University of Iowa Youth Ballet and Community Dance School

We're offering a special low tuition rate for students who enroll in Creative Dance 3 or Creative Dance 4 in addition to a ballet class. For guidance on which classes are for different ages, please visit our Class Descriptions page.

We're offering a special low tuition rate for students who enroll in Creative Dance 3 or Creative Dance 4 in addition to a ballet class. For guidance on which classes are for different ages, please visit our Class Descriptions page.

This free community yoga class is taught by trainees enrolled in a UI hatha yoga teacher training course. You will be guided through breathing exercises, gentle yoga postures and guided relaxation. Beginners are welcome and mats are available. Drop-ins are welcome.

RelaXercise (offered spring semesters only) is a class in thorough, somatic-based exercise for strength and flexibility, in coordination with full body breathing techniques and relaxation methods to facilitate stress reduction; individualized, efficient movement; renewal of positive energy and body-mind integration. The classes progress sequentially toward more challenging concepts, repetitions, and patterns of movement/exercises throughout the semester – thereby addressing the conditioning needs of dancers, other performing artists, athletes, and community members at large. A period of guided imagery relaxation will end each class. People of all ages, regardless of experience or acquired skills, are welcome and will benefit from this class as they work at their own pace and for their desired overall fitness goals.

Welcoming beginning and experienced movers. This class will be working students on how to strengthen and condition their body for technique classes. We will be focusing on different exercises, stretches, and conditioning tactics to assist with strength, agility, and nuance.

Welcoming beginning and experienced movers. Warm-up, center, and across-the-floor exercises in the fundamentals of modern dance technique with modifications for experienced dancers. Class is typically mixed level, including beginning to intermediate adults, and advanced ballet dancers seeking to expand their understanding of modern techniques.

Build strength. Find stability. Prepare for pointe. This specialized class is designed for adult ballet students who are ready to take the next step in their training. If you're currently enrolled in two full-length weekly ballet classes, you're eligible to join this focused session that introduces the foundational elements of pointe readiness. What to Expect: Targeted exercises to strengthen feet, ankles, and core Alignment and balance training for pointe preparation Technique refinement to support safe progression Supportive instruction tailored to adult learners Whether you're dreaming of dancing en pointe or simply want to deepen your ballet practice, this class offers a structured and empowering path forward.

Intermediate ballet is named for its intermediate-level students (or previously advanced students returning to ballet). For dancers with a solid foundation in the ballet vocabulary already in place, this ninety minute class has a similar structure as traditional ballet class for youth: starting with barre work then building to traveling steps, turns, and allegro jumping phrases. Instruction and feedback in this class has adult learners in mind. Intermediate Ballet may be more aerobic than our introductory levels, with fewer stops so that muscles stay warm. Ballet provides a great workout, with lasting benefits of toning, lengthening, and stretching.

Almost Intermediate Ballet is a stepping-stone for students progressing from Continuing Beginner Ballet and Linking Steps to the next level. Class includes additional movement vocabulary throughout work at the barre, exercises in center, and traveling movements across the floor while maintaining a moderate pace and incorporating movement explanation. This class is a perfect addition for students who have taken Continuing Beginner Ballet and Linking Steps for at least one full year (2 semesters and 1 summer session) and for Intermediate Ballet students looking to build more ballet into their week.

makes it possible to join from anywhere you are.

is designed for adults in their first full year of weekly year-round ballet training. Dancers of all levels are welcome if it suits their learning goals. After co-teaching this class with Jason Schadt for years during and after graduate school, Juliet Remmers started weekday night section of this class to help us reach more students hungry for the practice.

Following ballet classes, pointe students at upper levels take UIYB pointe class three times per week to build and maintain strength. Pointe may only be taken with the approval of the faculty and after the student is warm from ballet technique class. Pointe students must take at least three ballet technique classes weekly to enroll.

Following ballet classes, pointe students at upper levels take UIYB pointe class three times per week to build and maintain strength. Pointe may only be taken with the approval of the faculty and after the student is warm from ballet technique class. Pointe students must take at least three ballet technique classes weekly to enroll.

