Advanced Ballet Training for Ages 10–19 in San Diego Strengthen Your Technique, Elevate Your Artistry
The Lower & Upper Division at Scripps Performing Arts Academy is designed for dedicated ballet students ages 10–19 seeking structured, progressive training. This program provides a level-based curriculum focusing on technical mastery, strength, and artistic development. With expert instruction and personalized guidance, dancers refine their skills, deepen their understanding of classical and contemporary movement, and prepare for future opportunities in dance. Whether training for a professional career, college dance programs, or personal enrichment, students receive the support needed to reach their goals.
Get more information about our classes and schedule on the next page!
Why Choose the Lower & Upper Division at Scripps Performing Arts Academy?
Students follow a structured ballet curriculum designed to enhance precision, control, and endurance, ensuring a strong foundation for advanced movement.
Training extends beyond technique, emphasizing musicality, expression, and adaptability through classical and contemporary styles.
With training aligned to the demands of professional dance and higher education programs, students gain the skills and confidence needed for auditions and performance opportunities.
A Curriculum Designed for Technical Growth and Artistic Mastery
The Lower & Upper Division curriculum is structured into progressive levels, each designed to refine technique, build strength, and enhance performance quality. Classes range from foundational training to advanced instruction, ensuring students develop the discipline, artistry, and versatility required for success in dance.
Ballet IV - VII (Intermediate to Advanced Levels) - *Faculty Placement Required
A progressive ballet training program designed to refine technique, strength, and artistry. Each level builds upon the foundation of classical ballet, focusing on alignment, control, and expression.
A transitional level where dancers strengthen their technique through more complex barre and center work. This class emphasizes precision, musicality, and developing a strong technical foundation. Pointe work may be introduced at the teacher’s discretion.
An advanced intermediate-level class designed to enhance strength, flexibility, and fluidity. Dancers work on increased technical proficiency, developing artistry, and preparing for more advanced movement sequences.
An advanced level focusing on power, control, and refinement of classical technique. Dancers work on advanced turns, jumps, and longer enchaînements while deepening their artistic expression. Pointe work is an essential component at this level. *Required: 5+ ballet technique classes per week.
A pre-professional level designed for dedicated dancers seeking technical mastery and artistic excellence. This rigorous training includes intricate footwork, sustained balances, and complex choreography. Dancers develop endurance, precision, and performance quality necessary for auditions and stage work. *Required: 5-6 ballet technique classes per week.
Why Does Our Community Choose Scripps Performing Arts Academy?
Learn from industry leaders and experienced professionals who are passionate about nurturing the next generation of artists.
Our locations in Scripps Ranch and Carmel Valley offer top-notch training spaces, including professional training spaces, including professional flooring and performance-ready studios.
Our pre-professional programs blend technical excellence with opportunities for personal and creative fulfillment.
Our alumni have gone on to prestigious dance companies, university programs, and Broadway productions. With expert training and performance opportunities, we prepare dancers for success at the highest levels.
The Scripps Performing Arts Academy Difference
Unlike traditional recreational ballet programs that emphasize competitions and recitals, our Lower & Upper Division focuses on developing well-rounded, technically proficient dancers. Our structured curriculum prepares students for professional opportunities, conservatories, and collegiate programs, while fostering artistry, discipline, and personal growth. See how our approach compares:
Focuses primarily on introductory ballet skills, with limited progression for those seeking advanced training.
Programs often center around performances or competitions, which can detract from long-term skill development and artistry.
Large class sizes and a general curriculum leave limited room for personalized coaching or tailored development plans.
Programs may overlook the importance of fostering confidence, creativity, and emotional connection to movement.
Dancers often transition to different programs or studios without a structured pathway for advancement.
Our program provides level-based training (Ballet IV–VII), ensuring dancers build the technique, strength, and artistry required for professional dance and performing arts careers.
We prioritize classical technique, artistic expression, and individual growth, preparing students for auditions, conservatories, and professional companies.
Our instructors work closely with each dancer to create a customized training schedule aligned with their goals and abilities.
Our training integrates technical excellence with artistry, encouraging dancers to explore emotional depth and self-expression.
The Lower & Upper Division offers a structured pathway from Ballet IV to Ballet VII, ensuring dancers are consistently challenged and supported on their journey to professional success.
