, rhythms, balances, jumps, flexibility, strength, and body awareness. Before advancing to the Mini Level, dancers should participate independently, follow directions consistently, and demonstrate readiness for more structured training.
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Preschool dancers advance to the Mini Level based primarily on age and overall developmental readiness. At this stage, dancers are not required to demonstrate specific technical skills to move to the next level. Our goal is to build a love for dance while developing the confidence, coordination, and classroom habits that will prepare them for future training.
The Mini Level builds upon the foundations introduced in Preschool by developing stronger technique, coordination, flexibility, strength, and confidence across ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, and acro. Dancers begin learning more structured movement, proper body alignment, and foundational technical skills that prepare them for the next stage of training. Consistent effort, focus, and a positive attitude are expected as dancers work toward greater independence in the classroom.
BALLET SKILLS:
Sauté, Balance Coupé Alternating, Skate Hop (First Position), Parallel Waltz, Parallel Pas de Chat
JAZZ/CONTEMPORARY SKILLS:
Chaîné Turns, Single Pirouette, Sauté de Chat, C Jump
ACRO SKILLS:
Straight Handstand, Cartwheel, Inside Out, Back Roll
Mini dancers may advance to the Petite Level before reaching the recommended age if they consistently demonstrate the required level skills with proper technique, confidence, and control. Advancement is based on overall readiness, including technical ability, classroom maturity, and successful mastery of the skills listed below—not on age alone.
The Petite Level is where dancers begin refining the technical foundation established in the Mini Level while introducing more advanced skills across ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, and acro. Dancers are expected to demonstrate increased strength, flexibility, control, musicality, and proper technique as they work toward mastering the skills listed below. These skills are taught, practiced, and evaluated throughout the season and serve as the technical benchmark for this level.
BALLET SKILLS:
Pirouette en dehors, Waltz Turn, Sissonne, Piqué Turns, Saut de Chat
JAZZ/CONTEMPORARY SKILLS:
Double Pirouettes, Coupé Turns, Tilt Jump, Single Stag/Calypso
ACRO SKILLS:
Down to Bridge, One-Handed Cartwheel, Handstand Roll, Bridge Prances
To be placed in the Junior Level, dancers must demonstrate mastery of the Petite Level skills during annual evaluations. Advancement is based on consistent execution with proper technique, control, confidence, and overall readiness—not simply age or years of experience. Ensuring dancers have a strong foundation before entering the Junior Level allows them to safely learn more advanced skills, progress with confidence, and continue building excellent technique for years to come.
The Junior Level focuses on strengthening technical precision while introducing more complex skills across ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, and acro. Dancers are expected to demonstrate greater control, consistency, flexibility, strength, and artistry as they continue developing well-rounded technique. The skills listed below are taught and refined throughout the season and represent the technical expectations dancers are working toward before advancing.
BALLET SKILLS:
¼ Promenade, Fouetté with Hips, Échappé Battu, Ballotté, Piqué en Dehors
JAZZ/CONTEMPORARY SKILLS:
À la Seconde Turns, Inside Leg-Hold Turns, Butterfly Jump, Firebird Leap
ACRO SKILLS:
Front Limber, Straddle Arabian, Rocking Bridges, Back Walkover
To be placed in the Teen Level, dancers must demonstrate mastery of the Junior Level skills during annual evaluations. Advancement is based on consistent execution with proper technique, confidence, and overall readiness across all areas of training. A strong Junior foundation is essential because the Teen Level introduces significantly more advanced turns, leaps, acro, and ballet technique. Ensuring dancers are fully prepared allows them to progress safely, confidently, and successfully as their training becomes more challenging.
The Teen Level is designed to refine advanced technique while preparing dancers for the highest level of training at CDA. Dancers continue developing precision, artistry, strength, flexibility, musicality, and performance quality across ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, and acro. The skills listed below are taught, practiced, and evaluated throughout the season and represent the technical expectations dancers should master before advancing to the Senior Level.
BALLET SKILLS:
Grande Rond de Jambe en l’Air, Single Grand Pirouettes, Entrechat Cinq, Consecutive Temps Levés in Arabesque, Fouetté Sauté
JAZZ/CONTEMPORARY SKILLS:
Around the World, Forced Arch Pirouettes, Switch Front Leap, Spinning Disc
ACRO SKILLS:
Front Walkover (Right & Left), Rolling Tinsica Drill C, Back Handspring, Moon Walkover
To be placed in the Senior Level, dancers must demonstrate mastery of the Teen Level skills during annual evaluations. Advancement is based on consistent execution with proper technique, confidence, artistry, and overall readiness—not simply age or years of dance experience. The Senior Level is intended for dancers who have built a strong technical foundation and are prepared for the highest level of training, where advanced technique, performance quality, and leadership are expected.
The Senior Level represents the highest level of training at CDA. Dancers continue refining advanced technique, artistry, strength, flexibility, musicality, performance quality, and control across ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, and acro. The skills taught at this level challenge dancers to move with greater precision, maturity, confidence, and consistency while preparing them for advanced performance opportunities and continued growth beyond the studio.
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Reaching the Senior Level is a major accomplishment and something dancers should take tremendous pride in. It reflects years of training, discipline, perseverance, and technical growth. Senior dancers have earned their place through consistent effort and a strong commitment to their craft, and they serve as leaders and role models within CDA. Making it to this level is impressive, and every Senior dancer should recognize just how much work and dedication it took to get there.