Upon the recommendation of their instructor, students who have achieved substantial technique, strength, and maturity may be invited to participate in Intro to Pointe. Students must take at least three ballet technique classes weekly to enroll.

This class teaches strength, agility, and balance exercises to prepare students for upper-level jumps, turns, balances, and pointe work.

Youth students take conditioning to work on strength, stability, stamina, and functional range of motion.

Youth students in levels 3, 4, and 5 take modern dance once per week to broaden their technical and artistic skillset and prepare them for a range of choreographic work as part of the Youth Ballet Ensemble.

UIYB offers a ballet-focused curriculum with supplemental classes for youth 11+ in levels 3A, 3B, 4, and 5. Classes emphasize skeletal alignment, functional strength and range of motion, integration of the spine and limbs (for beautiful port de bras and épaulement ), and musicality.

In Level 2 Modern , 9–10-year-olds take their movement skills to the next level with a deeper focus on how their bodies move and connect. This class introduces key concepts like core/distal awareness —helping dancers understand how to initiate movement from their center and extend it through their limbs—and the head/tail connection , which supports fluidity, balance, and healthy spinal alignment. As students explore these ideas, they also build essential physical skills like strength, coordination, flexibility, and rhythmic precision . Beyond technique, they gain body awareness, confidence, and expressive tools that support both dance and everyday life. Level 2 Modern: 45 minutes. Students must be nine years old on or before September 1st. May be taken as a stand-alone class or alongside Ballet 2A or 2B.

In Level 1B Modern , children explore the magic of movement in a fun and dynamic way! This class helps young dancers discover how their bodies move with strength, grace, and creativity. They'll build important physical skills like balance, coordination, and flexibility—all while dancing through space with energy and confidence. Along the way, they’ll learn about how their spine and muscles work and develop a strong sense of rhythm. It’s the perfect blend of learning and fun to keep 8-year-olds active, engaged, and inspired. Level 1B Modern: 45 minutes. Students must be eight years old on or before September 1st. May be taken as a stand-alone class or alongside Ballet 1B.

Pre-Ballet & 1A Modern is our newest offering for 6-7 year-olds. Kids build on previous experiences in Creative Movement classes to explore creative dance through storytelling, rhythm, and spatial exploration, while deepening their understanding of space, time, and movement quality. May be taken as a stand-alone class or alongside Pre-Ballet and Ballet 1A.

At this level, students are beginning to use port de bras and head movement ( epaulement ) to refine earlier material. In addition, they incorporate more ballet jumps and center vocabulary. Students at this level benefit from additional dance classes and should dance over the summer to continue progressing. Level 2B students must be 10 years old on or before September 1st.

Students must be able to stay focused for the duration of this 75-minute ballet class. They should set a positive example to others and be able to understand and perform with greater consistency and proper alignment at the barre. Students at this level benefit from additional dance classes and should dance over the summer to continue progressing. Level 2A students must be nine years old on or before September 1st.

A continuing level, that builds upon Level 1A concepts. This level is designed for second-year ballet students and older children starting their study with the University of Iowa Youth Ballet and Community Dance School. Level 1B students must be eight years old on or before September 1st.

A continuation after a year in pre-ballet. Level 1A is also a great place to start dance class for seven- and seven-and-a-half-year-olds. In this class, dancers learn elements like the fundamental ballet positions, the progression of a standard ballet class, and the French vocabulary that makes up ballet. Level 1A students work stationary in the center of the studio (often standing, sometimes seated), and in pathways traveling across the floor. Level 1A meets once weekly. M ay be taken as a stand-alone class or together with Creative Dance 3/Pre-Ballet & Level 1A Modern. Students may also take a second 1A ballet class each week. Level 1A students must be seven years old on or before September 1st.

