Youth Dance: Level 3 (Ages 8-10)

For dancers ages 8 to 10 (3rd grade and up), Level 3 represents an exciting expansion in your child's dance journey. As classical ballet and tap technique deepen, brand-new styles like Hip-Hop open up for the very first time. Designed for both returning dancers eager to progress and newcomers ready to leap in, our supportive, non-competitive studio gives every child a place to grow, express themselves, and belong.

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Level 3 ballet dancers in blue and teal leotards working at the barre along the studio mirror

Expanding Horizons for Your 3rd Grader

At ages 8 to 10, students develop higher athleticism, rhythm, and self-expression. Level 3 is where our curriculum truly branches out, allowing dancers to explore multiple genres while mastering core technique in a positive, structured environment. Students are welcome to enroll in Hip-Hop, Jazz, Tumbling, or any other genre independently, ballet training is not required to take other classes.

Dancers in a jazz class stretching forward over their legs on the studio floor

Ballet 3 (3rd Grade)

Advancing classical technique, expanded barre exercises, center floor combinations, pirouette prep, and posture.

Dancers refine classical alignment and strength. Ballet 3 builds strong barre habits and footwork, preparing dancers for the pirouettes and leaps of Ballet 4 in Level 4.

Hip-Hop (3rd Grade & Up | First Availability)

Age-appropriate urban dance, rhythm, isolations, coordination, and high-energy performance expression.

Available for the very first time starting in 3rd grade! Hip-Hop is a fan-favorite entry point for new and returning students alike, teaching upbeat choreography, footwork speed, and confident self-expression to popular, clean music.

Tap 3/4 (Combined Intermediate Tap)

Intermediate tap technique, complex rhythmic patterns, syncopation, speed, and musicality.

Dancers build faster footwork and rhythmic timing, working on time steps, flaps, shuffles, and clear sound clarity in a fun, collaborative group format.

Jazz 2 & 3 (Continuing Elective)

Dynamic movement quality, body isolations, kicks, leaps, and sharp turns.

Building on Jazz 1, students advance their flexibility, rhythm, and stage presence through energetic combinations and technique progressions across the room.

Tumbling 2 or 3 (By Placement)

Floor gymnastics, core strength, flexibility, and spatial awareness.

Designed for young athletes looking to build floor control, flexibility, and physical power. Dancers practice skills on mats under safe, guided supervision, and our instructors place each dancer in the tumbling level that fits them.

New to Dance in 3rd Grade or Above? To ensure every student feels confident and supported, 3rd graders and older who are brand new to dance begin in our "Fundamentals" placement track. This gives your child a comfortable space to learn core positions and studio habits before stepping smoothly into regular Level 3 classes.

What to wear

Dress Code Requirements per Style

Youth Dance: Level 3 (Ages 8-10) dress code by style
StyleWhat to wear
Ballet 3Emerald Leotard, Ballet Pink tights, Ballet Pink ballet shoes, hair in a ballet bun.
TapLeotard (any color), pink or skin-toned tights, Caramel tap shoes, hair in a ponytail or bun.
JazzLeotard (any color), pink or skin-toned tights, Caramel jazz shoes, hair in a ponytail or bun.
TumblingLeotard (any color) with boy-cut shorts OR Biker leotard (shorts attached), bare feet, and hair tied in a ponytail.
Hip-HopComfortable athletic street clothes, CLEAN sneakers, hair tied in a ponytail.
Boys (All Styles)White or uniform-matching fitted crew-neck shirt, black pants or tights, black socks, and black style-appropriate dance shoes.

Important Safety Note: No jewelry (except small stud earrings). Dance shoes must never be worn outside the studio or in the parking lot.

Find Level 3 Class Times That Fit Your Schedule

Explore our active Level 3 weekly schedule below. Dancers can take a single weekly class or mix and match multiple styles for a well-rounded dance experience.

Youth Dance: Level 3 (Ages 8-10) class times
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What parents ask us most

What Every New Dance Parent Asks Us

Clear answers to common questions about our Youth Dance: Level 3 (Ages 8-10) program.

My child is new to dance and in 3rd grade or above. Can they still join?

Absolutely! We welcome new students of all ages. If your child is in 3rd grade or above and brand new to dance, we introduce them through our welcoming "Fundamentals" placement track so they can build basic technique and feel confident from their very first day.

What is the Fundamentals placement track?

The Fundamentals track is a supportive, low-pressure pathway designed specifically for older beginners. Instead of feeling overwhelmed in a class of experienced dancers, your child learns foundational terminology, posture, and rhythm at a comfortable pace until they are ready to step into regular Level 3 classes.

How many classes per week can my child take at this level?

That is completely up to your family! Some students take one class per week (such as Ballet 3 or Hip-Hop), while others take two, three, or four classes to explore different styles. Tuition discounts automatically apply as you add more weekly classes.

When does Contemporary become available?

Contemporary opens starting in 4th grade (Contemporary 1). It is a fantastic style for dancers looking for expressive, fluid movement that blends ballet alignment with modern floorwork.

Does my child need to take Ballet to do Hip-Hop or Jazz?

No. Ballet is not required for any of our other genres, and students can enroll directly in Hip-Hop, Jazz or Tumbling starting in 3rd grade. We do encourage ballet alongside Jazz and Contemporary because it builds strength and turn technique, but only Pre-Pointe and Pointe require ballet enrollment.

What should my child wear for each style?

For a free trial class, comfortable play clothes or activewear are fine! Once officially enrolled, girls wear emerald leotards with Ballet Pink tights for Ballet 3, street clothes with clean sneakers for Hip-Hop, and leotards with caramel shoes for Tap and Jazz.

Will my child perform in the end-of-year showcase?

Yes! All Level 3 students participate in our annual Spring Showcase at the end of May. It is a highlight of the year where dancers perform on stage for family and friends. Costume details ($75 per class for 3rd grade and younger; $100 per class for 4th grade and older) are finalized by December 10th.

Can my child try multiple styles before committing?

Yes! We encourage students to find what moves them. You can book a free trial class in Hip-Hop, Ballet, Tap, or Jazz to see which style your child enjoys most.

Give Your Dancer Space to Shine

More styles, more energy, more room to grow. Try a Level 3 class free and see where their passion leads.

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