Petite Academy
Age 3+
Petite Academy Information
Your child’s journey continues with Leap ‘N Learn, a safe, developmentally appropriate dance program that guides your child from creative movement dance classes to beginning ballet. In this dance class, children experience wonder and joy in dance, sparking imagination and creativity through engaging dance lessons.
Designed by master teacher Beverly Spell and child psychologist Dr. Annie Spell, this curriculum blends best practices in children's ballet training with imaginative play, creating a nurturing dance studio environment for every dance lesson.
Our energetic preschool dance classes ignite passion, curiosity and creativity while supporting cognitive and neural development through structured dance instruction for children. Students build motor, cognitive and social skills that support lifelong success through every dance lesson.
Our teachers are certified through the internationally renowned Leap ‘N Learn program, ensuring safe, age-appropriate instruction and high-quality kids dance classes near you. The Petite Academy supports physical and emotional growth in every dance class, extending benefits beyond the studio and throughout your child’s dance journey.
Join The Ballet Club
Give your child the chance to step into the magical world of classical ballet! Each class introduces beloved stories through creative movement, storytelling and imaginative play, bringing ballet to life through dance, music, costumes, crafts and behind-the-scenes theatre fun.
What’s included:
Choreography & Creative Movement
Pantomime & Storytelling
Ballet-inspired Arts & Crafts
Story Time with Ballet Classics
Obstacle Courses & Imaginative Play
Behind-the-Scenes Theatre & Stagecraft Fun
An engaging blend of dance, creativity and play—perfect for sparking imagination while building confidence and joy in the arts!
Faculty Member
Charlene Shaw
Shaw began her dance training at age six and has studied with critically acclaimed artists such as David Howard, Melissa Hayden, Finis Young, Merdith Baylis, Suki Schorer, Stanley Williams and Madam Antonia Tumkovsky. As a professional, Shaw danced with the National Ballet of New Jersey, performing many principal roles in classics such as The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Giselle, Firebird, Stars and Stripes and Rodeo.
Along with being a versatile performer, Shaw has extensive teaching experience and is dedicated to providing a solid technical foundation to her students. Shaw's outstanding choreography has won numerous awards and has been recognized on the state and national levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. Most students begin with no prior dance experience. Our Petite classes are designed for beginners and focus on building confidence, coordination and a love of dance.
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Classes include imaginative movement, basic ballet steps, music appreciation, rhythm activities, balance exercises, stretching and creative storytelling. We use age-appropriate teaching methods to keep young dancers engaged while developing important motor and social skills.
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Children are generally ready if they can participate in a group setting, follow simple instructions and comfortably separate from a parent for the duration of class. Every child develops differently, and our teachers are experienced in helping new students transition into the classroom.
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Click here to view your child's required uniform and class supplies.
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Click here to register for our One-Week Class Pass, which is how enrollment is completed for all new students. During your trial week, our staff will help determine the best class placement for your child based on their age and experience.
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At Ballet East, we combine professional dance instruction with child development principles to create a positive first dance experience. Through imaginative activities, props, music and storytelling, students learn proper technique while developing confidence, creativity, social skills and a lifelong love of dance.