Developing Precision and Control in Classical Ballet
The Lower & Upper Division at Scripps Performing Arts Academy is dedicated to building a strong technical foundation for dancers ages 11–19. Each class is designed to refine movement quality, ensuring dancers develop precision, control, and proper alignment. Through structured training, students gain a deeper understanding of their bodies, allowing them to execute choreography with confidence and strength. This disciplined approach not only enhances coordination and balance but also instills the resilience and focus essential for long-term success in ballet.
Enhancing Artistry and Fluidity in Movement
Ballet is more than just technique—it’s a form of storytelling. In the Lower & Upper Division, students refine their ability to express emotion and artistry through movement. Classes emphasize musicality, alignment, and the seamless transition between steps, helping dancers bring grace and authenticity to their performances. By focusing on both technical execution and artistic interpretation, students develop a well-rounded approach to ballet, preparing them for auditions, conservatories, and professional opportunities.
Building Endurance, Flexibility, and Injury Prevention
A dancer’s strength and flexibility are just as important as their technique. The Lower & Upper Division incorporates specialized conditioning classes that focus on core stability, endurance, and injury prevention. Through targeted exercises, students enhance their overall physical preparedness, allowing them to approach complex choreography with confidence. By integrating strength training and flexibility work into their daily routine, dancers develop the control and durability necessary for a sustainable and successful career in ballet.
Cultivating Confidence, Collaboration, and Discipline
The Lower & Upper Division provides more than just technical training—it fosters personal and artistic growth. Dancers learn the importance of teamwork and discipline while working together in rehearsals and performances. Instructors provide mentorship and individualized feedback, guiding each student on their unique path. This supportive yet structured environment helps dancers build self-assurance, perseverance, and a sense of community, ensuring they are prepared to succeed both in the studio and beyond.
What Our Dance Community is Saying
Hear from our dance family! Read authentic reviews from our community members and discover how Scripps Performing Arts Academy is making a positive impact every day. See the experiences and growth of our dancers through their own words.
Scripps Performing Arts Academy is truly amazing! My daughter started with them at age 3.5 in their summer camps and is now 8 years old. She has taken part in ballet, hip hop and musical theater classes while attending SPAA. I have personally seen her grow from a toddler who cried when I dropped her off to a confident young lady who performs onstage for the annual nutcracker. The teachers are kind and gentle. They truly care about the children. The director has a vision that transcends ballet—teaching life skills, passion and love. I highly recommend SPAA. My daughter loves this school.
My son really enjoyed the Willy Wonka Summer Camp at the Scripps Performing Arts Academy Scripps Ranch! He does not usually like camps, this is the first one he has ever liked. He enjoyed the activities, crafts, singing, and the performance they did. It was great, after only 4 days they put on a performance that was really cute. The teachers and staff were so positive, friendly, and welcoming. Even though this was my son't first real performing arts experience he felt comfortable there, he also made new friends. My son and I give The Scripps Performing Arts Academy Scripps Ranch 5 stars!
My daughters have been at SPAA since they were quite young. Their dance program is fantastic, and provides an excellent focus on technique. Not a competition studio, which some may not prefer (I am thankful!), but there are performance opportunities. The dancers take a very well-rounded variety of classes vs a pure focus on ballet. The upper devision is a huge commitment time wise, but SPAA is like a second home for these kids at that point. Or maybe a first home! Theatre classes when my kids were younger were AMAZING as well. And summer camps were always a blast.
My daughter has been at this studio for 7 years and attends class at both locations. We could not be more please with the entire experience and teachers at SPAA!
My daughter joined the Wish camp last summer, and she had a grand time. The performance was really cute and I was pretty impressed how quickly they were able to create a little show in a short amount of time. I think the teachers are very effective at teaching young kids. We definitely would come back for more.
My 6-year old had an amazing camp experience at SPAA! The content was age appropriate, the program was organized, and the performance at the end of the camp was just adorable!
My daughter had a very enjoyable experience at camp.
