Training Pathways Overview

At The Dance Spot, our training pathways are designed to support dancers with different goals, commitment levels, and areas of focus. Pathways reflect training intensity and readiness within each genre, not a one-size-fits-all checklist.

Proper level placement, growth mindset, and dancer goals matter more than labels.

Recreational Pathway

For dancers who want to build skills, confidence, and joy in dance.

  • Open enrollment
  • No audition required
  • Genre-specific placement by level
  • Focus on strong fundamentals and positive class experience

Excel Pathway

For dancers seeking more advanced training without full Pre-Professional commitment.

  • Accelerated genre-specific classes
  • Designed as a bridge between Recreational and Pre-Professional
  • Cross-training is beneficial and encouraged

Pre-Professional Level (Genre-Specific)

Pre-Professional Level classes represent the highest level of training within each genre.

  • Intended for company dancers and highly committed non-company dancers
  • Expectations include strong work ethic, maturity, consistency, and technical readiness
  • Requirements and recommendations vary by genre
  • Placement is determined by level, goals, and instructor approval

Pre-Professional status is not dependent on taking multiple genres unless required for that specific genre and/or company.

Training Pathways

Universal Principles

(Applicable for Fall/Spring Only)

  • Pathways are genre-specific
  • Level placement supersedes pathway label
  • Instructor approval required for Pre-Professional
  • Cross-training supports growth but should not block access unless genre-relevant
  • All Level 4/5 and up classes are considered Pre-Professional Level

Recreational

Who

All dancers

Focus

Skill development, enjoyment, consistency

Requirements

  • Correct level placement (still following studio requirements for ballet levels)
  • No cross-genre requirements
  • Only Level 1–Level 3 recreational class options offered

Excel

(Accelerated Training for Current or Aspiring Company Dancers)

Genre Suggested Requirements
Acro 1 Ballet class required
Jazz 1 Ballet or Conditioning/Technique required (If Level 3 Ballet, more than 1 Ballet would be required)
Contemporary 1 Ballet required (If Level 3 Ballet, more than 1 Ballet would be required)

Notes

  • Designed to provide an extra challenge to dancers looking to push themselves
  • Class designations are subject to change based on enrollment

Pre-Professional Level (Genre-Specific)

Pre-Pro Ballet

  • Dancers meet studio ballet requirements for their level
  • Pre-Pointe/Pointe when applicable is encouraged
  • Conditioning, PBT, Ballet Efficiency Training™, or Pilates recommended
    (Any of these classes can count toward dancers’ 3rd class for Levels 4 and 5)
  • Instructor approval required per class

Pre-Pro Jazz

  • Excel or Pre-Pro Ballet required
  • Additional jazz styles (Jazz Funk, Jumps & Turns, Jazz Technique, Broadway Jazz) recommended but not required
  • Instructor approval required per class

Pre-Pro Contemporary

  • Dancers must meet ballet requirements for their level
  • Improvisation or Modern recommended
  • Instructor approval required per class

Pre-Pro Hip Hop

  • 1 additional Hip Hop class (for dancers not enrolled in a Pre-Professional company)
  • Acro, Conditioning/Stretch & Strength, and/or Foundations (at The Dance Spot) are highly recommended
  • Instructor approval required per class

Summer Exception Guidelines

  • Fewer pathway restrictions
  • Broader access with instructor approval
  • Used to support exploration and fall placement decisions
  • Company dancers maintain required training hours

Ballet Level Requirements

The required classes for each level vary and are intended to maintain the current level of the dancer.

If the dancer wishes to progress further in ballet (move up in levels), dancers should consider taking additional ballet classes or private lessons with one of the ballet instructors.

Level Weekly Ballet Requirement Notes
Level 1 Minimum of 1 hour per week —
Level 2 Minimum of 1.5 hours per week —
Level 3 Minimum of 3 hours per week 2 classes at 1.5 hours each
Level 4 & 5 Minimum of 4–4.5 hours per week 2–3 Ballet classes (1.5 hours each)

Level 4 & 5 Approved 3rd Class Substitutions

The 3rd class (ONLY) may be substituted with:

  • Stretch & Strength, Conditioning, PBT (Progressing Ballet Technique), Ballet Efficiency Training™, Pilates

Attendance Expectations

More than 3 absences per class, per semester without makeup classes will impact progress and limit advancement to higher-level placement.