A prelude to formal ballet instruction, students ages 6+ will develop a foundation for ballet technique in a learning environment that fosters a love for dance and music. Students work standing, seated, and traveling across the floor, learning exercises that introduce ballet concepts and ballet class etiquette in a non-competitive atmosphere. Dancing in pre-ballet builds strength and challenges the vestibular and proprioceptive systems in ways that are age-appropriate. An important part of the developmental process is working barefoot (in convertible tights) so the skin can sense the floor while the child learns. Bare feet are also critical so the teacher can be watching for aspects such as: Keeping the toes long when pointing the feet. Muscular firing in the foot muscles when the dancer stands on one leg. Arches responsive to rotation of the thigh bones. Anchoring through the base of the toes—particularly the joint of the great toe. In spring semester each year, part of class will happen in ballet slippers to prepare the students to have their feet safely covered in shoes during the year-end concert. Each pre-ballet meets once weekly. May be taken as a stand-alone class or together with Creative Dance 3. Students may also take a second pre-ballet class each week. Pre-ballet students must be six years old on or before September 1st.

Our curriculum focuses on proper skeletal alignment, functional strength and range of motion, coordination, and musicality. While minimum age is a prerequisite for starting in Pre-Ballet and Levels 1A and 1B, continued advancement through level 2A and 2B is based on proficiency in addition to age. The primary levels are important and should not be rushed. Students are encouraged to take multiple classes per week to aid their development and progression.

In progressive levels, children ages four to six develop increased body awareness, gross motor skills, and movement phrasing while giving imagination time to flourish. Classes begin with warm-up exercises and stretches that develop flexibility and posture. Class then moves on to center floor exercises to develop balance, rhythm, and coordination.

In progressive levels, children ages four to six develop increased body awareness, gross motor skills, and movement phrasing while giving imagination time to flourish. Classes begin with warm-up exercises and stretches that develop flexibility and posture. Class then moves on to center floor exercises to develop balance, rhythm, and coordination.

Wee Dance is an introduction to the art of dance in a nurturing environment ideal for preschool children ages two to four. Parents or adult caregivers attend and are expected to participate. Imaginative exercises present an outlet for active minds and bodies. Through the use of shakers, scarves, balls, and beanie babies, children will experience the pure joy of movement.

We offer the unique opportunity for adults to begin or continue their dance training in an environment that challenges and encourages them to explore their movement potential. Our classes for adults build strength for better movement, and our students tell us they help them feel better.

Classical ballet, pointe, and modern dance for youth students in levels 3, 4, and 5. The curriculum focuses on proper skeletal alignment, functional strength and range of motion, integration of the spine and limbs, musicality, and artistry.

Developmental dance and ballet fundamentals for young students are tailored to meet the physical and cognitive needs of children according to their age. Students engage in structured movement exploration that builds toward the study of classical ballet and creative dance.

Youth Ballet Ensemble Spring Kickoff is scheduled for January 13-15 in Spring 2028. The first day of Spring Semester Classes is January 18, 2028. Spring Break, with no classes, is scheduled from March 12 to March 19, 2028. The Spring Concert date is TBD. The academic year concludes with the Last day of Spring Semester Classes on May 6, 2028.

The Community Dance School calendar for Fall 2027 indicates the first day of Fall Semester Classes is August 23, 2027. Labor Day on September 6, 2027, means no classes. Fall Break is from November 21 to November 28, 2027. The Last Day of Fall Semester Classes is December 11, 2027.

Youth Ballet Ensemble Fall Kickoff is scheduled for August 19-21 in Fall 2027. The first day of Fall Semester Classes is August 23, 2027. Labor Day on September 6, 2027, results in no classes. The Fall Showcase date is TBD. The semester concludes on December 11, 2027, with the Last Day of Fall Semester Classes. Fall Break runs from November 21 to November 28, 2027.

The Community Dance School calendar for Spring 2027 shows the first day of Spring Semester Classes is January 19, 2027. No classes will be held during Spring Break, from March 14 to March 21, 2027. The Last day of Spring Semester Classes is May 8, 2027.

Youth Ballet Ensemble Spring Kickoff is scheduled for January 14-16 in Spring 2027. The first day of Spring Semester Classes is January 19, 2027. Spring Break, during which there are no classes, is from March 14 to March 21, 2027. The Spring Concert date is TBD. The academic year concludes with the Last day of Spring Semester Classes on May 8, 2027.

The Community Dance School calendar for Fall 2026 lists the first day of Fall Semester Classes as August 24, 2026. Labor Day on September 7, 2026, means no classes will be held. Fall Break occurs from November 22 to November 29, 2026. The Last Day of Fall Semester Classes is December 12, 2026.

