Graded Ballet Training at The Academy of Classical Ballet-CA
Safe, body-positive training for growing dancers.
At the Academy of Classical Ballet-CA, we know every child learns differently and progresses at their own pace. That’s why we reject a one-size-fits-all approach. Our mission is to keep students healthy and happy, nurturing a lifelong love of ballet and dance through safe, age-appropriate training tailored to each dancer’s needs.
Students receive a thorough evaluation and placement to ensure they train at the right level—one that challenges and inspires them while prioritizing their physical health. We keep class sizes small so our Director, Crystal Petzel, can work closely with each dancer throughout their development. Crystal collaborates directly with our teaching team to design class syllabi and address each student’s individual growth.
Graded-Professional Ballet Training
Please note that student's are placed into graded levels, dependent upon the students technical abilities, not necessarily age. This will be determined by a placement class and evaluation. As students progress, they can expect to increase the amount of classes they attend.
Beginning Levels (ages 5-7)
An introduction to the classroom and general body movement for young students. Students will develop the strength required for the barre, basic ballet positioning, rudimentary vocabulary, and correct placement. This class also teaches beginning musicality and is designed to ignite a passion for dance. Students will discover movement and expression in a fun, encouraging atmosphere. They will also learn basic classroom structure, along with developing coordination, rhythm, and physical awareness.
Primary Levels
Young dancers learn the fundamentals: basic ballet movements, vocabulary, and introductory combinations that help them move confidently through space. We focus on building strength, endurance, and solid technique, along with basic anatomy. They practice movement though space and musical rhythms and tempos.
Intermediate Levels
Students develop their artistry and technical skills through longer choreographic sequences and more challenging variations, including classical pas de deux. At this stage, dancers truly begin to flourish, building confidence as they prepare for pre-pointe and pointe work, typically starting around age 11. Age-appropriate strength and conditioning methods are introduced such as Pilates and Progressing Ballet Technique to promote kinesthetic movement awareness and injury prevention.
Advanced Levels
Advanced students perform complex choreography demanding strength, versatility, and artistic expression. With an extensive ballet vocabulary and strong pointe technique, these dancers execute challenging combinations with grace and professionalism. Classes at this level are designed to prepare students for pre-professional careers or university programs, refining technique, building stamina, and developing performance quality.
Placement & Progression
Our full, graded program begins at age 8. Students age 5-7 participate in our Beginner Ballet program. Following this, students are placed in graded levels based on technical ability, over age, through careful evaluation and placement classes. As students advance, they gradually increase their class time, allowing for steady and sustainable progress.
A Positive, Inspiring Environment
At AOC Ballet, we celebrate progress, confidence, and artistry at every level. Our focus is on inspiring performances that encourage dancers to express themselves and enjoy the art of ballet—not on competitions or rankings. We believe in fostering a body-positive culture where every child feels valued and supported in their unique journey.
If you’re searching for kids ballet classes in Campbell or a children’s ballet academy that prioritizes safe, professional training and joyful dance experiences, AOC Ballet is here to guide your dancer every step of the way.
“My daughter had a wonderful experience at Academy of Classical Ballet. She is an advanced dancer who came to Crystal in search of an environment where the focus was on the health and well being of the dancer as well as attention to technique and artistry. Everything about her/our experience at AOCBallet was positive and memorable. We cannot thank Ms. Crystal and her staff enough for their positivity and expertise. From photo shoots and videos for college dance programs to a beautiful outdoor performance during Covid, AOCB was a complete package for us and by far the best experience for my dancer.”
— Jenny Bogomilsky, parent
"Crystal Petzel's teaching integrates her knowledge of classical technique with her passion for dancing. She not only coaches her students, but mentors them as well. She is able to build personal relationships with her students through her classes and rehearsals. Throughout my years of training with Crystal I grew both as a dancer and an artist, through her insightful and extremely rewarding teaching process."
-Rachel Talley, graduate at Purchase College
"I want to express my deepest admiration for the work that you do. Your talent as an artist became quite obvious to me watching the beautiful choreography that you put together for the Four Seasons. I was already impressed with your leadership and your ability to teach and motivate the kids. With what I witnessed last week, the beauty of the show, the sense of accomplishment and joy on the dancers' faces, I was blown away. All I can say is thank you. I feel extremely lucky to have found such a magnificent opportunity for Cass to develop a wide variety of skills through your Academy."
-Alejandra Velasquez, parent