The video of our 2023 Nutcracker is now available! Please visit our VIDEOS page to download it now!
The Foundation of Dance
Ballet
Master the foundation of all dance through our ABT National Training Curriculum. From Pre-Primary through Level V, our certified instructors guide dancers in proper technique, artistry, and the discipline that builds confident performers and thoughtful individuals.
The Foundation of All Dance
The Lasley Centre for the Performing Arts is proud to include the American Ballet Theatre® National Training Curriculum, a breakthrough 9-level program that combines high quality artistic training with the basics of dancer health and child development. The ABT® National Training Curriculum consists of a comprehensive set of age-appropriate, outcome-based guidelines to provide the highest quality ballet training to dance students of all ages and skill levels.
Lasley Centre faculty members have completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 7 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum, with additional instructors and levels of certification being added each year as part of the Lasley Centre’s commitment to continuing education for its faculty.
At ABT Studios, New York
Ballet Class Levels I, II, III
Pre-School Ballet
Ages: 3-4
Pre-school Ballet utilizes creative instruction in discovering movement qualities and dynamics while introducing dance in a fun and developmentally appropriate manner, effecting muscular engagement and development. Classes are designed for preschool aged girls and boys.
Emphasis is placed on coordination, musicality, expression, communication skills, cognitive thinking and instilling a love for dance.
Beginning Ballet
Ages: 5-7
Builds on creative instruction utilizing a child’s natural curiosity in discovering movement qualities and dynamics. Introducing dance in a developmentally appropriate manner filled with fun, and effecting muscular engagement and development.
School aged girls and boys continue working on movement, musicality, expression, and body awareness. Several composers and genres of music are introduced. Emphasis is placed on developing a good foundation with basic technique, increasing attention span, good communication, cognitive thinking, and instilling a love for dance.
Boys
Traditional Ballet classes geared towards the special training that boys require. Extra attention is given to strengthening and steps that are exclusive to boys work.
Lower School
Ages: 8-10
Ballet I: All of the vocabulary from the previous levels are included with the addition of Level 1 appropriate exercises. As in all of our classes, the curriculum is designed to be fun, challenging, and with the intent of developing a strong, technically sound dancer.
Notes / Requirements: There is a placement prerequisite or equivalent. To take Ballet I, students must have taken Beginning Ballet or equivalent instruction..
Ballet II: All of the vocabulary from the previous levels are included with the addition of Level 2 appropriate exercises.
Notes / Requirements: There is a placement prerequisite or equivalent. To take Ballet II, students must have taken Ballet I.
Ballet III: All of the vocabulary from the previous levels are included with the addition of Level 3 appropriate exercises. With the addition of pointe work for students with a minimum age of 11 and who have achieved the strength, and placement necessary for pointe work to safely execute pointe work. Character, Modern and Jazz are strongly recommended at this level. Training for international ballet competitions is available to interested students
Notes / Requirements: There is a placement prerequisite or equivalent. To take Ballet III, students must have taken Ballet II or equivalent instruction. PBT is required at this level.
Upper School
Ages: 11 and up
All of the vocabulary from the previous levels are included with the addition of Level 5 appropriate exercises.
Prerequisites: Students must have completed Progressive Ballet Technique (PBT)
Level IV: All of the vocabulary from the previous levels are included with the addition of Level 4 appropriate exercises. Partnering and Variations/Repetoire are added at this level. Training for International Ballet competitions is available to interested students.
Notes / Requirements: Students must have completed Level III or equivalent instruction. PBT is required at this level
Level V: All of the vocabulary from the previous levels are included with the addition of Level 5 appropriate exercises. Training for International Ballet competitions is available to interested students.
Notes / Requirements: Students must have completed Level IV or equivalent instruction. PBT is required at this level
Level VI: All of the vocabulary from the previous levels are included with the addition of Level 6 appropriate exercises. Training for International Ballet competitions is available to interested students.
Notes / Requirements: Students must have completed Level V or equivalent instruction. PBT is required at this level
Level VII: All of the vocabulary from the previous levels are included with the addition of Level 7 appropriate exercises. Training for International Ballet competitions is available to interested students.
