Youth Dance Program
PSMD's Youth Dance Program is a leveled, progressive pathway for students who have built a strong technical foundation and are ready to advance their training.
Dancers study ballet, tap, jazz, and contemporary, with pointe introduced at the appropriate level as students build the strength and readiness required. Across all levels, dancers develop technique, artistry, versatility, and performance quality in a structured, supportive environment.
At Piedmont, we believe exceptional training builds more than strong dancers. Through discipline and performance, students gain confidence, resilience, focus, and a lasting work ethic — all within a nurturing community where they are known, encouraged, and challenged to become their very best selves.
Ready to take the next step?
Contact us to schedule a placement class and evaluation so we can determine the ideal training path for your dancer. *New students with prior experience may be placed in upper-level classes following an instructor evaluation to ensure proper placement and continued progress.
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A Comprehensive Program for Confident, Capable Young Artists
Encouragement
Encouragement is at the core of our Youth Program. Our instructors take the time to truly know each dancer and meet them where they are in their individual journey.
Clear expectations, aligned with attainable goals, provide structure and direction, while consistent encouragement from the Piedmont faculty helps students grow with confidence.
Goal Setting
Goal setting is woven into every step of our Youth Program. Instructors help dancers set realistic, meaningful goals that challenge them to improve while celebrating each milestone along the way.
This approach teaches students to focus, plan, and track their progress, fostering a sense of accomplishment and motivation that extends beyond the studio.
Discipline
Discipline is the foundation of growth in dance and in life. Through consistent practice, focused attention, and dedic musication to technique, dancers learn to manage their time, follow through on commitments, and persevere through challenges.
These habits build resilience, self-control, and a strong work ethic that serve them well both onstage and off.
Community
Community is at the heart of everything we do at Piedmont.
Dancers learn to support and encourage one another, work as part of a team, and take pride in contributing to a positive, inclusive environment.
This sense of belonging and shared purpose helps students develop empathy, collaboration skills, and lifelong connections with peers and teachers alike.
Nurturing the Whole Person Through Dance
“Since joining the Piedmont, Mia has grown so much as a dancer and as a person. She’s challenged in class, but always supported. Her teachers really know Mia and how to encourage her while helping teach her how push herself.”
— Sarah P., mom of 12-year-old Mia
“Morgan has gained so much confidence since starting Level 5. Her teachers meet here where she is and celebrate milestones specific to Morgan! Through this process, she's learning discipline and focus, but most importantly feels seen.”
— Kerri. F, mom of 11-year-old Morgan
“Our daughter, Hannah, has been in Levels 5–6 for a year, and the progress she’s made is incredible. She’s stronger, more graceful, and takes pride in her work. The program and faculty offer a clear path to success and provide the dancers with the tools they need — Hannah is carrying her 'dance lessons' into all areas of her life.”
— Martha L., mom of 14-year-old Hannah
Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz & Contemporary
Beg/Int to Int/Adv Training
After mastering the fundamentals of dance, children through teens continue to develop their skills and have additional training and performing opportunities as they progress through higher level classes. New students with previous dance experience may also be accepted to more advanced level classes after being evaluated by an instructor.
Level 2
Level 2 (advanced beginner) students add additional skills and training to the foundation established in their fundamentals class. Classes meet twice a week and are a combination of advanced beginner ballet, tap, and jazz.
Dancers at this level become eligible to participate in Piedmont Dance Theatre’s The Nutcracker and Piedmont’s Performing Company, offering valuable stage experience and the opportunity to apply their training in a professional performance setting.
Levels 3 & 4
At Levels 3 and 4 (beginner/intermediate through intermediate), students devote additional time to each discipline within a focused training program emphasizing ballet, tap, and jazz. A stronger emphasis is placed on technical precision across all genres, while continuing to develop the brain-body connection, flexibility, strength, control, and overall body awareness.
Dancers at this level are also encouraged to participate in Piedmont Dance Theatre’s The Nutcracker and Piedmont’s Performing Company, gaining valuable stage experience and the opportunity to apply their training in a professional performance setting.
Levels 5 & 6
At Levels 5 and 6 (intermediate through intermediate/advanced), dancers move into a more intensive training phase with increased focus on ballet technique and artistic refinement. Students continue strengthening precision, alignment, control, and performance quality while deepening their understanding of advanced ballet vocabulary.
Additional classes in contemporary, improv, and supplemental technique are encouraged to support versatility and well-rounded development. Pointe training progresses thoughtfully at this level as dancers build the strength, stability, and maturity required for advanced work.
Level 5 and 6 dancers are also encouraged to perform in Piedmont Dance Theatre’s The Nutcracker and with Piedmont’s Performing Company, gaining valuable stage experience in a professional production setting.
In addition, select dancers have opportunities to grow as leaders by assisting in Pre-Dance or Fundamentals classes, further developing confidence, responsibility, and mentorship skills both inside and outside the studio.
Leadership
Youth accepted to a Level 2 or above program are also considered part of the Piedmont Dance leadership team, charged with supporting the positive, character-building community we've worked so hard to build at the studio.