A Progressive Dance Education
At Pembroke School of Performing Arts, our curriculum is intentionally designed to grow with each dancer. We provide a progressive training program that develops strong technical foundations, confidence, artistry, and a lifelong love of dance.
As dancers mature, their curriculum naturally expands to introduce new styles, greater technical challenges, and more opportunities for artistic growth.
Early Childhood Program | Ages 3 – 6
Magical Beginnings
Where imagination comes to life and confidence begins to bloom!
Young dancers begin with two foundational styles that complement one another beautifully.
Ballet develops:
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Balance
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Coordination
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Posture
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Musicality
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Grace
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Body awareness
Tap develops:
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Rhythm
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Timing
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Listening skills
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Coordination
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Musical expression
Together, these classes create an exceptional foundation while nurturing creativity, confidence, and classroom independence.
Elementary Program | Ages 7 – 9
Growing Strong Dancers
As skills grow, so does confidence—both in and out of the studio.
As dancers mature, Jazz is added to expand movement vocabulary and performance skills.
Jazz introduces:
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Dynamic movement
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Flexibility
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Turns
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Jumps
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Performance quality
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Energy and expression
By continuing Ballet and Tap while adding Jazz, dancers develop versatility and stronger technical skills across multiple dance styles.
Junior Program | Ages 10 – 12
Rising Artists
A pivotal stage where discipline deepens and individuality begins to shine.
Expanded Ballet • Tap • Jazz
As dancers enter our Junior Program, class time increases to allow for deeper technical study and artistic development.
Students continue refining:
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Technique
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Strength
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Flexibility
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Musicality
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Performance quality
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Dance vocabulary
This expanded Intermediate curriculum prepares dancers for more advanced choreography and performance opportunities.
Senior Program | Ages 13 – 18
Pre-Professional Pathway
For dancers ready to challenge themselves, grow as artists, and lead with confidence.
Our Senior dancers participate in our most comprehensive core curriculum.
Training includes:
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Ballet
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Tap
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Jazz
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Modern
Where appropriate, dancers may also begin Pointe training based on technical readiness, strength, alignment, and faculty recommendation.
This advanced curriculum develops well-rounded dancers with strong technical proficiency, artistic expression, and versatility.
Our Core Curriculum
Our Core Curriculum provides the technical foundation for every dancer's education at PSPA. Each stage builds upon the previous one, ensuring dancers develop the skills needed for long-term success.
Elective Programs
In addition to our Core Curriculum, dancers have opportunities to explore additional styles based on their interests and goals.
These classes may be taken alongside the Core Curriculum or independently, depending on age and experience.
High-energy, upbeat, and full of personality — Hip Hop is a favorite for dancers who love today’s music and performance styles! Classes focus on musicality, rhythm, coordination, freestyle expression, and performance quality while exploring styles such as breaking, popping, and locking. Hip Hop is a fun way for students to build confidence, stay active, and develop their own personal style in an exciting and encouraging atmosphere.
You're Never too Young or Old to Dance!
Toddler Dance | Ages 18 Months – 3 Years
First Steps in Dance
Watch your child take their very first steps into movement, music, and independence.
Focus: Motor skills, rhythm, and early social development in a nurturing environment.
Class Highlights: Creative First Steps
Why Ballet Matters
Parents often ask why Ballet remains at the center of our program. The answer is simple.
Ballet provides the technical foundation for nearly every style of dance. It develops strength, posture, flexibility, balance, coordination, musicality, and body awareness that benefit dancers throughout their training.
That is why Ballet continues to be part of every level of our curriculum.