Level Placement

At Thrive, level placement isn’t just about age—it’s about setting every dancer up for long-term success, confidence, and joy in their training.

We believe that students thrive when they are placed in classes that match both their technical readiness and their personal growth journey. Our placement process is thoughtful, collaborative, and rooted in the belief that strong foundations build strong futures.

What we consider

Our team takes multiple factors into account when determining a dancer’s level, including:

  • Technique & body awareness

  • Consistency and work ethic in class

  • Confidence and maturity

  • Ability to apply corrections

  • Readiness for new challenges

We also consider the full picture—how a dancer is growing across styles, how they respond to feedback, and what environment will help them thrive both technically and emotionally.

Age vs. Readiness

While our early levels are loosely guided by age, intermediate levels and above are placement-based. At these stages, it’s not unusual to have dancers of different ages in the same class.

We always aim to place dancers where they’ll feel challenged but not overwhelmed, confident but not complacent.

If your dancer hasn't received a specific placement email from us, we recommend registering for the next age group up from last season.

Growth takes time - and that’s a good thing

In most cases, dancers spend two years in each level. Some may be ready to progress sooner, while others may benefit from another year of growth and refinement—both paths are valid and celebrated.

We know that no two dancers are the same, and we approach each placement with care and intention. The only thing that determines your dancer’s timeline is how they progress—not their age, not their peers, and not the number of years they’ve danced.

We’re in this together

Level placement can bring up big feelings—and we’re here to support you through it. Our team is always happy to talk through placement decisions and partner with families to support each dancer’s goals.

We also know that growth isn’t always linear. Some years are about deepening foundations. Others are about stretching into something new. Every year matters.

At the end of the day, know that we share your same goal - for your dancer to grow, be challenged and enjoy their experience. We are for you!

Your Dancer’s Journey at Thrive

Understanding the Pathways Toward Company-Level Training

At Thrive, we support every dancer’s unique goals—whether they dream of dancing professionally, want to explore new styles, or simply love to move. Our level structure provides a clear, supportive path forward—with room to grow at a pace that’s right for each dancer.

🌱 Early Childhood & Foundational Levels (Ages 3–9)

Dancers begin in age-based combo classes that build strong foundations in ballet and tap while nurturing confidence and classroom readiness.

Levels include:

  • 3–4's Class

  • 4–5's Class

  • 5–6's Class (typically kindergarten-age)

  • 6–7's Class (1st/2nd grade)

  • 7–9's Class (2nd/3rd grade with flexibility)

Most of these are 1-hour ballet/tap combos. The 7–9's class meets for 1.5 hours and adds introductory jazz.

From here, dancers move into placement-based technique levels.

🎓 Intermediate Technique Levels

(Placement by Staff)

Readiness—not age—determines when dancers move into these levels. We consider technical ability, class consistency, mindset, and maturity. Most dancers spend one to two years in each level, though every path is different.

Intermediate levels include:

  • Intermediate

  • Advanced Intermediate

Classes meet once per week for 2 hours:
1 hour of ballet, 30 minutes of tap, 30 minutes of jazz.

🌟 Company-Level Training

(Placement or Invitation Only)

These levels are for dancers ready for deeper commitment, leadership, and versatility. Training becomes more personalized with flexible schedules based on goals and availability.

Company Progression:

  • Foundations

  • Junior Company

  • Senior Prep

  • Apprentice

  • Senior Company

Dancers may train once a week or take multiple classes across different styles. Some are preparing for auditions or college programs; others simply want to dance at a high level with like-minded peers.

🧱 Flexible Training Paths

We know every dancer’s journey is unique. Our structure allows for:

  • Style-specific advancement (e.g., progressing in modern while continuing core ballet training)

  • Cross-level opportunities

  • Optional add-ons like student choreography, leadership, and conditioning

  • Scheduling that balances school, other activities, and rest

Supporting Your Dancer Through Level Placement

We know that level placement can bring up big feelings—for dancers and parents. Whether your child is excited to move up, feeling disappointed, or wondering what comes next, your support can make all the difference. Here’s how to help your dancer navigate level placement with confidence, perspective, and heart

  • Moving up isn’t the only sign of progress. Every class offers opportunities to grow—whether it’s refining technique, building strength, or developing confidence and maturity. Remind your dancer that mastery takes time, and that being placed in a level that’s right for them is a win in itself.

  • At Thrive, levels are based on readiness—not birthdays or how long someone has been dancing. Every dancer’s journey looks different, and that’s something we celebrate.
    Comparison is the thief of joy—help your dancer stay focused on their own path, not someone else’s.

  • If your dancer was hoping to move up but didn’t this time, talk about how this year can be a launchpad. Set goals together, remind them how far they’ve come, and encourage them to see this as a season of building strength, confidence, and consistency.

  • Have questions? We’re always happy to chat. Our placement decisions are made with care and intention, and we love partnering with families to support long-term growth. Feel free to reach out anytime—we want your dancer to feel seen, supported, and inspired.

    We truly care about every dancer’s path and take these decisions seriously. We have highly skilled, trustworthy dance professionals with decades of expertise, wisdom, and experience who thoughtfully and carefully consider each dancer—always with the focus on what’s best for each individual dancer’s growth.

  • Your dancer takes their cues from you. When you show trust in the process and celebrate their effort, they’ll do the same. Keep the focus on what they’re learning, how they’re growing, and all the ways they’re showing up with heart.


    Try not to compare them to others—every dancer grows at their own pace, and that’s exactly how it should be.

FAQs

How are placements decided?

We truly care about every dancer’s path and take these decisions seriously. We have highly skilled, trustworthy dance professionals with decades of expertise, wisdom, and experience who thoughtfully and carefully consider each dancer—always with the focus on what’s best for each individual dancer’s growth. We consider technique and artistry, consistency and work ethic, maturity and classroom presence, and readiness for new challenges.

Can my dancer take classes in more than one level?

Sometimes! Some dancers are placed in a “core” level (like Senior Prep) with the opportunity to take select classes in another level (like Apprentice). These cross-level placements depend on: teacher recommendations, space availability, and style-specific readiness. We’ll note this in your dancer’s placement email if it applies.

Why didn’t my dancer move up?

Staying in the same level is not a setback—it’s often the right next step. Many dancers spend two years in a level as they develop strength, leadership, and deeper technical mastery. At Thrive, we view growth as a spiral, not a ladder. Progress isn’t always about moving up—it’s about moving forward with purpose.

What if my dancer is feeling discouraged?

We know placement decisions can bring up big feelings—and we’re here to support both the dancer and the human. If your dancer is feeling disappointed, we’re happy to connect one-on-one to help them process, reflect, and reframe. Our goal is for every dancer to feel seen, supported, and inspired as they move into a new season.

Can I request a different placement?

We’re always open to conversation and want you to feel heard. That said, placements are made from a full-picture perspective and in most cases are final—not to limit your dancer, but to support their success. If you’d like to talk it through, we’re happy to schedule a time to connect.

What if my dancer is older than others in their level?

It’s completely normal for dancers of different ages to be placed in the same level—especially as they progress into intermediate and company training. Our placements are based on readiness, not just age, so dancers are grouped by where they’ll grow best, not by birth year. In fact, being one of the older dancers can be a great opportunity to lead by example, build confidence, and refine technique before advancing. Every dancer’s path is unique—and that’s something we fully support and celebrate.