The BAMO Program

At the Ballet Academy of Missouri, we offer five distinct divisions to support every dancer’s journey—from first plié to professional pursuit. Whether your child is exploring dance for the first time, training at an elite level, or simply dancing for joy, BAMO has a place for every dancer to grow.

Our Divisions:

  • Young Children's Division

  • Pre-Professional Division

  • Adult Division

  • Open Division

  • Recreational Division

One program. Endless possibilities. All united by excellence.


Young Children’s Division

Planting the seeds of discipline, joy, and artistry.

BAMO’s Young Children's Division introduces the foundations of classical ballet in a warm, nurturing environment. These thoughtfully designed classes help young dancers develop coordination, musicality, focus, and confidence—laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning. We recommend our youngest dancers take one class per week.

Pre-Ballet I (Age 4 by 9/1/25)
1 hour 15 minutes – 45 minutes ballet, 30 minutes tap
Tap enhances rhythm, timing, and foot coordination, complementing early ballet development.
Offered: One midday class (1:30 PM) and one afternoon class (4:15 PM)

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Pre-Ballet II (Ages 5–6; must be 5 by 9/1/25)
1 hour 15 minutes – 45 minutes ballet, 30 minutes tap or jazz (alternates weekly)
Tap and jazz reinforce musicality and expression while supporting foundational ballet skills.
Offered: Two classes at 4:30 PM

Pre-Professional Division

Training the next generation of ballet’s elite.

Designed for dancers seeking the highest level of classical training, BAMO’s Pre-Professional Division provides a carefully curated curriculum to accelerate technical and artistic growth. Dancers may enroll in a full training package (one flat tuition) or take individual classes through our Open Division.

Courses Offered:
Classical Ballet, Character, Contemporary, Flamenco, Pas de Deux, Pointe, Pre-Pointe, Variations, Body Conditioning, and Ballet History (offered monthly during Body Conditioning)

Note: Training packages do not include rehearsals, private coaching, or ensemble participation. See Ensemble tab for more details.

Progression & Evaluation
All students receive level-specific guidelines outlining technical expectations and core skills to master throughout the year. Evaluations also consider each dancer’s maturity, consistency, and attendance.

At the conclusion of the school year—following the Spring Dance Concert (weekend after Memorial Day 2026)—students complete a formal evaluation during class. Parents will receive a Progress Report from the directors with strengths, growth areas, and next season’s level placement.

Please note: Students should expect to spend more than one year in each level to ensure mastery and long-term success.

Pre-Professional Level Training Packages:

Level A (Ages 7–8; must be 7 by 9/1/25)
A two-year introductory level designed to build strong classical technique and familiarity with structured training.

Age 7 (Year 1):
1 ballet class + 1 character class/week
Approx. 2 hours/week

Age 8 (Year 2):
2 ballet classes + 1 character class/week
Approx. 3 hours/week

Optional Add-On:
Body Conditioning I – 30 minutes, Tuesdays
A gentle introduction to strength, posture, and injury prevention through conditioning exercises tailored to young dancers.

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Level B (Ages 9–11; placement approval required)
This level deepens classical technique while introducing the fundamentals of pre-pointe, musical phrasing, and stylistic awareness. Dancers refine alignment, placement, and body control in preparation for more rigorous upper-level training.

2 ballet technique classes (1 hour 15 minutes each)

1 character/contemporary class (1 hour; alternating semesters)

1 pre-pointe class (45 minutes)

Approx. 4.25 hours/week

Optional Add-On:
Body Conditioning I – 30 minutes, Tuesdays
Reinforces core strength and flexibility as dancers begin preparing for pointe work.

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Level C (Ages 12–14; placement approval required)
A pivotal level in pre-professional training, Level C emphasizes pointe readiness, artistic expression, and expanded vocabulary. Dancers continue building stamina, movement quality, and performance presence.

3–4 ballet technique classes (1.5 hours each; Thursday ballet is half technique and half pointe class)

2 pointe classes (1 hour separate, 45 minutes combined with Thursday ballet class)

1 contemporary/flamenco class (1 hour; alternating semesters)

1 Body Conditioning II & Ballet History class (1 hour; Ballet History is offered the last Saturday of each month)

Optional Add-On: Pas de Deux- 1.25 hours, Saturdays

Approx. 6.5–8 hours/week

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Level D (Ages 15+; placement approval required)
The most advanced level in the Pre-Professional Division, Level D prepares serious dancers for collegiate, professional, and conservatory auditions. Emphasis is placed on refinement, versatility, and performance artistry.

4–5 ballet technique classes (1.5 hours each; pointe integrated)

1 contemporary/flamenco class (1 hour; alternating semesters)

1 variations class (1 hour)

1 pas de deux class (1 hour 15 minutes)

1 Body Conditioning II & Ballet History class (1 hour; Ballet History is offered the last Saturday of each month)

Approx. 10.25–11.75 hours/week

Adult Division

For every body, at every stage.

BAMO’s Adult Division welcomes adult dancers of all backgrounds—from first-timers to returning professionals. Whether reigniting a passion or discovering a new love, these classes offer a supportive and enriching experience.

  • Adult Ballet – Graceful, accessible training for all levels

  • Adult Flamenco – A bold, rhythmic exploration of cultural expression

Open Division

Refine. Elevate. Excel.

BAMO’s Open Division offers flexible, à la carte enrollment in academy classes. Perfect for competitive dancers and students seeking supplemental ballet training, this division strengthens core technique and enhances performance in all styles of dance.

Even one class per week with our expert faculty can dramatically improve confidence, strength, and competitive results.

Note: Dancers enrolling in Level B and above must receive placement approval.

Recreational Division

Discover the joy of movement.

BAMO’s Recreational Division welcomes students who wish to explore dance in a relaxed, joyful atmosphere. These classes focus on creativity, confidence, musicality, and physical well-being—without the pressure of performance or advancement.

  • Recreational Ballet – A welcoming introduction to ballet technique, posture, and rhythm in a nonjudgmental setting where students can learn at their own pace and enjoy the elegance of movement.

  • Recreational Jazz with Stretch – A fun, upbeat class that introduces basic jazz vocabulary while focusing on flexibility, musicality, and body awareness. This is a great outlet for energy and creativity.

Whether your dancer dreams of the stage or simply wants to move with joy, this division is the perfect entry into the world of dance.