Dance Classes for Children Ages 7-9

Beginner Level

This class level is designed for dancers ages 7-9. Introduction level classes include Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, and Acrobatics.

Introduction Level

This class level is designed for dancers ages 5-7. Introduction level classes include Ballet/Tap Combo, Mini Groovers, Jazz & Musical Theatre, and Acrobatics.

About Beginner

The Beginner Level is where dancers begin to develop a real foundation in technique. Students are introduced to correct alignment, controlled movement, and musicality as they explore a wider variety of genres. This level emphasizes building strong habits early while keeping the joy and excitement of dance at the forefront.

Beginner Level Dance Classes:

Beginner Ballet

Ballet at the Beginner Level helps dancers build a strong technical foundation. Students ages 7–9 begin learning ballet terminology and positions in a structured yet encouraging environment. Emphasis is placed on strength, flexibility, coordination and body awareness. These fundamentals will serve young dancers as they continue their dance education in any genre. At Southeast School of Dance, we believe ballet is the cornerstone of strong technique, and the Beginner Level is where that foundation begins to take shape.

Beginner Tap

Tap is a fun and rhythmic style of dance where movement and music come together through percussion and sound. Students ages 7–9 begin building foundational footwork and basic rhythmic patterns while developing coordination and a strong sense of timing. At the Beginner Level, emphasis is placed on learning proper technique from the ground up, giving young dancers the tools they need to grow confidently through every level that follows.

Beginner Jazz

Jazz is an energetic and expressive style of dance that combines technical skill with personality and performance quality. Students ages 7–9 begin building foundational jazz technique including basic isolations, rhythmic movement, and dynamic combinations while developing musicality and confidence. Jazz classes are upbeat and engaging, giving young dancers a strong technical foundation to grow from while discovering their personality and love for this exciting genre.

Beginner Hip Hop

Hip Hop brings the awesome energy and culture of street dance into the studio. Students ages 7–9 begin learning foundational grooves, footwork, and age-appropriate choreography rooted in hip hop style while developing rhythm, confidence, and self-expression. At the Beginner Level classes are high energy and fun, giving young dancers the opportunity to step into their own personality and enjoy every beat.

Beginner Lyrical

Lyrical dance combines the technical foundation of ballet and jazz with emotional storytelling and musical interpretation. Students ages 7–9 begin learning to connect with the music, exploring how fluid, expressive movement can communicate feeling and meaning. At the Beginner Level dancers are introduced to the beautiful relationship between movement and emotion.

Beginner Acrobatics

Acrobatics blends elements of dance technique and gymnastics for a fun dynamic class. In class students age 7-9 focus on strength, flexibility, balance, and body control through skill-based training rooted in safe technique. At the beginner level students learn foundational skills such as handstands, cartwheels, backbends, and walkovers through drills and exercises, progressing to more advanced skills as they advance in levels. Acrobatics complements all dance genres and helps dancers develop a powerful, well-rounded physicality.

Beginner Class Attire Requirements

Beginner level students are to wear light blue.


Ballet:

Graphic line drawing of a dance leotard

Leotards

Brand: Any

Color: Solid Light Purple

Skirts optional

Graphic icon of dance wear tights

Tights

Brand: Capezio Ultra Soft Self Knit Waistband Transition® Tight

Color: In Ballet Pink

*Required for both class & show

Graphic line drawing of dance shoes on 2 feet

Shoes

Brand: Capezio Daisey Ballet Shoe

Color: Ballet Pink

Brand: Capezio Essential Tap Shoe

Color: Caramel

*Required for both class & show

Brand: Any

Color: Solid Light Purple

Skirts optional

Brand: Capezio Ultra Soft Self Knit Waistband Transition® Tight

Color: In Ballet Pink

*Required for both class & show

Brand: Capezio Daisey Ballet Shoe

Color: Ballet Pink

Brand: Capezio Essential Tap Shoe

Color: Caramel

*Required for both class & show

Brand: Any

Color: Any

Clean sneakers

*Required shoes for the show:  TBD

Brand: Any

Color: Solid Light Blue

Skirts optional

Color: Ballet Pink

*Required for both class & show

Color: Light Pink

*Required for both class & show

Brand: Capezio Daisey Ballet Shoe

Color: Ballet Pink

Brand: Capezio Essential Tap Shoe

Color: Caramel

*Required for both class & show

Tap:

Brand: Any

Color: Solid Light Purple

Skirts optional

Brand: Capezio Ultra Soft Self Knit Waistband Transition® Tight

Color: In Ballet Pink

*Required for both class & show

Brand: Capezio Daisey Ballet Shoe

Color: Ballet Pink

Brand: Capezio Essential Tap Shoe

Color: Caramel

*Required for both class & show

Graphic line drawing of a dance leotard

Leotards

Brand: Any

Color: Any

Comfortable, safe clothing that allows for

free movement

Graphic icon of dance wear tights

Tights

Not required for mini groovers

Graphic line drawing of dance shoes on 2 feet

Shoes

Brand: Any

Color: Any

Clean sneakers

*Required shoes for the show:  TBD

Brand: Any

Color: Solid Light Blue

Optional for class, required for the show:

Color: Light Tan

Black shorts and leggings are also allowed for class

Color: Caramel

*Required for both class & show

Jazz:

Graphic line drawing of a dance leotard

Leotards

Brand: Any

Color: Solid Light Purple

Skirts optional

Graphic icon of dance wear tights

Tights

Brand: Capezio Ultra Soft Self Knit Waistband Transition® Tight

Color: In Ballet Pink

*Required for both class & show

Graphic line drawing of dance shoes on 2 feet

Shoes

Brand: Capezio Daisey Ballet Shoe

Color: Ballet Pink

Brand: Capezio Essential Tap Shoe

Color: Caramel

*Required for both class & show

Brand: Any

Color: Solid Light Blue

Skirts optional

Optional for class, show requirements

Color: Light Tan

Color: Caramel

*Required for both class & show

Hip Hop:

