Not sure which class or level is best for your dancer? You’re in the right place.

The guidelines below are designed to help families choose the best starting point based on age and experience. Every dancer develops at their own pace, and our instructors are always happy to help with placement recommendations to ensure each dancer feels confident, supported, and successful.

If you ever have questions, we’re just an email away.

📧 Info@TheStudioMN.com

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Class Placement by Age

Tiny Tots

Creative Movement
Ages 1–3
A fun, engaging introduction to dance that focuses on movement, coordination, rhythm, and classroom structure — all through play and imagination.

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Minis

Combo Classes
Ages 3–5
Dancers are introduced to the foundations of ballet, tap, and jazz in a structured but playful environment designed to build confidence and coordination.

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Juniors

Combo Classes
Ages 6–8
Dancers continue building strong foundational technique, musicality, and classroom skills while increasing focus, terminology, and performance confidence.

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Levels for Ages 8+

Level One – Beginner

No previous training required
This level is ideal for dancers who are new to dance, have limited prior experience or are still building their skills. Classes focus on foundational technique, basic terminology, and developing strength and confidence.

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Level Two – Intermediate

1–2 years of training Dancers have a basic understanding of technique and terminology and are ready to build consistency, control, and more challenging movement.

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Level Three – Advanced

Company or Placement Only
This level is for experienced dancers who demonstrate strong technique, focus, and performance quality. Placement is determined by instructor evaluation to ensure dancers are set up for success.

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A Note on Placement

These levels are guidelines, not rigid rules. Placement may vary by style, experience, and individual readiness. Our goal is always to place dancers where they will feel confident, challenged, and supported.

If you’re unsure which level is best for your dancer, please reach out — we’re happy to help.

📧 - info@thestudiomn.com

At The Studio, our goal is for dancers to feel comfortable, confident, and ready to move. While we encourage proper dance attire to support technique and safety, we do not require a strict uniform unless noted.

Hair should be pulled back and secured away from the face for all classes.

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Creative Movement (Parent & Child)

Ages 1–3

• Comfortable clothing that allows for movement

• Leotards, tights, tutus, leggings, and dance skirts are all welcome

• Ballet shoes

Parents should wear comfortable clothing and clean indoor shoes or socks.

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Mini & Junior Combo Classes

(Mini Combo Ballet/Tap, Mini Combo Ballet/Jazz, Mini Hip Hop, Junior Lyrical/Hip Hop)

Ages 3–8

What to Wear

• Comfortable activewear that allows dancers to move freely

• Leotards, tights, tutus, skirts, leggings, and fitted tops are encouraged but not required

Shoes

• Pink ballet shoes (Girls)

• Black ballet shoes (Boys)

• Tan jazz shoes (if enrolled)

• Black tap shoes (if enrolled)

• White indoor tennis shoes (Hip Hop if enrolled)

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Ballet (All Levels)

Junior Ballet, Ballet 1, Ballet 2, Ballet 3, Pointe

What to Wear

• Tight-fitting attire is preferred so instructors can properly assess alignment and technique

• Leotards, tights, fitted shorts, skirts, and form-fitting tops are encouraged

• Dancers should feel comfortable — attire is never required if a dancer is uncomfortable

Shoes

• Pink ballet shoes (Girls)

• Black ballet shoes (Boys)

• Pointe shoes only for dancers enrolled in Pointe (by placement)

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Contemporary / Lyrical

Ages 8+

What to Wear

• Form-fitting attire recommended

• Leotards, fitted tops, leggings, shorts, or dance skirts

• Layers are welcome for warm-up

Shoes

• Tan lyrical half-soles / turners

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Jazz / Hip Hop

Ages 8+

Jazz – What to Wear

• Comfortable, fitted activewear

• Leotards, leggings, shorts, or fitted tops

Jazz Shoes

• Tan jazz shoes

Hip Hop – What to Wear

• Comfortable street-style or athletic wear

• Dancers may wear looser clothing for style and movement

Hip Hop Shoes

• White indoor tennis shoes

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Tap

Tap Levels 1–3

What to Wear

• Comfortable, easy-to-move-in activewear

• Leotards, leggings, shorts, or fitted tops

Shoes

• Black tap shoes

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Musical Theater

Junior, Beginner, Intermediate/Advanced

What to Wear

• Comfortable, expressive dancewear

• Leotards, leggings, shorts, skirts, or fitted activewear

• Clothing that allows dancers to move freely and perform with confidence

Shoes

• Tan jazz shoes

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A Final Note on Dress Code

We believe dancers perform best when they feel confident and comfortable. Our dress code is designed to support proper technique while allowing individuality and self-expression.

