Beginning & Elementary Divisions are for students ages 3 to 9. Classes are offered by age and are carefully developed in accordance with a child’s physical and cognitive abilities. Children are placed in a safe and nurturing environment and participate in the Ballet West Academy Productions.

Beginning Division
(Ages 3-6)

The Beginning Division is for our youngest dancers ages 3 to 6 and includes Beginning levels A, B, and C. Classes are offered by age and are carefully developed in accordance with a child’s physical and cognitive abilities. Classes are designed to encourage students to explore the elements of dance with a focus towards ballet in a fun and nurturing environment while setting the stage for future training. All students will perform in the Spring Performance.

Beginning A (Age 3-4)
Utah County

  • Beginning A is an interactive class where children learn the foundation of dance and discover the joy of movement, for students age 3-4. We believe a child’s (and parent’s) first experience with dance should make a positive and lasting impression. Students have fun in a safe, creative, and nurturing environment. Students must be bathroom-independent with no exceptions.

  • 2024-2025

    Tuesday     - 4:00pm - 4:45pm

    Schedules are subject to change.

  • Tuition for the Academy Year: $756
    Monthly Installment: $84
    Registration Fee: $45

    No performance or costume fees

  • LADIES
    Leotard: Bodywrappersin Lilac with BWA logo
    Socks: So Danca tights or Bodywrappers #C45 tights in Theatrical Pink or skin tone
    Shoes: So Danca SD16 canvas split sole ballet shoe. The color should match the tights
    Hair: Hair should be worn in the Academy Bun Style (tutorial here: https://vimeo.com/326914427 )
    Performances: Tights and a nude camisole leotard

    GENTLEMEN
    Shirt: Bodywrappers in white with BWA logo
    Shorts: Black spandex shorts
    Socks: Freed socks in white
    Shoes: White So Danca SD16 child canvas split sole ballet shoe
    Hair: Hair should be neatly groomed

    Uniforms may be purchased at each campus or from the Ballet West Boutique website at https://balletwest.square.site/. Please be sure to select items for your respective campus.

  • Age 3-4 at Registration | No Placement Class Required

    https://portal.iclasspro.com/balletwestacademy/class-details/2214

Beginning B (Age 4-5)
Utah County

  • Beginning B is a creative movement class with a ballet emphasis. Classes are designed to encourage students to explore the elements of dance with a focus on ballet in a fun and nurturing environment while setting the stage for future training.

  • 2024-2025

    Section 1
    Tuesday     - 4:45pm - 5:30pm

    Section 2
    Thursday     - 10:15am - 11:00am

    Section 3
    Saturday     - 10:00am - 10:45am

    Schedules are subject to change.

  • Tuition for the Academy Year: $756
    Monthly Installment: $84
    Registration Fee: $45

    No performance or costume fees

  • LADIES
    Leotard: Bodywrappersin Lilac with BWA logo
    Socks: So Danca tights or Bodywrappers #C45 tights in Theatrical Pink or skin tone
    Shoes: So Danca SD16 canvas split sole ballet shoe. The color should match the tights
    Hair: Hair should be worn in the Academy Bun Style (tutorial here: https://vimeo.com/326914427 )
    Performances: Tights and a nude camisole leotard

    GENTLEMEN
    Shirt: Bodywrappers in white with BWA logo
    Shorts: Black spandex shorts
    Socks: Freed socks in white
    Shoes: White So Danca SD16 child canvas split sole ballet shoe
    Hair: Hair should be neatly groomed

    Uniforms may be purchased at each campus or from the Ballet West Boutique website at https://balletwest.square.site/. Please be sure to select items for your respective campus.

  • Age 4-5 at Registration | No Placement Class Required

    Section 1
    Tuesday     - 4:45pm - 5:30pm
    https://app.iclasspro.com/portal/balletwestacademy/class-details/2215

    Section 2
    Thursday     - 10:15am - 11:00am
    https://app.iclasspro.com/portal/balletwestacademy/class-details/2216

    Section 3
    Saturday     - 10:00am - 10:45am
    https://app.iclasspro.com/portal/balletwestacademy/class-details/2217

Beginning C (Age 5-6)
Utah County

  • Beginning Level C classes are interactive, where children learn the foundation of dance and discover the joy of movement. We believe a child’s (and parent’s) early experiences with dance should make a positive and lasting impression. Activities vary weekly and focus on developing fundamental motor skills, strength, rhythm, and coordination. In a creative setting, children learn self-expression, self-discipline, and respect for others. Ballet/Tap Combo class is also offered. Students must be potty-independent with no exceptions.

  • 2024-2025

    Section 1
    Thursday - 4:45pm - 5:30pm

    Section 2
    Wednesday     - 4:45pm - 5:30pm

    Section 3
    Saturday - 10:00am - 10:45am

    Schedules are subject to change.

