Student Division (Ages 7+)
Students follow their joy of ballet, learning long-lasting skills along the way.
In the Student Division, dancers are challenged to strengthen their ballet technique while learning ballet repertoire and other dance disciplines. As they move through five levels of focused training, faculty members emphasize the joy of dance within the respect and discipline of classical ballet training. Student Division dancers perform in the school’s annual Spring Performance, which reflects the student body’s journey from Pre-ballet to Pre-Professional training. Throughout the year, some students may have the opportunity to perform in company performances at the Benedum Center.
Level Placement
Level Placement Forms
To determine the appropriate level for new students, PBT School requires that each new student take a placement class. After receipt of the placement form, a school representative will contact to schedule a placement class. A placement class fee of $15 will be deducted from the tuition once the student registers. PBT School levels do not necessarily correspond with levels offered at other schools. All level placements are at the discretion of faculty members and school directors.
Classes
Preparatory Ballet A & B
Exercises will develop flexibility, strength, alignment, and turnout. Curriculum includes an additional day of training to prepare for student division. Requires prior ballet training.
Level I A & B
Curriculum concentrates on correct placement of the body, head, arms, and feet in the five positions and requires that students have already developed good concentration skills.
Level II
The student expands beyond the previous level and is introduced to new vocabulary and exercises. Classes are longer.
Level III
Instructors introduce more complex steps, combinations and vocabulary. Classes become longer and a day is added to the weekly schedule.
Level IV
Students are introduced to more intricate patterns and sequences of steps with emphasis on port de bra (carriage of the arms) and epaulment (placement of the shoulders) in all movements. A day is added to the weekly schedule.
Level V
Students expand their classical ballet vocabulary. Combinations are longer and more stylistic. In some classes, ladies will be expected to complete the class’s full barre and center work “en pointe.” Classical variations may be introduced. A day is added to the weekly schedule.
Student Division Jazz (Optional)
Level II-V students may enroll in an additional jazz class for an extra fee.
Repertoire Class for Level V (Optional)
Level V students may enroll in additional Repertoire workshops throughout the year. More info soon.
Schedule
Schedule
Performance plays an important role in the PBT School philosophy. Student Division dancers perform in the school’s annual Spring Performance, which reflects the student body’s journey from Pre-ballet to Pre-Professional training. Throughout the year, some students may have the opportunity to perform in company performances at the Benedum Center.
| Class/Level | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
| Preparatory A | 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. | 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. | |||
| Preparatory B | 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. | 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. | |||
| Level I A | 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. | 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. | |||
| Level I B | 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. | 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. | |||
| Level II A | 5:45 – 7:00 p.m. | Character 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Ballet 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. + optional Jazz 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. | |||
| Level II B | 5:45 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Character 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Ballet 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. + optional Jazz 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. | |||
| Level III | 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. | 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. + optional Jazz 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. | Ballet 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. + Character 6:45 – 7:45 p.m. | ||
| Level IV | 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. | 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. | 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. + optional Jazz 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. | Ballet 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. + Character 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. | |
| Level V | 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. | 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. | 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. + optional Jazz 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. |
6:00 – 7:45 p.m. | 4:15 – 5:45 p.m. + Character 5:45 – 6:45 p.m. |
Tuition & Payments
Tuition
- New students must schedule and attend a placement class to ensure they begin dancing in the appropriate level. Call 412-281-6727 for scheduling.
- Returning students should register for the class level indicated on their year-end evaluation form.
- All students must submit a complete registration form and appropriate payment before the first class.
Tuition may be paid in full or in payments according to the schedule below. Payment options include automatic credit card deduction based on your preferred installment plan. Please check the applicable box on the registration form.
Pro-rated tuition will go into effect as of October 1. Please contact the school office at 412-281-6727 for a proper tuition quote after this date.
| Class/Level | Due at Registration | Annual Tuition | Due Aug. 31 | Due Dec. 1 | Due Mar. 1 |
| Preparatory A or B | $350 | $1,083 | $361 | $361 | $361 |
| Level I A or B | $350 | $1,119 | $373 | $373 | $373 |
| Level II | $350 | $1,503 | $501 | $501 | $501 |
| Level III | $350 | $2,115 | $705 | $705 | $705 |
| Level IV | $350 | $2,508 | $836 | $836 | $836 |
| Level V | $350 | $3,090 | $1,030 | $1,030 | $1,030 |
Tuition Including Jazz:
| Class/Level | Due at Registration | Annual Tuition | Due Aug. 31 | Due Dec. 1 | Due March 1 |
| Level II w/ Jazz | $350 | $2,064 | $688 | $688 | $688 |
| Level III w/ Jazz | $350 | $2,676 | $892 | $892 | $892 |
| Level IV w/ Jazz | $350 | $3,069 | $1,023 | $1,023 | $1,023 |
| Level V w/ Jazz | $350 | $3,651 | $1,217 | $1,217 | $1,217 |
More Information
For questions and more information, please contact the PBT School office at 412-281-6727 or PBTSchool@pittsburghballet.org.