Kalamazoo Ballet and Bullard School

From the youngest beginners to advanced dancers, we offer a range of ballet classes tailored to various skill levels. Our curriculum focuses on building a strong technical foundation while nurturing creativity and individual expression.

Adult Company offers experienced and passionate adult dancers the opportunity to rehearse and perform in full-length productions alongside our student company. This is a welcoming but focused environment for adults who want to return to the stage, continue performing, or try it for the first time with community and support.

Advanced Company is open to dancers in Ballet IV, Ballet V, and Advanced who are ready to take on a deeper commitment to their training and performance experience. These dancers rehearse weekly for four annual productions. Rehearsals are designed to match the dancer’s level—Ballet IV dancers focus on building ensemble skills and stage presence, while Ballet V and Advanced dancers work on refined technique, pointe repertoire, and more complex choreography.

Junior Company is the first step into the world of performance at Tye Chua Dance. Dancers in Ballet III are eligible to join and will participate in three major productions each year. Rehearsals are held weekly and focus on ensemble work, musicality, stage presence, and performance etiquette. Junior Company gives young dancers the experience of being part of a cast while building their confidence and artistry.

Single 60 Minute Class

Single 75 Minute Class

Single 90 Minute Class

This dynamic class is designed for dancers, actors, and musical theatre lovers who want to bring character, style, and storytelling to life through movement. Each class blends jazz-based technique with choreography inspired by iconic Broadway shows. Students will explore character work, staging, and performance skills while learning combinations that emphasize expression, timing, and ensemble work. Whether you're training for the stage or just love musical theatre, this class offers a supportive space to sharpen your skills and have fun doing it. All levels welcome—no singing required!

Perfect for young performers who love to sing, dance, and act! This high-energy class introduces students to the world of musical theatre through fun, age-appropriate movement, storytelling, and character work. Dancers will learn choreography inspired by Broadway favorites while developing stage presence, confidence, and creativity. No singing experience required—just a willingness to perform and have fun! A great choice for kids who love the spotlight and want to explore performance in a supportive, upbeat environment.

Ballet IV is an upper-intermediate level focused on building the strength, stamina, and technical clarity required for pointe readiness and early pointe work. Dancers in this level refine foundational technique with increased complexity at the barre and in center combinations. Emphasis is placed on alignment, musicality, and clean execution. Pre-pointe and conditioning exercises are incorporated regularly to support safe progression onto pointe. Ballet IV is designed as a multi-year level, with dancers progressing through IV.1, IV.2, and IV.3 as they build the skills necessary for full pointe work. Advancement is based on individual readiness and instructor evaluation. This class is a key bridge between intermediate training and the advanced curriculum.

Our Adult Ballet program is open to dancers of all levels—from total beginners to those returning after years away. Classes focus on classical ballet technique, posture, flexibility, and coordination, all in a supportive and non-intimidating environment. Whether you're dancing for fitness, artistry, or simply the joy of movement, Adult Ballet offers a space to challenge yourself at your own pace. Instructors provide thoughtful guidance and modifications to meet each dancer where they are. Morning classes move at a gentler pace, while evening classes offer a more active flow—perfect for those looking to sweat a bit more. No dress code, no pressure—just great music, great people, and the chance to reconnect with your love of dance.

Ballet V is the first level of advanced classical training at Tye Chua Dance. Dancers in this level are expected to demonstrate strong technical foundation, refined alignment, and proficiency en pointe. Classwork increases in complexity, musicality, and stamina, with longer combinations, more intricate footwork, and greater emphasis on artistry. Ballet V students train alongside Advanced-level dancers and are eligible for Advanced Company rehearsals and performances. Pointe work is fully integrated throughout the class, and dancers are expected to execute exercises en pointe with control and precision. This level marks a significant milestone in a dancer’s development, bridging the gap between intermediate training and pre-professional work.

This is our highest-level technique class, designed for advanced dancers with significant experience in ballet and pointe work. Emphasis is placed on refined classical technique, musicality, strength, and artistry. Dancers will work at a pre-professional pace, with complex combinations at the barre and center, and extended pointe sequences. Instruction includes turns, adagio, petite and grand allegro, and en pointe variations that challenge both stamina and control. This class is ideal for dancers preparing for collegiate or conservatory programs, professional auditions, or simply seeking to train at an elite level.

This class is perfect for dancers who have completed beginner ballet and are ready to build on their foundational skills. Ballet I/II strengthens technique through continued work at the barre, basic center combinations, and an introduction to more structured classwork. Students will focus on posture, coordination, musicality, and classroom etiquette, all while gaining confidence and body awareness. Ideal for dancers transitioning from introductory ballet and preparing for more formal leveled training.

Ballet III marks the beginning of serious technical development and prepares dancers for the demands of pre-pointe and early performance work. Students in this level focus on strength, control, and musical phrasing, while learning more complex combinations at the barre and center. This class introduces more advanced concepts such as sustained balances, directional changes, and early turning technique—all with an emphasis on clean execution and alignment. Ballet III is the entry level for Junior Company, and dancers at this level are eligible to participate in rehearsals and performances. Designed for students ready to commit to consistent training and a deeper understanding of classical ballet.

Pre-Ballet is a joyful introduction to the world of dance for our youngest dancers. This class builds coordination, rhythm, and basic movement vocabulary through imaginative play, music, and creative exploration. Children will learn foundational ballet steps, classroom etiquette, and how to move confidently in a group—all while having fun and developing a love for dance. Perfect for children who are ready for a more structured environment with plenty of encouragement and creativity.

Workshop Dancers are our youngest performers—students in Pre-Ballet through Ballet II —who may be invited to participate in select productions throughout the season, including The Nutcracker and other special performances. These roles are designed to introduce young dancers to the stage in an age-appropriate, low-pressure way, with short rehearsals and plenty of support.