For kids ages 6-7 preballet is a preparation for formal ballet beginning at age 8 and older. This is a time to learn large motor skills while moving in musical phrases; practice following directions; hone memorization skills by remembering the order of the exercises; and learn cooperation by working in a group.

Work at the barre is minimal, just to help with balance. Divide barre time with rhythmic studies and creative movement to rhythm instruments, piano or other music.

If the class is one hour long I like to spend 10 minutes at the barre, 30 minutes practicing the center work and 16 rhythms, and 20 minutes exploring movement creatively without thinking about technique.

Barre Work

1. Knee Bending
facing barre, simple demi plié in 1st position without stressed turn out

2. Rises in First Position
facing barre, slow and controlled

3. Three Points Forward and Close in First Position
L hand on barre pointe to 4th position 3 times,
repeat with R hand on barre

4. Three Points Side and Close in First Position
L hand on barre, point side is half way between side and front in this level
repeat with R hand on barre

5. Point, Lift, Point, and Close in First Position
L hand on barre, point fwd to 4th, lift slightly, point to 4th, close in 1st
repeat with R hand on barre

6. Arm Exercises - Waves, Circles, etc.

Center Practice

7. Step to Side and Point Forward
from 1st position step to and transfer weight
to working foot in 2nd position
and point other foot forward in 4th

8. (Later) Step to Side, Close in First, Point Forward

9. Springs in First Position
begin with demi plié, end demi plié and straighten

10. Step and Hop - Foot Raised in Front
step fwd and hop - raised leg is slightly bent, toe pointed

11. Spring and Point Forward
as in Mexican hat dance

12. Two Step - Slide, Close, Slide

13. Curtsy or Bow
begin in 1st - step to side -
other foot slides behind on half-pointe -
bend knees

14. Relaxation Time
lie on floor, on back, body limp
practice breathing evenly in and out

Clap and Learn the 16 Rhythmic Movements:

(1) Walks
(2) Runs
(3) Marching
(4) Gallops
(5) Slides
(6) Hops
(7) Jumps
(8) Leaps
(9) Pedaling
(10) Prancing
(11) Toe Pointing
(12) Skips
(13) Waltz
(14) Minuet
(15) Schottische
(16) Polka

Resources for teaching rhythms in the preballet syllabus

Homepage for Teaching Rhythmic Motor Skills
Rhythmic Motor Skills for Toddlers and Preschoolers
Rhythmic Motor Skills K-3

Recommended book to learn rhythmic movements

Rhythmic Dances For All Kids
Ebook or Soft Cover Book
In 100 pages, 16 rhythmic dance steps illustrated and described, plus 9 little dances, 18 ABA and other sequencing combinations, and 4 advanced group dances - for learning kinesthetically about math sets, sequencing, and language phrasing and rhythms. Can be adapted for special needs children.

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Ballet Links

Homepage - Table of Contents
Academic benefits of ballet training

Classical Ballet Beginning to Advanced by Susan Kramer. Preballet, beginning, intermediate and advanced levels of ballet with hundreds of combinations including a separate section of pointe work. 100 pages. Buy as an Ebook or Paperback Book


Article by Susan Kramer