Ballet Classes in Tulsa, OK

Ballet is the foundation of every style we teach at Elite Dance of Tulsa. From a child's very first plié to advanced pointe work, our ballet program builds the technique, strength, and discipline that shape dancers for life — whether they pursue ballet professionally or use it as the base for jazz, contemporary, or competition.

Why Ballet Comes First

Ballet is more than a style. It is a language. The terminology, posture, alignment, and turnout that ballet teaches show up in every other form of dance, which is why most serious training programs anywhere in the world require ballet as a foundation. A dancer with strong ballet technique moves more cleanly in jazz, jumps higher in hip hop, and tells a more controlled story in contemporary. At our South Tulsa studio, we treat ballet as the cornerstone of long-term growth.

What Students Learn

Our ballet classes follow a progressive curriculum that builds skill in deliberate, age-appropriate stages. Younger dancers start with the fundamentals of body awareness, musicality, and basic ballet positions. Older dancers move into the full vocabulary of classical training.

French ballet terminology: plié, tendu, dégagé, rond de jambe, frappé, grand battement, and more
Posture, alignment, and turnout from the hips
Barre work that builds strength and consistency
Center floor combinations, adagio, and petit allegro
Pirouettes, traveling turns, and grand allegro across the floor
Variations and choreography from classical repertoire as dancers advance

Age Groups and Class Levels

Pre-Ballet (Ages 3–5)

Our youngest dancers learn through movement, music, and imagination. Pre-ballet classes introduce the studio environment, basic positions, and the joy of moving to live or recorded music. The goal at this age is to fall in love with dance, not to drill technique.

Foundational Ballet (Ages 6–8)

Once dancers are ready, they move into formal ballet instruction. Foundational levels introduce barre work, structured center exercises, and basic vocabulary. Dancers at this level perform in our annual recital and begin to build the body awareness needed for more advanced work.

Intermediate and Advanced Ballet (Ages 9+)

Intermediate ballet introduces longer barre sequences, more complex center work, and the beginnings of partnering and variations. Advanced dancers tackle the full classical vocabulary and prepare for pointe.

Pointe Track

Pointe is a privilege earned through consistent technical training. Dancers are evaluated individually by our ballet faculty before being approved for pointe work, which typically begins no earlier than age 11. We never put dancers on pointe before their bodies are ready — the long-term health of feet, ankles, and knees depends on getting this right.

Who Teaches Ballet at Elite Dance of Tulsa

Our ballet program is led by Catalina Gomez, our Ballet Director, with additional ballet instruction from Johanna Sigurdardottir. Both bring formal classical training and years of teaching experience to the studio. You can read the full bios for our ballet faculty on the about page.

Recreational and Competitive Ballet

Ballet is offered at both recreational and competitive levels. Recreational dancers enjoy the structure and benefits of formal ballet training without the time commitment of competition. Competitive dancers on our Elite Company use ballet as their core technique class and may compete classical and contemporary ballet routines at regional and national events.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should my child wear to a ballet class in Tulsa?

For young dancers, a basic leotard, pink tights, and ballet slippers are perfect. As dancers advance, level-specific dress codes apply. Our office can answer specific questions when you enroll.

How many ballet classes a week does my dancer need?

Once a week is plenty for recreational dancers. Serious students or those preparing for pointe typically take two to three ballet classes a week, plus complementary technique work.

Is ballet right for boys?

Absolutely. Ballet is one of the most physically demanding athletic pursuits a young man can take on, and male dancers are in high demand everywhere from Broadway to professional companies. We welcome all dancers.