Ballet Academy of Missouri (BAMO)

Variations class introduces solo repertoire from classical and neoclassical ballets. Dancers study celebrated solos such as those from Sleeping Beauty, Giselle, and Don Quixote, gaining experience in style, artistry, and stagecraft. These classes build confidence, performance readiness, and a deeper understanding of ballet’s rich heritage.

Recreational Jazz/Contemporary is an upbeat and fun class that introduces young dancers to jazz/contemporary fundamentals while emphasizing flexibility and physical confidence. Students will explore energetic movements, rhythmic footwork, and expressive choreography, balanced with stretching exercises to enhance mobility and prevent injury. This class promotes coordination, creativity, and the joy of self-expression through dance.

Recreational Ballet provides a joyful and accessible introduction to classical ballet in a relaxed, nonjudgmental setting. Dancers are guided through the fundamental positions, vocabulary, and posture of ballet at a pace that promotes confidence and curiosity. This class is ideal for students who are exploring dance for the first time or simply want to enjoy movement without the pressures of a formal training program.

Pre-Pointe is a preparatory class designed to safely transition students toward pointe work. This class strengthens the ankles, feet, core, and turnout while increasing flexibility and balance. Dancers also develop spatial awareness and proper alignment—crucial for success en pointe.

Designed for dancers ready for more structure and challenge, this class builds on the fundamentals of Pre-Ballet I. Students continue developing ballet vocabulary, classroom etiquette, coordination, and musicality. Tap remains a key component, reinforcing timing and rhythm. Includes 45 minutes of ballet and 30 minutes of weekly alternating tap and jazz.

A joyful introduction to the structure and artistry of dance. This class builds basic ballet movement, creative expression, musicality, and listening skills in a fun and nurturing environment. Includes 45 minutes of ballet and 30 minutes of tap to reinforce rhythm and coordination.

Pointe class is dedicated to the technique and artistry of dancing on the tips of the toes. Building upon a strong classical foundation, students work to strengthen their feet, refine alignment, and develop fluidity and control in their pointework. Proper care and use of pointe shoes is also emphasized to ensure safety and longevity.

Pas de Deux (partnering) is an advanced component of classical ballet where dancers learn to move harmoniously with a partner. These classes build trust, timing, and physical awareness through turns, lifts, and shared movement. Partnering is a cornerstone of classical repertory and is essential for dancers aspiring to professional careers.

Flamenco is a powerful and expressive dance tradition from southern Spain that fuses intricate footwork, percussive rhythms, and passionate storytelling. Due to the complexity in technique and musicality, dancers that have completed their character classes (Level A and B) are now able to explore a new level of folk dance with precises technique and placement.

Contemporary dance blends the precision of classical ballet with the expressive freedom of modern movement. Emphasizing fluidity, floorwork, and emotional storytelling, it encourages dancers to explore abstract ideas and push the boundaries of form.

Character dance is a stylized form of classical dance based on traditional folk and national dances from across Europe. Adapted for the theater, it sharpens a dancer’s sense of rhythm, coordination, and dramatic expression. It also develops musical sensitivity and strong épaulement—essential for classical performance.

Body Conditioning classes integrate techniques from Pilates, yoga, and functional strength training to support the physical demands of dance. Core strength, flexibility, balance, and muscular endurance are targeted to improve alignment, injury prevention, and overall stamina. Some lessons may incorporate cardiovascular training to enhance fitness and support performance endurance.

Ballet is the foundation of all dance forms. At BAMO, it is our passion and cornerstone—essential to developing technically proficient, artisticatlly expressive dancers. Ballet builds discipline, body awareness, musicality, and attention to detail. It teaches life skills that transcend the studio, preparing students for excellence whether they pursue the stage or the boardroom.

Recreational Jazz/Contemporary – A fun, upbeat class that introduces basic jazz/contemporary vocabulary while focusing on flexibility, musicality, and body awareness. This is a great outlet for energy and creativity.

Recreational Ballet – A welcoming introduction to ballet technique, posture, and rhythm in a nonjudgmental setting where students can learn at their own pace and enjoy the elegance of movement.

Adult Ballet – Graceful, accessible training for all levels.

Level D (Ages 15+; placement approval required) The most advanced level in the Pre-Professional Division, Level D prepares serious dancers for collegiate, professional, and conservatory auditions. Emphasis is placed on refinement, versatility, and performance artistry. 4–5 ballet technique classes (1.5 hours each; pointe integrated) 1 contemporary/flamenco class (1 hour; alternating semesters) 1 variations class (1 hour) 1 pas de deux class (1 hour 15 minutes) 1 Body Conditioning II & Ballet History class (1 hour; Ballet History is offered the last Saturday of each month).

Level C (Ages 12–14; placement approval required) A pivotal level in pre-professional training, Level C emphasizes pointe readiness, artistic expression, and expanded vocabulary. Dancers continue building stamina, movement quality, and performance presence. 3–4 ballet technique classes (1.5 hours each; Thursday ballet is half technique and half pointe class) 2 pointe classes (1 hour separate, 45 minutes combined with Thursday ballet class) 1 contemporary/flamenco class (1 hour; alternating semesters) 1 Body Conditioning II & Ballet History class (1 hour; Ballet History is offered the last Saturday of each month).

Level B (Ages 9–11; placement approval required) This level deepens classical technique while introducing the fundamentals of pre-pointe, musical phrasing, and stylistic awareness. Dancers refine alignment, placement, and body control in preparation for more rigorous upper-level training. 2 ballet technique classes (1 hour 15 minutes each) 1 character/contemporary class (1 hour; alternating semesters) 1 pre-pointe class (45 minutes).

Level A (Ages 7–8; must be 7 by 9/1/25) A two-year introductory level designed to build strong classical technique and familiarity with structured training. Age 7 (Year 1): 1 ballet class + 1 character class/week. Age 8 (Year 2): 2 ballet classes + 1 character class/week.

Courses Offered: Classical Ballet, Character, Contemporary, Flamenco, Pas de Deux, Pointe, Pre-Pointe, Variations, Body Conditioning, and Ballet History (offered monthly during Body Conditioning).

Pre-Ballet II (Ages 5–6; must be 5 by 9/1/25) 1 hour 15 minutes – 45 minutes ballet, 30 minutes tap or jazz (alternates weekly). Tap and jazz reinforce musicality and expression while supporting foundational ballet skills.

Pre-Ballet I (Age 4 by 9/1/25) 1 hour 15 minutes – 45 minutes ballet, 30 minutes tap. Tap enhances rhythm, timing, and foot coordination, complementing early ballet development.

Pas de Deux- 1.25 hours, Saturdays.

Body Conditioning I – 30 minutes, Tuesdays. Reinforces core strength and flexibility as dancers begin preparing for pointe work.

Body Conditioning I – 30 minutes, Tuesdays. A gentle introduction to strength, posture, and injury prevention through conditioning exercises tailored to young dancers.

Experience ballet the BAMO way with Ms. Jenn and Mr. Antonio at our Winter Intensive, December 27–29. Train smarter. Dance stronger. Step into your next level.