Graphic line drawing of a dance leotard

Leotards

Brand: Any

Color: Solid Light Purple

Skirts optional

Graphic icon of dance wear tights

Tights

Brand: Capezio Ultra Soft Self Knit Waistband Transition® Tight

Color: In Ballet Pink

*Required for both class & show

graphic icon of a pair of dance shoes on 2 feet

Shoes

Brand: Capezio Daisey Ballet Shoe

Color: Ballet Pink

Brand: Capezio Essential Tap Shoe

Color: Caramel

*Required for both class & show

Not required — comfortable athletic clothing

Also allowed: Athletic tops, shorts, or pants.

*Teacher will ask student to remove any clothing items deemed too unsafe or distracting.

Tights are optional

Brand: Any

Color: Any

*Shoes for the show are TBD

Lyrical:

Graphic line drawing of a dance leotard

Leotards

Brand: Any

Color: Solid Light Purple

Skirts optional

Graphic icon of dance wear tights

Tights

Brand: Capezio Ultra Soft Self Knit Waistband Transition® Tight

Color: In Ballet Pink

*Required for both class & show

Graphic line drawing of dance shoes on 2 feet

Shoes

Brand: Capezio Daisey Ballet Shoe

Color: Ballet Pink

Brand: Capezio Essential Tap Shoe

Color: Caramel

*Required for both class & show

Brand: Any

Color: Solid Light Blue

Also allowed: Black shorts or leggings

Optional for class. Show requirements:

Color: Light Tan

Color: Nude

*Required for both class & show

Acrobatics:

Graphic line drawing of a dance leotard

Leotards

Brand: Any

Color: Solid Light Purple

Graphic icon of dance wear tights

Tights

Tights are optional for class but required for the show

Brand: Capezio Ultra Soft Self Knit Waistband Transition® Tight

Color: Light Tan

Black shorts and leggings are also allowed for class

Graphic line drawing of dance shoes on 2 feet

Shoes

Brand: Capezio E-Series Jazz Slip On

Color: Caramel

*Required for both class & show

Brand: Any

Color: Solid Light Blue

Also allowed: Black shorts or leggings

Tights are optional

Brand: Barefoot required

Beginner Classes Schedule

Class Time Day of the Week Instructor
Hip Hop 4:35 pm - 5:20 pm Tuesdays Ms. Sidney
Jazz 5:25 pm - 6:10 pm Tuesdays Ms. Maya
Lyrical 6:10 pm - 6:55 pm Tuesdays Ms. Maya
Acrobatics 4:15 pm - 5:00 pm Wednesdays Ms. Samara
Tap 5:05 pm - 5:50 pm Wednesdays Ms. Kaitlyn
Ballet 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Wednesdays Ms. Sidney

Beginner Level Pricing

Ballet classes are 60 minutes.  Variety electives (45–50 min): Hip Hop, Tap, Acro, Lyrical, Jazz

Option Monthly Tuition
Ballet only (60 min) $75
Ballet + 1 Variety $130
Ballet + Unlimited Variety $250
- -
1 Variety class only* $65
Unlimited Variety $210

*Each additional variety class $55/mo

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn More About Beginner Level Classes

  • What age group are Beginner Level classes for?

    Beginner level classes at Southeast School of Dance are for dancers ages 7-9.

  • What's different about the Beginner level compared to Introduction?

    Beginner level is where dancers start building correct technique, with a focus on correct alignment, controlled movement, and musicality across a wider variety of genres. Classes include Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, and Acrobatics.


    We strongly recommend ballet at this level since it builds the foundation other styles rely on, though we understand every dancer is drawn to different genres and encourage them to explore what excites them most. This level emphasizes building strong habits early while keeping the joy and excitement of dance front and center.

  • What can my dancer and I expect on our first day?

    The first day of dance class can be so exciting! For some dancers, it can also be quite intimidating–lots of new faces, loud music, and doing it all without their parent can be stressful. Our instructors and assistants will quickly welcome dancers into the dance room and begin class so there is very little time to become upset. We ask that parents wait in the lobby until class is over (sometimes, we need you to take your dancer to go to the bathroom). Typically, we don’t allow parents in the room as it can discourage their dancer from participating, and it can distract or upset other dancers who might be missing their own parent.

  • Is ballet required at the Beginner level if my dancer is more interested in hip hop or jazz?

    Ballet isn't required at the Beginner level, but we strongly recommend it. It builds the alignment, strength, and body control that other styles rely on, and dancers who train in ballet alongside their other classes tend to progress faster in every genre.


    That said, we understand some dancers are simply drawn to other styles, and we love watching them explore and find what they love most. Our team is happy to help you find the right combination of classes for your dancer.

  • How many classes should my dancer take at the Beginner level?

    Most Beginner dancers take Ballet plus one additional variety class, which gives them a strong technical foundation along with a style they're excited about. Some families choose the unlimited variety option so their dancer can try everything.


    There's no single right answer here. It depends on your child's schedule, budget, and how many styles they want to explore. Our team is happy to help you figure out what fits.

  • Will my dancer need to audition or be evaluated to move up from Beginner level?

    No formal audition is required to progress through Beginner level. Advancement is based on age, ability, and instructor evaluation over the course of the season, so dancers move up when they're truly ready.


    This approach means every dancer builds a solid foundation at their own pace, rather than being rushed ahead before they're prepared for the next level.