If you ever have questions about attire or shoes, please don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re happy to help!

📧 - info@thestudiomn.com

Creative Movement (Parent & Child)

Ages 1–3 | 30 min | 1 night per wk.

Creative Movement is a joyful parent & child class designed to gently introduce our youngest dancers to the studio environment. Dancers explore movement through music, imagination, and play — with a parent or guardian actively participating alongside them.

This class focuses on developing coordination, balance, rhythm, listening skills, and confidence while allowing little ones to have fun without having to separate from mom or dad.

Parents will learn the dance with their dancer and perform together on stage at our end-of-the-year recital, creating a special and memorable first dance experience.

Combination classes are designed to introduce young dancers to multiple styles in a fun, structured, and age-appropriate environment. These classes are the entry point for most dancers and focus on building strong foundational skills while developing confidence, coordination, and a love for movement.

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Mini Combo Classes

Ages 3–5 | 45 min | 1 night per wk.

Our Mini Combo classes introduce dancers to multiple styles while building coordination, rhythm, flexibility, and classroom skills.

Current Class Options:

• Mini Combo Ballet / Tap

• Mini Combo Ballet / Jazz

Dancers learn through creative movement, repetition, and structured skill-building designed specifically for this age group.

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Mini Hip Hop

New for Spring Session

Ages 3–5 | 30 min | 1 night per wk.

This high-energy class introduces young dancers to hip hop in a fun and age-appropriate way. Dancers will work on rhythm, musicality, coordination, and confidence while learning foundational hip hop movement.

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Junior Classes

Ages 6–8 | 45 min | 1 night per wk.

At this time, Junior classes focus on expressive movement and musicality.

Current Class Option:

• Junior Lyrical / Hip Hop

This class builds strength, coordination, performance quality, and confidence while continuing to develop age-appropriate technique and classroom focus.

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Looking Ahead

We are excited to continue expanding our junior program. Beginning Fall/Winter Session, we are planning to offer additional Junior class options, including:

• Junior Jazz / Tap Combo (45 minutes)

• Junior Musical Theater (30 minutes)

Final offerings will be announced closer to registration.

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Dress Code

Combo & Hip Hop Classes

We want our dancers to feel confident and comfortable in class. A specific uniform is not required.

Dancers should wear comfortable, easy-to-move-in activewear. Leotards, tights, tutus, and dance skirts are always welcome but never required.

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Shoe Requirements

Girls

• Pink ballet shoes

• Tan jazz shoes

• Black tap shoes

• White indoor tennis shoes (Hip Hop)

Boys

• Black Ballet shoes

• Black Jazz shoes

• Black Tap shoes

• White indoor Tennis shoes (Hip Hop)

Ballet is the foundation of all dance styles and plays an important role in building strength, technique, alignment, and confidence. Our ballet program is designed to support dancers at every stage — from introductory training to advanced, placement-based instruction.

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Junior Ballet

Ages 5–8 | 30 min | 1 night per week

Junior Ballet is an age-appropriate introduction to ballet for young dancers who are ready to begin learning basic ballet technique. Dancers will be introduced to foundational ballet positions, simple movement vocabulary, balance, coordination, and musicality in a fun and supportive environment.

This class helps build confidence and prepares dancers for full-length ballet classes as they grow.

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Ballet 1

Ages 8+ | 1 hr | 1 night per week

Ballet 1 is open to dancers ages 8 and up and does not require previous ballet training. This class focuses on building strong foundational technique, proper alignment, coordination, flexibility, and basic ballet terminology through barre and center floor work.

Ballet 1 provides a solid technical base that supports all styles of dance.

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Ballet 2

Placement Only | 2 nights per wk. |1 hr. each

Ballet 2 is designed for dancers with prior ballet experience who are ready for increased technical expectations. Dancers will continue developing strength, control, consistency, and refinement while working on more complex combinations and movement vocabulary.

Instructor placement is required.

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Ballet 3

Placement Only | 2 nights per wk. | 1 hr. each

Ballet 3 is an advanced level for experienced dancers who demonstrate strong technique, focus, and dedication. Classes emphasize technical precision, strength, artistry, and performance quality.

Instructor placement is required.

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Pointe

Placement Only | 30 min | 2 nights per wk.

Pointe is offered by instructor placement only and is reserved for dancers who are physically and technically ready. Enrollment in Pointe requires dancers to be enrolled in Ballet 3 two nights per week.

Placement is based on strength, alignment, technique, age, and instructor evaluation to ensure dancer safety and long-term success.

