The Auer Academy of Fort Wayne Ballet offers classes for students ages 3 through adult. Pre-Ballet Creative Movement classes get your little one moving and enjoying the art of dance. For ages 7 and up, the Auer Academy offers curricular ballet training to help your dancer safely and efficiently progress in technique through the American Ballet Theatre® National Training Curriculum. For the advanced dancer looking to pursue a career in professional ballet, the Pre-Professional program offers serious, dedicated training to help your dancer achieve his or her goals. Our Adult Open Classes allow people of all ages and abilities to learn to dance in an encouraging environment, no experience needed!
New to Fort Wayne Ballet and unsure where to begin? Start here! Each of these classes are designed as introductory courses, from our youngest dancers at 3 years old to those in Primary C first being introduced to formal Ballet training. No previous experience necessary.
Our Pre-Ballet classes are designed to stimulate the body and mind of the student as they explore movement and develop their motor skills through play and creative dance. At this level, these classes are separated by age and focus on age-appropriate gross motor skills and cognitive development.
No experience needed for any level! Children learn body awareness, control, balance, and coordination while gaining physical strength, flexibility, stamina, and agility.
1st Session: August 19, 2024 – November 9, 2024
2nd Session: November 11, 2024 – February 15, 2025
3rd Session: February 17, 2025 – May 23, 2025
Students enroll in 1 day per week. Options include:
Thursdays, 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Saturdays, 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Students enroll in 1 day per week. Options include:
Thursdays, 5:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Saturdays, 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Students enroll in 1 day per week. Options include:
Wednesdays, 4:30 PM – 5:15 PM
Saturdays, 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM
Students enroll in 1 day per week. Options include:
Wednesdays, 5:15 PM – 6:15 PM
Saturdays, 11:45 AM – 12:45 AM
Students progressively move through each level based on careful evaluation of physical strength, artistic growth, and level of technique achieved based on the required curriculum.
Students in Primary C and beyond progress through the levels based on their knowledge, ability, and safety for their specific bodies. It is not uncommon for a student to spend more than one year in a particular level. These classes are curricular from August – May.
No experience necessary to join Primary C! Primary C is open to all young dancers ages 7-10 looking to begin the formal study of ballet.
Placement Exams required for enrollment for classes after Primary C. Looking for more information or have previous ballet experience from another academy? Contact our Academy Registrar to schedule a placement exam at rsparrow@fortwayneballet.org or call 260.484.9646.
Ages approx. 7-10 | no experience needed
The Auer Academy recommends (but does not require) that students take two ballet classes per week, plus tap class.
Ages approx. 8-11 | placement class required
The Auer Academy recommends (but does not require) that students take two ballet classes per week in IA (plus any additional) and three ballet classes per week in IB (plus any additional).
Ages approx. 10-13 | placement class required
The Auer Academy recommends (but does not require) three ballet classes per week, plus any additional.
Ages approx. 12-15 | placement class required
The Auer Academy recommends (but does not require) four ballet classes per week in IIIA, plus any additional, and five ballet classes per week in IIIB, plus any additional.
Ages 14 + | placement class required
The Auer Academy recommends (but does not require) five ballet classes per week, plus any additional.
Ages 14+ | placement class required
The Auer Academy recommends (but does not require) six ballet classes per week, plus any additional.
Audition Required. The Pre-Professional program is open to dance students who have achieved an advanced level of classical ballet technique but seek additional training to prepare for a professional career in the dance world. This is not the next level within our Academy; it is a separate component with a rigorous, time-demanding curriculum.
Class requirements: Once a dancer auditions and is accepted into the program, they are required to take all PrePro level classes which will include ballet class six days per week, pointe or men’s classes, modern, jazz, character, musical theater, floor barre/ conditioning, and a dance academic. Outside of their weekly classes, they will also have scheduled rehearsals for upcoming performances.
Performance requirements: PrePro students are cast in the yearly production of The Nutcracker, are considered for our fall/spring performances, participate in the Academy Showcase at the end of the year, and the Variations Showcase for PrePros, Trainees, and USF Students.
Summer study requirements: PrePro students are required to participate in a minimum of 3-weeks at an approved summer intensive. Continuing PrePro summer classes are available for 5 weeks during the summer.
Sample schedule:
Mon-Sat
Ballet: 1.5 hour class, six days per week
Pointe: 1 hour class, four or five days per week
Partnering: 1 hour per week
Musical Theater: 1 hour per week
Jazz: 1 hour per week
Character: 1 hour per week
Modern: 1.5 hour class per week
Men’s class: 1 hour per week
Rehearsals as called