Youth Ballet Ensemble Fall Kickoff occurs on August 20-22 in Fall 2026. The first day of Fall Semester Classes is August 24, 2026. Labor Day on September 7, 2026, results in no classes. The Fall Showcase date is TBD. The semester concludes on December 12, 2026, with the Last Day of Fall Semester Classes. Fall Break is scheduled from November 22 to November 29, 2026.

The Community Dance School calendar for Spring 2026 indicates the first day of Spring Semester Classes is January 20, 2026. Spring Break, with no classes, is from March 15 to March 22, 2026. The academic term finishes on May 16, 2026, which is the Last day of Spring Semester Classes.

Youth Ballet Ensemble Spring Kickoff is scheduled for January 15-17 in Spring 2026. The first day of Spring Semester Classes is January 20, 2026. Spring Break, a period with no classes, runs from March 15 to March 22, 2026. The Spring Concert has production week from April 19-25, 2026, with no regular classes. The academic year concludes with the Last day of Spring Semester Classes on May 16, 2026.

The Community Dance School calendar for Fall 2025 lists major dates. The first day of Fall Semester Classes is August 25, 2025. Labor Day, September 1, 2025, means no classes. The semester ends on December 13, 2025, with the Last Day of Fall Semester Classes. Fall Break is observed from November 22 to November 30, 2025.

Youth Ballet Ensemble Fall Kickoff is scheduled for August 21-23 in Fall 2025. This event marks the beginning of the academic year for the ensemble. Following this, the first day of Fall Semester Classes is August 25, 2025. The semester concludes on December 13, 2025, with the Last Day of Fall Semester Classes. Before the semester ends, the Youth Ballet Ensemble Fall Showcase is held on November 21-22, and Fall Break runs from November 22 to November 30, 2025.

As a higher education outreach program dedicated to community building, we are devoted to instructing both classical and contemporary dance forms. Our mission is to inspire a passion for movement practice, kindle curiosity about dance, and support the professional development of educators to contribute to the field.

As a higher education outreach program dedicated to community building, we are devoted to instructing both classical and contemporary dance forms. Our mission is to inspire a passion for movement practice, kindle curiosity about dance, and support the professional development of educators to contribute to the field.

The UI Youth Ballet and Community Dance School builds connections through dance. Through classes offered to the community, our instructors nurture artistic expression while developing strong, well-rounded dancers and teachers of dance.

The UI Youth Ballet and Community Dance School builds connections through dance. Through classes offered to the community, our instructors nurture artistic expression while developing strong, well-rounded dancers and teachers of dance.

Linking steps is an add-on to the Continuing Beginner Ballet class on Saturdays. It gives interested students an extra 25 minutes of center work, effectively extending the morning class to two hours for those who want more practice.

is designed for adults in at least their second year of weekly ballet training (for example after 38 recent classes of experience). More experienced dancers, retired dancers, and dance instructors are welcome and encouraged to take this class if it suits their goals of staying connected to nuanced movement practice. Many students have been in this Saturday section for multiple years.

Drawing on his background in dance kinesiology and classical ballet pedagogy, instructor Jason Schadt pioneered Absolute Beginner Ballet and Continuing Beginner Ballet in the UI Community Dance School. In these classes designed specifically for adult learners, Mr. Schadt brings a contemporary approach to richly musical classical exercises, illuminating the muscular engagement and alignment that bring about ballet movement in the body. Working from the inside out in this way, students do not merely recite the shapes and steps of ballet, but practice how to execute exercises with accuracy adhering to sound principles of anatomy and pure classical style. Class typically begins with floor barre (barefoot), where students practice exercises designed to locate and strengthen the muscles of the inner thighs, abdomen, and pelvic floor, as well as the intrinsic muscles of the feet. Then, in exercises standing at the barre and center, students work to apply these principles to their movement in the ballet vocabulary while dancing to music carefully selected to bring out the essential character of the step or action.

The Community Dance School calendar for Spring 2028 shows the first day of Spring Semester Classes is January 18, 2028. No classes will be held during Spring Break, from March 12 to March 19, 2028. The Last day of Spring Semester Classes is May 6, 2028.