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A Note on Placement

Placement for Ballet 2, Ballet 3, and Pointe is determined by instructor evaluation. Our goal is always to place dancers where they will feel confident, challenged, and supported while continuing to train safely and effectively.

Ballet Dress Code

For ballet classes, tight-fitting attire is preferred so instructors can properly assess alignment and technique, but it is not required if a dancer does not feel comfortable.

Ballet Shoes:

• Pink ballet shoes (Girls)

• Black ballet shoes (Boys)

Tap and Musical Theater classes offer dancers additional opportunities to build rhythm, performance skills, confidence, and stage presence. While each style is taught separately, both focus on musicality, expression, and performance quality.

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Tap

Tap classes focus on rhythm, musicality, coordination, and timing. Dancers learn to create sound using metal taps on their shoes while developing clarity, control, and precision through movement.

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Tap – Level 1

Coming Fall/Winter Session!

Ages 8+ | 30 minutes | No experience required

This level is designed for dancers who are new to tap. Dancers will learn basic tap steps, terminology, rhythm patterns, and coordination in a supportive and encouraging environment.

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Tap – Level 2

Coming Fall/Winter Session!

30 minutes | 1–2 years of tap experience

Dancers in this level continue building clarity, speed, and rhythmic accuracy while learning more complex steps and combinations.

Instructor recommendation or prior tap experience is required.

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Tap – Level 3

Coming Fall/Winter Session!

Placement Only | 30 minutes

This advanced level is for dancers with strong tap foundations who are ready for increased speed, complexity, and musicality. Dancers will be challenged with more intricate rhythms and combinations.

Instructor placement is required.

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Musical Theater

Musical Theater classes combine dance, performance, and character work inspired by Broadway and stage productions. These classes focus on storytelling, expression, and stage presence while encouraging dancers to fully connect movement with music and character.

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Junior Musical Theater

Ages 5–8 | 30 minutes | No experience required

An engaging introduction to musical theater for young dancers. This class focuses on confidence, creativity, and expressive movement through age-appropriate choreography and character exploration.

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Musical Theater – Beginner

Ages 8+ | 30 minutes | No experience required

Designed for dancers new to musical theater or looking to build performance skills. Dancers will explore musicality, expression, and stage presence while learning foundational musical theater movement.

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Musical Theater – Intermediate / Advanced

30 minutes | 2+ years of experience or placement

For dancers ready for increased performance expectations, this level focuses on advanced choreography, character development, and performance quality.

Instructor placement or prior experience required.

Training & Placement

Progression through tap & musical theater levels is based on experience, consistency, skill development, and instructor recommendation. Our goal is always to place dancers where they will feel confident, challenged, and supported.

Tap and Musical Theater are specialty classes that can be taken on their own or alongside other dance styles.

Ages 8+ | Beginner–Advanced 

Jazz and Hip-Hop classes focus on energy, musicality, performance, and style while building strong technical and rhythmic foundations. These styles blend elements of classical technique with contemporary movement and age-appropriate commercial influences.

Dancers will work on coordination, strength, flexibility, rhythm, and performance quality while developing confidence and stage presence.

No previous experience is required to join beginner-level classes. Dancers progress as they build their skills and may be placed into intermediate or advanced levels based on experience, consistency, and instructor recommendation.

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What dancers learn in Jazz / Hip Hop

• Jazz technique with contemporary influence

• Hip Hop foundations including rhythm, grooves, and style

• Musicality, timing, and performance quality

• Confidence, individuality, and stage presence

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Training & Progression

Placement is based on experience, age, and instructor evaluation. Our goal is to place dancers where they will feel confident, challenged, and supported as they continue to grow.

Coming Fall/Winter Session!

Ages 8+ | Ballet training required or concurrent enrollment

Contemporary and Lyrical classes focus on expressive movement, musicality, and emotional connection while building strong technical foundations. These styles blend elements of classical ballet with fluidity, dynamics, and storytelling through movement.

Dancers will work on technique, strength, control, flexibility, and performance quality while learning how to interpret music and lyrics in an intentional and meaningful way.

Because both styles are ballet-based, dancers are expected to have at least one year of ballet training or be concurrently enrolled in ballet or receive faculty approval.

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Training & Progression

As dancers grow in strength and experience, they will continue progressing within this style. Placement into intermediate or advanced levels is based on training history, technique, consistency, and instructor recommendation, rather than age alone.

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What dancers gain from Contemporary / Lyrical

• Improved strength, flexibility, and control

• Stronger musicality and emotional expression

• Ballet-based technique applied to expressive movement

• Confidence in storytelling and performance