Level Division
Level Division
A Foundation to Build Upon
A Foundation to Build Upon
Our Approach
Western Pennsylvania Youth Ballet's Level Division builds directly upon the work of the Primary Division. The strength, coordination, musical awareness, body control, and classroom habits developed during those early years become the starting point for more formal technical study at the barre and in the center. Students are not beginning again; they are learning to apply those foundations with greater structure and precision.
The Level Division follows WPYB's original syllabus, a carefully ordered curriculum in which each level builds upon the one before it. Students learn classical positions, French ballet vocabulary, barre work, and center exercises, revisiting essential movements with increasing detail as their strength, coordination, and understanding develop.
Our Approach
Across Levels 1 through 3, dancers establish the foundational technique and vocabulary upon which more advanced ballet is built. New material is introduced progressively and with care,
allowing students to develop technical accuracy without being rushed toward complexity.
Musical, traveling, and expressive exercises remain an important part of
class, developing timing, artistry, and the pleasure of moving alongside the
discipline of classical training. Advancement is based on each student's ability,
physical readiness, and demonstrated understanding rather than age alone.
Our goal is to give every dancer a clear, dependable foundation capable of supporting
everything that follows.
Across Levels 1 through
3, dancers establish
the foundational
technique
and vocabulary
upon which more
advanced ballet is built.
New material is
introduced
progressively and
with care,
allowing students to
develop technical
accuracy without being rushed toward complexity.
Musical, traveling, and expressive exercises remain an important part of class, developing timing, artistry, and the pleasure of moving alongside the discipline of classical training. Advancement is based on each student's ability, physical readiness, and demonstrated understanding rather than age alone. Our goal is to give every dancer a clear, dependable foundation capable of supporting everything that follows.
Enrollment Options
Enrollment Options
FULL PROGRAM
WPYB’s recommended course of study, designed to support steady progress through our carefully sequenced curriculum.
OPEN DIVISION
Open Division is available for students taking fewer weekly classes. See Tuition and the Student & Family Handbook, or contact the school to discuss enrollment options.
Level Classes
Level 1A
Across Levels 1 through 3, dancers establish the foundational technique and vocabulary upon which more advanced ballet is built. New material is introduced progressively and with care,
allowing students to develop technical accuracy without being rushed toward complexity.
Musical, traveling, and expressive exercises remain an important part of
class, developing timing, artistry, and the pleasure of moving alongside the
discipline of classical training. Advancement is based on each student's ability,
physical readiness, and demonstrated understanding rather than age alone. Our goal
is to give every dancer a clear, dependable foundation capable of supporting everything that follows.
AGES 8+
Level 1A introduces students to the structure and expectations of a formal classical ballet class. Each class progresses through barre work, center work, and allegro, or jumping exercises, while developing the placement, strength, coordination, musicality, and vocabulary that form the foundation of classical ballet training.
Required Training: Two 75-minute technique classes per week
Full Program Includes: An optional third Level 1A class each week, plus eligible supplemental classes at no additional cost.
Class Size: Limited to 10 students
Full Program Tuition: $230.00 per month
Level 1B
FACULTY PLACEMENT
Level 1B continues and expands the work introduced in Level 1A. Students advance after developing the strength and technical understanding required to work with greater detail, consistency, and independence throughout barre, center, and allegro. Familiar exercises gradually expand as dancers prepare for the increased demands of Level 2.
Required Training: Two 75-minute technique classes per week
Current Availability: Level 1B is not currently scheduled. Please contact the school regarding placement and future availability.
Class Size: Limited to 10 students
Full Program Tuition: $230.00 per month
Level Classes
Level 2
FACULTY PLACEMENT
Level 2 builds upon the foundation established in Level 1 through expanded barre, center, and allegro work. Students develop greater strength, coordination, control, musicality, and independence as familiar movements grow in detail and new material is introduced. The increased weekly schedule supports the consistency required at this stage of training.
Required Training: Three 90-minute technique classes per week
Full Program Includes: An optional fourth Level 2 class each week, plus eligible supplemental classes at no additional cost.
Class Size: Limited to 10 students
Full Program Tuition: $360.00 per month
Finding the Right Fit
Placement in WPYB’s Level Division is based on each student’s current readiness and instructional needs. Current students advance through faculty placement. New students begin by submitting a Placement Request; an evaluation may take place during a scheduled class or through a brief individual appointment.
Once placement is confirmed, families will receive registration instructions for the recommended Full Program or, when appropriate, the faculty-approved Open Program.