  • Tuition for the Academy Year: $756
    Monthly Installment: $84
    Registration Fee: $45

    No performance or costume fees

  • LADIES
    Leotard: Bodywrappersin Lilac with BWA logo
    Socks: So Danca tights or Bodywrappers #C45 tights in Theatrical Pink or skin tone
    Shoes: So Danca SD16 canvas split sole ballet shoe. The color should match the tights
    Hair: Hair should be worn in the Academy Bun Style (tutorial here: https://vimeo.com/326914427 )
    Performances: Tights and a nude camisole leotard

    GENTLEMEN
    Shirt: Bodywrappers in white with BWA logo
    Shorts: Black spandex shorts
    Socks: Freed socks in white
    Shoes: White So Danca SD16 child canvas split sole ballet shoe
    Hair: Hair should be neatly groomed

    Uniforms may be purchased at each campus or from the Ballet West Boutique website at https://balletwest.square.site/. Please be sure to select items for your respective campus.

  • Age 5-6 at Registration | No Placement Class Required

    Section 1
    Thursday - 4:45pm - 5:30pm
    https://app.iclasspro.com/portal/balletwestacademy/class-details/2224

    Section 2
    Wednesday     - 4:45pm - 5:30pm
    https://app.iclasspro.com/portal/balletwestacademy/class-details/2286

    Section 3
    Saturday - 10:00am - 10:45am
    https://app.iclasspro.com/portal/balletwestacademy/class-details/2217

Elementary Division
(Ages 6-9)

The Elementary Division is for students ages 6 to 9. Classes are offered by age and are carefully developed in accordance with a child’s physical and cognitive abilities. Children are placed in a safe and nurturing environment. Parents are invited to watch class during scheduled parent watch weeks. Children at this level will participate in the Ballet West Academy Winter & Spring Productions.

Elementary A (Ages 6-7)
Utah County

  • Elementary A is the bridge between a creative format and a more formal structure to ballet class. It is at this level that we begin the systematic approach to classical ballet training defined in the Ballet West Academy syllabus. Basic ballet terminology and music awareness are introduced. Students continue to explore creative expression, refine motor skills, and gain strength and coordination. Children are encouraged to practice self-discipline, resulting in respect and safety for themselves and others.

  • 2024-2025

    Section 1 Ballet
    Tuesday     - 4:30pm - 5:30pm

    Section 2 Ballet
    Saturday - 9:00am - 10:00am

    Schedules are subject to change.

  • Tuition for the Academy Year: $990
    Monthly Installment: $110
    Registration Fee: $45

    No performance or costume fees

  • LADIES
    Leotard: Celestine Blue with BWA logo
    Skirt: Celestine Blue
    Belt: White
    Tights: Bodywrappers #C45 (girls) or #A45 (ladies) in Theatrical Pink or skin tone
    Shoes: Pink So Danca SD16C child canvas split sole ballet shoe. The color should match the tights
    Hair: Hair should be worn in the Academy Bun Style (tutorial here: https://vimeo.com/326914427 )
    Performances: Tights and a nude camisole leotard

    GENTLEMEN
    Shirt: Celestine Blue with BWA logo
    Shorts: Black spandex shorts
    Socks: Freed socks in white
    Shoes: White So Danca SD16 Child canvas split sole ballet shoe
    Hair: Hair should be neatly groomed

    Uniforms may be purchased at each campus or from the Ballet West Boutique website at https://balletwest.square.site/. Please be sure to select items for your respective campus.

  • Age 6-7 at Registration | No Placement Class Required

    Section 1 Ballet
    Tuesday     - 4:30pm - 5:30pm
    https://portal.iclasspro.com/balletwestacademy/class-details/2281

    Section 2 Ballet
    Saturday - 9:00am - 10:00am
    https://app.iclasspro.com/portal/balletwestacademy/class-details/2219

Elementary B (Ages 7 and Up)
Utah County

  • Elementary B defines the formal structured approach to classical ballet training. The student identifies and demonstrates knowledge of the body as an instrument by refining movement skills and coordination. Students gain a basic understanding of French ballet vocabulary, a simple anatomical awareness as it applies to ballet, and nutritional (“food for fuel”) concepts. Structured body conditioning and flexibility exercises are introduced as well as an expanded knowledge of syllabus exercises. Students continue to explore musical awareness and learn simple elements of creative dance. Summer classes are encouraged.

  • 2024-2025

    Section 1 - Ballet
    Monday     - 4:30pm - 5:30pm
    Wednesday - 4:30pm - 5:30pm

    Section 2 - Ballet
    Tuesday     - 5:30pm - 6:30pm
    Thursday - 5:30pm - 6:30pm

    Optional Elementary Contemporary
    Saturday - 9:00am - 10:00am

    Schedules are subject to change.

  • Tuition for the Academy Year: $1,800
    Monthly Installment: $200
    Registration Fee: $45
    Optional Contemporary Class Add-On: $675 (or $75 monthly)

    No performance or costume fees

  • LADIES
    Leotard: Celestine Blue with BWA logo
    Skirt: Celestine Blue
    Belt: White
    Tights: Bodywrappers #C45 (girls) or #A45 (ladies) in Theatrical Pink or skin tone
    Shoes: Pink So Danca SD16C child canvas split sole ballet shoe. The color should match the tights
    Hair: Hair should be worn in the Academy Bun Style (tutorial here: https://vimeo.com/326914427 )
    Performances: Tights and a nude camisole leotard

    GENTLEMEN
    Shirt: Celestine Blue with BWA logo
    Shorts: Black spandex shorts
    Socks: Freed socks in white
    Shoes: White So Danca SD16 Child canvas split sole ballet shoe
    Hair: Hair should be neatly groomed

    Uniforms may be purchased at each campus or from the Ballet West Boutique website at https://balletwest.square.site/. Please be sure to select items for your respective campus.

