Primary Division

Planting the Seeds of Ballet Excellence

Group of young girls in ballet class, sitting on the floor with their legs extended, smiling, wearing lavender leotards, with a mirror and ballet barre in the background.
Young girls dressed as gingerbread cookies participating in a dance performance on stage.
Young girl dressed as a ballerina in a purple tutu, ballet slippers, and a tiara, standing on one leg with arms outstretched.

  • Placement is based on age and developmental readiness:

    • Ages 2–4: Automatic placement in Level 1

    • Ages 5–6: Placed in Level 2 or 3 based on experience

    • Ages 7+: Evaluated for readiness to move into the Pre-Professional Division

    Every child progresses at their own pace. Our priority is building a strong technical and emotional foundation for future success in dance and beyond.

    We have open enrollment throughout the season.

  • To register for classes at The Dance Conservatory of North Atlanta, all families must create an account through our secure online portal:

    ✅ Step-by-Step Enrollment

    1. Visit our StudioPro Portal

    2. Create a Parent/Guardian Account:
      Enter your name, contact info, and set a password.

    3. Add Your Dancer(s):
      Include each student’s name, age, and basic info.

    4. Select Your Classes:
      Choose from our selection of classes and styles.

    5. Agree to Studio Policies:
      You'll be asked to read and sign all required waivers and policies.

    6. Submit Registration Fee & Tuition:
      Secure your spot by paying through the portal. (Credit card or ACH options available.)

    Need help?

    Call 470-239-4103 - We’re happy to walk you through the process!

  • The Primary Division at The Dance Conservatory of North Atlanta introduces young dancers to the structure, discipline, and joy of classical ballet. This division includes Level 1 (Creative Movement), Level 2, and Level 3, forming the essential foundation for all future training.

    The Primary Division at The Dance Conservatory of North Atlanta lays the essential groundwork for a dancer’s technical and artistic development. Designed for young students beginning their ballet journey, this division emphasizes age-appropriate instruction, consistent structure, and the joy of movement. Through a progression of Levels 1, 2, and 3, students gradually transition from creative exploration to formal technique, developing the physical coordination, focus, and discipline required for classical ballet training. The Primary Division prepares students not only for advancement into the Pre-Professional Division, but also nurtures a lifelong appreciation for the art of dance.

  • Level 1: Creative Movement 

    Level 1 serves as the entry point for dancers, typically ages 2–4, and introduces the basic structure of a ballet class in a fun, imaginative environment. Students begin to explore foundational concepts such as:

    • Basic ballet positions of the arms and feet

    • Body awareness and coordination

    • Musicality and rhythm

    • Listening skills and classroom etiquette

    • Ballet-specific vocabulary introduced through creative movement and storytelling

    While playful and engaging, Level 1 begins to establish classroom structure and expectations, setting the stage for more formal study in Levels 2 and 3.

    Levels 2 & 3: Building Technical Foundations

    As dancers move into Levels 2 and 3, the focus shifts toward formal ballet technique. Students are introduced to the structure of a classical ballet barre, correct posture and alignment, and consistent use of French terminology. In Level 2, center work begins, developing balance and coordination away from the barre. In Level 3, dancers deepen their understanding of movement quality, musical phrasing, and spatial awareness.

    Students at these levels are expected to demonstrate:

    • Understanding of foundational ballet vocabulary

    • Physical strength, posture, and alignment

    • Focus, discipline, and the ability to apply corrections

    • Developing artistry and musical responsiveness

    Exercises become progressively more challenging, requiring greater mental engagement and physical control.

  • The Dancely™ program at TDC is a licensed early childhood dance program offering exercise, education, and entertainment through original music, dance, and movement for children under the age of 6. We use this program for Level 1 and the beginning of the season for Level 2. 

    Dancely is designed to:

    • Instill a love of dance and movement at an early age.

    • Introduce children to a variety of dance styles, including ballet, tap, and creative movement.

    Each Dancely song, lyric, and choreography is created specifically for children ages 3-6, with an emphasis on:

    • Gross motor skills like marching, jumping, and skipping.

    • Developing sequencing, patterning, and repetition to strengthen neural pathways and enhance cognitive development.

    • Fostering focus, coordination, and mental acuity while keeping fun, imagination, and play central to the experience.

    Dancely helps children develop confidence, grace, spatial intelligence, and body control, offering them the best foundation for early childhood brain development. By joining a Dancely Licensed studio, your child gains a "leg up" on motor skills and prepares for the progression of their physical and cognitive abilities, setting them up for success in future dance and beyond.

  • Advancement through the Primary Division is determined by ability, not age. Each dancer progresses at their own pace as their mind and body develop the coordination, strength, and focus necessary for more advanced training. While some students may advance quickly, others benefit from spending additional time reinforcing key concepts.

    To support this progression, multiple weekly classes (typically 2–4 per week) are strongly encouraged. This frequency promotes muscle memory, consistency, and a deeper understanding of ballet technique.

    By the end of the Primary Division, students will have gained the technical skill, classroom discipline, and love for the art form necessary to succeed in TDC’s Pre-Professional Division.

  • Level 1: Recommended 1-2 Classes

    • Monday and Wednesday 4:00-5:00 / Ballet

    • Wednesday 5:00-5:30 / Tap

    Level 2: Recommended 2-3 Classes

    • Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 4:00-5:00 / Ballet

    • Tuesday 4:00-5:30 / Ballet

    • Thursday 5:00-6:00 / Jazz+Acro

    Level 3: Recommended 2-4x Classes

    • Monday and Wednesday 5:00-6:30 / Ballet

    • Tuesday 4:00-5:30 / Ballet

    • Thursday 4:00-5:00 / Ballet

    • Monday 6:30-7:30 / Tap

    • Thursday 5:00-6:00 / Jazz + Acro

    Regular attendance builds consistency, muscle memory, and a strong training habit.

  • Level 1 – Creative Movement

    • Leotard: Wear Moi Candide (Pink)

    • Tights: Nikolay Convertible Tights (Pink)

    • Ballet Shoes: Capezio Leather Hanami (Pink)

    • Tap Shoes: Capezio Shuffle (Black)

    • Hair: Neat bun or secured off the face

    Levels 2–3

    • Leotard: Wear Moi Candide (Lilac)

    • Tights: Nikolay Convertible (Pink)

    • Ballet Shoes: Capezio Leather Hanami (Pink)

    • Tap Shoes: Capezio Shuffle (Black)

    • Jazz Shoes: Bloch Pulse (Tan)

    • Jazz Shorts: Liakada Shorty (Black)

    • Hair: Neat bun