Ballet helps improve strength, posture, flexibility and balance. Students will build their classical ballet vocabulary and work to coordinate “port de bras” (movement of the arms and head) with movements of the legs and feet. Our ballet teachers, Sachi and Michelle, are certified to teach the RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) syllabus.
Dancers in the Classical Ballet program perform in our annual Classical Ballet production at Art from The Heart, our year-end recital at the Yukon Arts Centre. Please note that dancers who take part in this production will be needed for additional rehearsal hours in the spring. We typically do 3 additional in-studio rehearsals with all the ballet dancers in the month of May. Families will be notified in advance.
Our Classical Ballet program is a developmental program and therefore includes two classes per week: one class on Saturdays and one class during the week with Classical Squad. To register in Classical Ballet, students must register for BOTH ballet classes. If your dancer is new to ballet or to The Heart's Classical Ballet program, please call us at 667-6700 to ensure that your dancer is placed in the appropriate class based on their age and dance experience.

For students in Grade 1
Ballet 1 introduces Grade 1 students to the foundations of classical ballet. Young dancers learn basic techniques, posture, and coordination in a fun and supportive environment, building a strong foundation for future growth.
Schedule
Thursdays (3:45-4:40PM) - Ballet with Noelle Stilwell in the Purple Studio |
Saturdays (10-11AM) - Ballet with Sachi Kambara in the Blue Studio |
For students in Grade 2-3
Ballet 2 is designed for students in Grades 2-3, focusing on developing strength, flexibility, and classical ballet vocabulary. Dancers refine their skills while exploring creative expression and performance techniques.
Dancers in Ballet 2 will have the option to take a Royal Academy of Dance ballet exam.
Schedule
Thursdays (3:45-4:40PM) - Ballet with Michelle Fishermayr in the Pink Studio |
Saturdays (11-12:15PM) - Ballet with Sachi Kambara in the Blue Studio |
For students in Grade 4
Ballet 4 offers Grade 4 students intermediate-level training, emphasizing technical precision and artistic expression. Students deepen their understanding of classical ballet while preparing for performances with additional rehearsal opportunities.

Dancers in Ballet 4 will have the option to take a Royal Academy of Dance ballet exam this year.
Schedule
Wednesdays (4-5PM) - Ballet with Michelle Fishermayr in the Purple Studio |
Saturdays (12:15-1:30PM) - Ballet with Sachi Kambara in the Purple Studio |
For students in Grade 5-7
Ballet 5 provides advanced training for students in Grades 5-7, focusing on mastering technique, building strength, and enhancing artistry. This program prepares dancers for greater challenges and encourages individual growth through performance and discipline.
Dancers in Ballet 5 will have the option to take a Royal Academy of Dance ballet exam this year.
Schedule
Mondays (4:45-6PM) - Ballet with Michelle Fishermayr in the Pink Studio |
Saturdays (1:30-3PM) - Ballet with Sachi Kambara in the Blue Studio |
Notes
- Inform the Heart when absent; dancers who frequently miss class may lose their chance to perform in shows.
- No food or gum allowed in class
- Private lessons are available through the year
Pricing details
Prices include yearly tuition and a costume/production performance fee. Monthly installment plans over 11 months are available and include a 5% installment charge. The first payment is due the day of registration, and subsequent payments are due on the 1st of each month from September 1st to June 1st.
*Please note that the monthly prices stated are NOT monthly payments - they are instalments as all participants must commit to the full year.
A late registration fee of $40 will be effective after August 26th, 2024.
Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) exams
Dancers will begin preparing for RAD exams at the beginning of the year and the official exam will take place in February. Dancers are not required to take an exam but they are encouraged to. The decision and payment will take place in October with advanced notice from the ballet teachers.
It will be optional for dancers to do an exam but we will prepare the classes together.
Examination dates
Examination dates will be in the first two weeks of February 2025. We will have confirmation of the exact dates before Christmas Break.
Examination fees
Exact exam fees are still to be confirmed but will be roughly $100 (or less) for Ballet 2, 4 & 5 and $155 for Fly & Focus.
Uniforms
Dancers will need the following attire/uniforms for their exam:
Ballet 2, 4 & 5 will need:
- Character shoes (we recommend Bloch brand shoes with a low heel).
- A pink, navy, or light blue bodysuit/leotard
If you have any questions at all about ballet exams, please email Michelle at michelle.fishermayr@theheartofriverdale.com.
Required Supplies
Please make sure your dancer has all of these items for their classes and performances, and assist them to arrive at the studio a few minutes early for each class with everything they need.
Ballet Class Clothing & Supplies
- Your choice of any color of leotard & pink/skin tone tights or black tights with white t-shirt
- Your choice of pink/skin tone or black ballet slippers with elastic(s) sewn on
- Long hair in a very secure and tidy bun
- Warm-up attire (leg warmers, ballet sweaters, etc)
- Water bottle
- Hair ties, pins, barrettes, etc
Performance clothing and supplies
- Base, powder, blush, eyeliner, mascara, eye shadow & lipstick
- Pink/skin tone & black tights (clean with no runs/tears)
- Simple black leotard
- Nude coloured undergarments
- Clean ballet slippers with no holes
- Water bottle
- Extra hair ties, pins, barrettes, etc
- Healthy snacks