SRPAA has been the best intro into the dance world for my 3 yr old daughter. She has been raving about the camps since her second day. Three weeks of camps later, she’s doing ad hoc performances for anyone who will give her the opportunity!! She’s pretty discerning and doesn’t open up quickly to new people, but she definitely found her people here. I have since convinced a few friends to send their kids and have only heard great things from them as well. I’m signing up my 5 yr old son for hip hop classes and pre ballet for my daughter for fall and can’t wait to see their confidence continue grow on and off the stage!!
My daughter enjoyed this summer musical camp! She loved the staff and the musical Matilda! Thank you!
My daughter loves her pre-ballet class and her summer camp “Frozen”. Ms Mellisa is her favorite teacher. She’s always happy to go to the class and enjoying so much. Thanks so much for all the teachers at Scripps Performing Art.
Our daughter Taylor attended Wish camp for a week and loved it! The performance at the end of the week was so sweet.
We love SPAA! The staff is excellent and the ballet program is extremely positive and so well done! We've been a part of Scripps since my daughter was 2yrs old and she'll be 15 soon!
My daughter has been attending since she was 4 in a mommy and me class. The teachers have been fantastic, not only instilling love for the arts but also discipline and emotional support as she has progressed tremendously and even faced injuries. I also love the focus on performances over competitions. I would highly recommend Ms. Miah, this academy and the affiliated Scripps Ballet Company.
We are here to vouch for Miss Melissa’s skill in teaching Ballet II. Lilah had Miss Melissa as her teacher and loved her. I was also impressed with her teaching skills and her ability to keep up the pace. The students enjoy her class very much!! She also focuses on her students individually. She is very much aware of their individual progress!
My 9 year old daughter has been taking Musical Theater and Hip Hop for 2 years. She loves her teachers and is having a blast. I have loved watching her develop new skills beyond dancing. She has come out of her shell with some new found stage presence- memorizing lines, projecting her voice, and learning to work together as a team. Her mentors have built up her self confidence and made this experience fun for her. We love SPAA! Oh, we went to the annual Nutcracker Performance and were blown away by the talent! Highly recommend!
My daughter enjoyed this summer musical camp! She loved the staff and the musical Matilda! Thank you!
My daughter attended the musical theater summer camp for the first time this year and absolutely loved it. She came home every day telling us how much fun she was having. They only had four days to prepare and everyone did so great knowing their lines and positions. I was very impressed! This is definitely something my daughter is passionate about so I am so glad there is an opportunity for her to continue lessons during the school year.
Get more information about our classes and schedule on the next page!
FAQs
The Lower & Upper Division at Scripps Performing Arts Academy is a structured, level-based program designed for serious ballet students. Unlike recreational or competition-focused studios, we emphasize classical ballet technique, artistic development, and long-term growth. Our program provides mentorship, a clear progression from Ballet IV to Ballet VII, and training that prepares students for auditions, conservatories, and professional careers.
Placement in the Lower & Upper Division is based on experience and technical readiness rather than age alone. Dancers typically enter at Ballet IV with a foundation in ballet, but new students will be assessed to determine the best starting level. If additional preparation is needed, we offer alternative training paths to help students build the necessary skills.
Our curriculum is designed to mirror the training found in professional ballet schools. Students receive intensive instruction, individualized feedback, and opportunities to refine their artistry. Advanced levels focus on pointe work, variations, and contemporary techniques to prepare dancers for auditions and higher education programs in dance.
As dancers progress through the levels, training hours increase to support their technical and artistic development. Ballet IV requires a minimum of three classes per week, while upper levels (Ballet VI–VII) train four to five times weekly, including pointe, variations, and contemporary classes. This structured approach ensures students receive the conditioning and technique necessary for success.
Yes, students in this program participate in professionally produced performances, including full-length ballets and showcases. These productions provide valuable stage experience, helping dancers develop confidence and performance quality while applying their training in a real-world setting.
Beyond Technique-Opportunities That Set Dancers Apart
Students gain insight from guest artists, professional dancers, and choreographers through exclusive masterclasses and workshops.
Our faculty provides mentorship on auditions, conservatory applications, and professional pathways to help dancers navigate their futures.
Supplemental training in Progressing Ballet Technique and contemporary dance enhances strength, flexibility, and adaptability across styles.
A positive, nurturing environment fosters friendships, collaboration, and personal growth alongside rigorous training.
Get more information about our classes and schedule on the next page!