Notes / Requirements: Students must have completed Level VI or equivalent instruction. PBT is required at this level
Specialized Ballet Classes
Pointe & Variations for levels III through VII
Ages: Placement by Instructor
Developmentally appropriate instruction for pointe work at barre and in center. Students will learn repertoire from various ballets as well as some original Contemporary works.
Partnering
Ages: Placement by Instructor
Partnering classes offer dancers the ability to explore the power of working in tandem with other artists. Students will learn to collaborate, communicate, and connect through movement. Repertoire includes both classical, contemporary and original works.
Adult
Ages: 13+ with Placement by Instructor
Instructor: Mark Rubin
Move at your own pace with this wonderful instructor, whether you have a dance background or are a beginner. Traditional technique class with modifications as needed for each individual.
Ready to Begin Your Ballet Journey?
FREE TRIAL CLASS
We invite you to schedule a tour of our facility and/or attend a free trial class to come see what we’re all about! Complete the contact form and we’ll schedule your visit to coincide with the best class level for you / your child.
Register Now
Ready to join the Lasley Centre family? We’re excited to welcome you into our studio community! Please complete our online registration to secure your spot in classes and begin your dance journey with us.
Classical Ballet Dance Instruction in Northern Virginia
Offering dance classes in many genres, the Lasley Centre is convenient to Prince William County (Bristow, Haymarket, Gainesville, Manassas, and Nokesville areas) and Fauquier County (Warrenton, Bealeton, Marshall, and Remington areas). We also have students who come from Culpeper and surrounding areas.
We had the privilege of attending Lasley Centre's performance of The Nutcracker in December. WOW — what a spectacular performance, which showcased the very best in from youth to adults!! Staging production of this scale clearly required careful planning, lots and lots of practice and exacting performance. My hats off to staff and students for an awesome production!!"
Trent W.
I started 2 of my daughters at the Lasley Centre this year and am very happy with my decision. Each of my girls have taken dance since they were 2, they are now 5 and 6, and they were doing more technique in their first class at Lasley than over the past four years combined. The instructor does a wonderful job teaching them ballet while building their confidence and creativity.
M. Q.
My 4 girls were well trained and well loved at Lasley. We were all devastated when we had to move out of state. The caliber of training is top notch, more importantly, my girls felt like they were at home and with family every time they walked through those doors. It is a rare find and we were privileged to be a part of the Lasley family ♥
April H.
Our daughter started dance lessons at Lasley four years ago and has been hooked ever since! She has taken tap, jazz and ballet and loved them all. She not only has developed a love for dance but has made some wonderful friends along the way as well which we are grateful for. Truly feels like our second home and just be careful because the classes are so fun you may end up being at dance every night 🙂
Sophia S.
Honest and kind dance community. Truly professional, encouraging and talented instructors. Children become correct, true dancers and they are happy! Parents are engaged, kind and supportive. An exceptional community. We could not be happier with the Lasley Centre.
Anne S.
Our daughter has danced at Lasley for eight years, starting at age three. The studio has truly become her home away from home. The positive, supportive atmosphere, wonderful friendships, and caring instructors have helped her grow not only as a dancer but also as a confident, poised young woman. We especially appreciate the emphasis on proper nutrition, injury prevention, strength building, and healthy training habits. The technical instruction is exceptional, and the strong foundation she has built ...
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Laine I.
My granddaughter has been taking ballet at Lasley Center for more than 5 years now! I cannot express enough how special the Lasley team makes her feel. The instructors are both professional and patient and the training that she gets is by far the best!
Nanette C.
In 2 words CONTROLLED CHAOS! We had a wonderful time watching our granddaughters perform
Georges P.
We went to see the Nutcracker this weekend and it was amazing!!!! Top quality ballet, and the costumes were that of a professional show!!! Very well done
Jane M
The Lasley Difference
Certified Instructors from Day One
We never use student teachers. Your child learns from professionals with performance experience.
Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum
Designed to nurture growing bodies and minds at every stage.
Friendships & Foundations for Life
Our dancers gain more than just technique; they gain confidence, community, and character.
Pathways to Prestigious Programs
Lasley dancers are selected for elite intensives and full-time professional tracks nationwide.