Ballet I (Ages 4.5-5)
Ballet I is designed for children ages 4–5 who are ready to build on early movement skills and begin learning the foundations of classical ballet in a supportive, joyful environment.
In this level, students are introduced to basic ballet vocabulary, technique, and class structure, with a continued emphasis on posture, positioning, and foundational steps. Classes focus on developing coordination, balance, strength, and focus—while encouraging creativity and individual expression through movement.
Spring 2026 Classes Start January 7, 2026
“I love that the classes are infused with fun. It’s not so strictly focused on the sharpest moves, but it’s more about having fun with learning how to dance. I love that.”
– Parent of Ballet I Student
Taught by professional dancer-educators, Ballet I balances gentle discipline with imagination, helping children gain confidence in their bodies and comfort in a classroom setting. Instruction is age-appropriate, non-competitive, and designed to support each child’s physical, social, and emotional development.
Spring 2026 Classes Start January 7, 2026
Small Class Sizes & Individual Attention
With class sizes capped at just 12 students, each child receives personalized guidance and encouragement. Our instructors are able to notice individual strengths, support growth, and help every student feel seen, confident, and supported.
A Ballet Class Where Everyone Belongs
Ballet at GHMS is about participation, growth, and connection—not perfection. We create a welcoming environment where children of all abilities feel encouraged to move, learn, and shine in ways that are right for them.
Required Supplies:
Students must wear their class gear at all times:
- Girls should wear a lavender leotard, pink or skin toned footed ballet tights, and pink or skin toned ballet slippers (canvas or leather).
- Boys should wear black tights and white t-shirt with black ballet slippers (canvas or leather).
- Children who are gender expansive may wear whichever suits them.
Note- tights and shoes must match (i.e. pink shoes/pink tights or skin tone shoes/skin tone tights).
For the ballet slipper we recommend either:
https://www.capezio.com/daisy-child
https://www.capezio.com/hanami-ballet-shoe-child
For tights we recommend:
Girls: https://www.capezio.com/studio-basics-footed-tight-child
Boys: https://www.capezio.com/footed-tights-boys
Girls should wear a lavender leotard:
https://www.capezio.com/short-sleeve-cotton-leotard-girls
Skirts are optional, but we recommend this skirt in lavender or purple:
https://www.capezio.com/studio-collection-pull-on-skirt-child
All students with long hair should put their hair in a traditional ballet bun at the crown of the head. Short hair should be clipped away from the face.
Teacher
Loeke Sakkers
Loeke has a BFA in dance from New Jersey City University and a degree from the Institute for American Musical Theatre in NYC. Loeke has taught ballet at Yantra Dance Academy, Lynch Ballet, and the Joffrey Ballet School.