  • New Students, who have completed a placement class, and returning students can register at:

    Section 1 Ballet
    Tuesday     - 4:00pm - 5:00pm
    Thursday - 4:00pm - 5:00pm
    https://app.iclasspro.com/portal/balletwestacademy/class-details/2193

    Section 2
    By invitation only
    https://app.iclasspro.com/portal/balletwestacademy/class-details/2194

Elementary C (Ages 8 and Up)
Utah County

  • Elementary C is the introduction to the fundamentals of classical ballet technique building to advanced beginner skills. The focus during these formative years of training is on traditional classical ballet techniques as defined in the Ballet West Academy syllabus. Students improve their understanding of proper ballet terminology and increase their awareness of anatomy, posture, and correct alignment. We begin to emphasize musicality, and further develop strength, coordination, and flexibility. Dancers should expect to spend about 2 years in the Elementary C levels. Students may be required to repeat this level and summer classes are strongly encouraged to stay on track for fall placement.

  • 2024-2025

    Section 1
    Monday     - 5:30pm - 6:30pm
    Ballet Technique

    Wednesday - 5:30pm - 6:30pm
    Ballet Technique/Conditioning

    Friday - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
    Ballet Technique/Rep

    Section 2
    Tuesday - 5:30pm - 6:30pm
    Ballet Technique

    Thursday - 6:30pm - 7:30pm
    Ballet Technique/Conditioning

    Friday - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
    Ballet Technique/Rep

    Optional Elementary Contemporary
    Friday - 4:30pm - 5:30pm

    Schedules are subject to change.

  • Tuition for the Academy Year: $2,565
    Monthly Installment: $285
    Registration Fee: $45
    Optional Contemporary Class Add-On: $675 (Or $75 monthly)

    No performance or costume fees

  • LADIES
    Leotard: So Danca in Celestine Blue with BWA logo
    Skirt: So Danca in Celestine Blue
    Belt: Black
    Tights: So Danca tights or Bodywrappers C45 in Theatrical Pink or skin tone
    Shoes: So Danca SD16 canvas split sole ballet shoe. The color should match the tights
    Hair: Hair should be worn in the Academy Bun Style (tutorial here: https://vimeo.com/326914427 )
    Performances: Tights and a nude camisole leotard

    GENTLEMEN
    Shirt: So Danca in Celestine Blue with BWA logo
    Shorts: Black spandex shorts
    Socks: Freed in white
    Shoes: So Danca SD16 canvas split sole ballet shoe in White
    Hair: Hair should be neatly groomed

    Uniforms may be purchased at each campus or from the Ballet West Boutique website at https://balletwest.square.site/. Please be sure to select items for your respective campus.

  • New Students, who have completed a placement class, and returning students can register at:

    Section 1
    Monday     - 5:30pm - 6:30pm
    Wednesday - 5:30pm - 6:30pm
    Friday - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
    https://app.iclasspro.com/portal/balletwestacademy/class-details/2222

    Section 2
    Tuesday - 5:30pm - 6:30pm
    Thursday - 6:30pm - 7:30pm
    Friday - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
    https://app.iclasspro.com/portal/balletwestacademy/class-details/2223

    Optional Elementary Contemporary
    Friday - 4:30pm - 5:30pm
    https://app.iclasspro.com/portal/balletwestacademy/class-details/2233

Our Location

Utah County

Frederick Quinney Lawson Ballet West Academy
564 W 700 S #403
Pleasant Grove, UT 84062

Office Hours:
Sunday | Closed
Monday - Saturday | 9:00AM-9:00PM

Artistic Leadership, Beginning & Elementary Division Faculty

  • Evelyn Cisneros-Legate

    DIRECTOR, BALLET WEST ACADEMY

  • Heather Thackeray

    PRINCIPAL, UTAH COUNTY CAMPUS

  • Dantzel Cherry

    INSTRUCTOR AT UTAH COUNTY

  • Ivy Drumm

    INSTRUCTOR AT UTAH COUNTY

  • Mariah Edmunds

    INSTRUCTOR AT UTAH COUNTY AND TROLLEY CORNERS

  • Sammy Gomm

    UTAH COUNTY CAMPUS INSTRUCTOR AND ADMINISTRATOR

  • Lindsey Larsen Laford

    INSTRUCTOR AT UTAH COUNTY

  • Nanette Reimschussel Chertudi

    UTAH COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR, INSTRUCTOR AND ADULT PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Learn about our faculty

Enrollment in our Beginning Division A-C, and Elementary Division A do not require a placement class — students are placed by age.

Placement classes are held in-studio for Elementary Division B & C.