Children’s Ballet

What age can my child start ballet?

Children can start ballet at age 3 in First Steps, our creative movement class for ages 3-4. From there, dancers move up through our Youth Division (ages 5-8+), Junior Division (9+), and Trainee Division (11+). Classes are non-competitive, with small class sizes and individual attention.

What ballet classes do you offer by age?

How do I know if my 3-year-old is ready for ballet?

Most 3-year-olds are ready when they enjoy moving to music and can follow simple directions for the length of class. Our youngest dancers take 45 minutes in class. As they get older and can handle more instructions, we move up to a 1-hour class. We really focus on each child as an individual; there is no one-size-fits-all, so give us a call at 508-545-0010, and we’ll talk it through.

Do you offer ballet for ages 10-18?

Yes. Dancers 9 and up can join our Junior Division, classical technique and conditioning using the Progressing Ballet Technique curriculum, and ages 11+ can join our Trainee Division, which includes pre-pointe and pointe. We also offer Modern Dance for ages 10+.

Can my teen start ballet if they have never danced?

Yes. Teens who have never taken ballet are welcome at Do Dance. Call 508-545-0010 or use our contact page, and we’ll place your dancer in the right class. Our classes are non-competitive and focus on individual progress, so new dancers learn alongside others at their own pace.

Is Do Dance a competitive studio?

No. We are a non-competitive studio. We focus on each child’s individual progress, proper technique, musicality, and self-expression, rather than competition.

How many students are in each class?

We keep classes small so every child gets individual attention.

What should my child wear to ballet class?

Our dancers wear proper dance attire that is designed for each age group. We provide all attire at the studio.

Do you have recitals or performances?

We do one big production recital every year. It’s an amazing event that showcases all the hard work our dancers do throughout the year.

How much do children’s ballet classes cost?

Tuition varies by class and age. We offer discounts for siblings or multiple classes.

Adult Ballet

Is it too late to start ballet as an adult?

Absolutely not! Adults can start ballet at any age, and our Adult Ballet Program is built for that. The Beginner class starts with the fundamentals of classical ballet, barre exercises, and simple center combinations, taught at a slow, comfortable pace. It’s never too late to feel like a dancer!

Can I take ballet as an adult with no experience?

Yes. Our Beginner class is made for people who have never taken a dance class. You don’t need to know any ballet terms, and the instructor explains each exercise as you go. No audition or prior experience is required!

I danced as a child. Can I go back to ballet?

100% yes. Our Beginner class welcomes people returning after a break and is a great place to rebuild your technique. If you have a few years of experience, our Elementary or Intermediate classes may be a better fit. Tell us about your background through the contact page or at 508-545-0010, and we’ll recommend a level.

What are your adult ballet levels?

• Beginner: the basics of classical ballet, with barre exercises and center combinations at a slow pace.

• Elementary: for students who have taken Beginner for a while. It refines technique and builds balance, control, and a stronger foundation for center work.

• Intermediate: for students with a couple of years of experience. It adds traditional barre work, center combinations in different directions, jumps, and turns at a faster pace.

I’m shy or nervous about starting. Will I be judged?

No. There is enough judgment out in the real world. Our studio prides itself on being an inclusive, judgment-free environment. We teach each class to the level of the students in the room. Many of us who have danced know what it can be like: not tall enough, not limber enough, not technical enough. Not here! That’s one of the main reasons Do Dance Ballet & Fitness exists. Everyone and anyone can be and feel like a beautiful dancer!

What happens in an adult ballet class?

Class starts at the barre with warm-up and technique exercises, then moves to center work. Higher levels add jumps and turns. Classes are 1 hour long. Our adults can also participate in our recital - and it’s usually a highlight of our show! They are beautiful on stage and have so much fun participating.

What should I wear to my first adult ballet class?

Wear comfortable clothes you can move in, such as leggings and a fitted top (nothing baggy), and please tie back long hair so the instructor can see your posture. Socks are fine for your first class. You will eventually need a decent pair of ballet shoes, which you can purchase at the studio. We strongly discourage Amazon, Target, or similar ballet slippers, as these are not real ballet shoes.

How much do adult ballet classes cost?

We offer drop-in cards for single sessions, discounted packs, and monthly or yearly programs. Log in to our portal to sign up or call 508-545-0010.

Can I try a class before signing up?

New students can get a drop-in pass for $25. This is a great way to get a feel for the class before committing. Most students who try our class do end up staying!

DO ADULTS PARTICIPATE IN THE RECITAL?

Yes. Our adult dancers participate in the recital! Many have never set foot on stage, while others are reminded of how much they loved being on stage in the past. It’s an amazing experience for our adult students and the entire community.

Is ballet good exercise for adults?

Yes. Ballet class builds balance, strength, and range of motion, and you can keep it as gentle or as challenging as your level allows. A 2020 systematic review in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health found that classical ballet training may improve balance in people new to ballet and can help people stay physically active across the lifespan.

Source: “The Effectiveness of Classical Ballet Training on Health-Related Outcomes: A Systematic Review,” Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 2020;17(5):566-574. doi:10.1123/jpah.2019-0303.

What’s the difference between Adult Ballet and Ballet Fitness?

Adult Ballet teaches classical ballet technique. It is intended for people who are trying to rekindle their passion for dance or those who have always wanted to take ballet but never did. The class offers real ballet experience at a pace that helps adults fall in love with the art. Ballet Fitness is a circuit-class workout using ballet-inspired movement and strength training. It is best suited for those looking for a low-impact fitness workout class.
Beginners are welcome, and no experience is needed for either class.

Finding and Joining Us

Where is Do Dance Ballet & Fitness located?

Do Dance is in the plaza at 1400 Worcester Street (Route 9), directly across from the Natick Mall. If you’re looking for the PGA Superstore or Bob’s Discount Furniture, we’re in the plaza between them.

Once you’re in the plaza, we’re on the right side of the building. The studio is on the 2nd floor, and the entrance is Salon Centric and Sola Salon. Our neighbors include The Hungry Pot, an Urgent Care, GOLFTEC, and Fitness Equipment store.

Parking: Free parking in the plaza lot, with the best spot to park near our entrance.

Phone: 508-545-0010. For directions, find us on Google Maps

Which towns do you serve?

Our students come from Natick and the surrounding MetroWest area, including Framingham, Wellesley, Wayland, Weston, Sherborn, Ashland, Sudbury, Newton, Holliston, and Southborough. Families also drive in from Hopkinton, Medway, Bellingham, and Shrewsbury.

How do I register for classes?

Register online through our student portal, or call 508-545-0010 or email admin@dodanceballet.com, and we’ll help you choose a class.

Who teaches at Do Dance?

Our founder and Director, Monica De Oliveira, began dancing ballet at age 5 in Brazil and joined the corps de ballet at Ballet Zulma Emmrich, where she danced lead roles in The Nutcracker, Don Quixote, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, and Swan Lake. She continued her training through workshops in New York and Boston Ballet School, and performed in Don Quixote at Boston’s Wang Theatre in 2006. Monica leads a team of dance instructors and assistants, all trained in our curriculum.

What other classes do you offer besides ballet?

We offer Ballet Fitness, Adult Ballet Conditioning, Adult Modern, Private Classes, and choreography for special dances such as weddings, quinceañeras, Sweet Sixteen, and more.