Immerse your child in the art of dance with weekly ballet classes. This is a student-led program, created through the Expop Challenge and has been developed over several months with mentorship from Harvard professionals. Whether your child has danced before or is stepping into the studio for the very first time, our goal is to build confidence, coordination, and a genuine love for movement in a supportive and encouraging environment.
Every Saturday Morning
April 11 – May 16, 2026
Pre-Primary (Ages 3–4):
9:00–9:30 a.m.
Primary (Ages 5–7):
9:45–10:15 a.m.
Open Class: May 16, 2026
N/A
3 – 7
$60
All levels
10 students
Over the past several months, we have thoughtfully developed the Children’s Dance Auxiliary Program into a fully realized initiative with guidance from Harvard mentors, and we are thrilled to officially bring it to life. We will launch with a six-week pilot program, with the intention of continuing and expanding next school year based on its success.
Our school is proud to be an ABT-affiliated institution, and our student instructors are certified in the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) National Training Curriculum, which guides all classes. This ensures participants receive high-quality, age-appropriate instruction grounded in nationally recognized standards. To support focus and foster independence, parents will not be present during class time. While stepping away can feel challenging, minimizing distractions allows participants to build confidence and autonomy in the studio. Families will be invited to attend an open class at the end of the session to observe their child’s growth and celebrate their progress.
Classes are offered in two age groups, each 30 minutes in length:
Each class is thoughtfully tailored to its specific age group, ensuring lessons are engaging, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate.
Amber Kertson is 17 years old and a junior in the Dance Department at ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥. This is her third year at IAA, following her attendance at the 2022 ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥ Intensive. She has been dancing since the age of three, with a primary focus in ballet, and has expanded her training into additional styles in recent years. Amber serves as Director of the Children’s Dance Auxiliary Program and is trained in the ABT National Training Curriculum.
Bella D’Aprile is 17 years old and a first-year Dance major at ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥. She serves as Co-Director of the Children’s Dance Auxiliary Program and is currently training in the ABT National Training Curriculum. Bella has been dancing for 15 years and has three years of experience as an assistant teacher.
GIRLS:
BOYS:
HAIR:
Dance is a formal art form, and following studio etiquette helps each child get the most out of their experience.
Parent Communication
Parents wishing to discuss their child’s progress should contact the Director by phone or email to schedule a conversation. While teachers may answer brief questions between classes, our schedule is often tight. Thank you for your understanding.
Director: Reina Meek
E: rmeek@idyllwildarts.org
There are no scholarship opportunities for this program.