Ballet Hispánico, the nation’s largest Latine dance organization, recognized as one of America’s Cultural Treasures by the Ford Foundation, today announces that registration is now open for its 2025-26 school year programs, for dancers from early childhood through young adult. Ballet Hispánico’s School provides a direct link to the organization’s values of access, opportunity, and pride for all students interested in dance and Latinx culture. The School is an accredited training center that leads with a holistic curriculum for today’s young dancer, with classes taught by a stunning array of faculty members who are also renowned professional dance artists. Classes are available for all ages and levels of experience! For more information, visit https://www.ballethispanico.org/school/school-year-programs.
“We are delighted to welcome students to the 2025/2026 school year!” said (Artistic Director and CEO Eduardo Vilaro / Interim Director of the Ballet Hispánico School Blanca Huertas). “We are deeply proud of the School’s over 50 years of dance training, and its consistent efforts to expand and redefine dance education. Our exceptional training is offered in a nurturing, welcoming environment, allowing all dancers the opportunity to become their best selves. Come join us!»
Ballet Hispánico School 2025-26 School Year Programming:
Los Pasitos: Early Dance, Big Discovery
September 15, 2025 to May 22, 2026
Early Childhood Dance (Ages 2-5)
Every child’s first movement matters. At Ballet Hispánico’s Los Pasitos program, children ages 2–5 discover the joy of dance in a warm, welcoming space that celebrates culture, builds coordination, and sparks imagination. Our toddler-to-kindergarten classes blend music, storytelling, and age-appropriate technique—all guided by expert teachers who nurture creativity and curiosity every step of the way.
- Pasitos Age 2
Your child will discover the joy of dance alongside an adult. Through the use of cultural imagery, songs, and games, this class fosters each student’s coordination, control, and musicality in partnership with their parent or caregiver. As students gain confidence and independence with the material, the teacher will encourage the students to do more of the class independently.
*Please note: ONE adult is required to attend each class with their 2 year old and is expected to participate alongside them as instructed by the teacher. No additional adults or children will be allowed in the studios, this includes siblings of any age.
- Pasitos Ages 3 & 4
Your child will explore shapes and develop basic locomotor movements, while learning dance etiquette and foundational technique. Each class enhances coordination, musicality, and movement dynamics with an emphasis on creative expression and building confidence.
- Hablando y Bailando Ages 4 & 5
This creative movement dance class flows naturally between English and Spanish instruction, and is a great opportunity to strengthen your child’s technique and their knowledge of both languages. Children will continue developing coordination, musicality, and movement dynamics through this rich, artistic, and cultural experience. No prior Spanish language knowledge is required. This class creates a strong foundation for our Encuentros Ages 6 & 7 classes.
- Pasitos Rhythms Ages 4 & 5
Children are introduced to a world of rhythms as they learn the fundamentals of tap, flamenco, and folklorico, strengthening musicality and coordination. This fun and challenging class immerses your child in the history and culture of the dance forms through their dynamic rhythms.
- Pasitos Pre-Ballet Age 5
Creativity and technique are fused into one fun class that refines musicality, flexibility, and control. Your child will study foundational ballet concepts through classic stories and cultural music, while continuing to hone their creative expression.
Registration is available here.
Encuentros: Real Dance Classes That Kids Love
September 15, 2025 to June 12, 2026
Open Class Program (Ages 6-18)
Whether your child is trying dance for the first time or training with ambition, Encuentros offers a place to thrive. With flexible scheduling and expert instruction, students can choose just one class—or build a full week of movement, rhythm, and growth.
Our classes support all levels, from curious beginners to committed dancers. From Ballet and Flamenco to Hip-Hop, Salsa, Tap, and Contemporary, each genre is taught with cultural depth and professional artistry—helping students discover their own voice in dance.
- Afro Caribbean
Through complex rhythms, vivid stories, and rich history, students develop dance fundamentals while exploring the artistry of Afro Caribbean traditions. Drawing from modern, contemporary, and Afrocentric dance practices, this class develops core dance principles such as balance and coordination while introducing students to intricate rhythms and vibrant expressivity. Afro Caribbean prepares students for ongoing studies in a wide range of dance forms including modern, contemporary, and African based styles.
- Ballet
The ballet program encourages students to enjoy the challenges and practices of learning ballet technique. Students work with experienced teachers that focus on ballet fundamentals emphasizing placement, execution, precision, clarity of line, dynamic movement, musicality, and freedom of artistic expression. Students will feel a sense of accomplishment through the discipline and mastery of technical skills, while enjoying moving to music, all in an inclusive and nurturing environment.
- Pre-Pointe/Pointe
Pre-Pointe/Pointe is for the beginner pointe dancer. This class will focus on strengthening the muscles of the legs, feet, ankles, and core in order to support pointe work. When the dancer is ready, they will start working on pointe, facing the barre. Students must have a solid foundation in ballet technique (intermediate level proficiency) and approval from the Program Advisor to register. Students aspiring to go on pointe are highly encouraged to take this class in addition to their ballet class(es) with flat shoes for pre-pointe training.
- Contemporary Dance
Contemporary dance centers self-expression, creative freedom, and the conveyance of emotion through movement. Literally meaning “dance of today,” this is a genre grounded in expression and experimentation. Students draw from ballet, modern, jazz, and hip-hop to create movement that’s personal, physical, and full of feeling. Great for building strength, confidence, and creativity.
- Flamenco
A Ballet Hispánico legacy since 1970. Students learn flamenco technique, history, and musical structure through powerful footwork, rhythmic clapping, and expressive upper body movement—all within a cultural framework.
- Hip-Hop
Explore the culture, history, and evolution of hip-hop. Students learn various styles, including locking, popping, house, breaking, and freestyle; building their strength, skill, and technique. Classes pay homage to the hip-hop pioneers, creating a safe learning space and a sense of community for students to engage in this social dance form.
- Jazz
The fundamentals of jazz technique build strong body alignment, increased flexibility, and muscle awareness through its form and style. Students develop musicality and retention skills as they perform combinations and learn the artistry of various jazz repertoire. Stretch and conditioning is an important element of the class structure, along with the exploration of historical jazz roots.
- Latin Rhythms & Salsa
Designed to teach students the history, culture, and social etiquette of Latin dances, these classes sharpen skills in musicality, dance terminology, footwork, body actions, arm styling, floor craft, and partnering. Classes increase in complexity throughout the year, with ¡mucho sabor!
- Modern Fundamentals
Modern Fundamentals introduces students to movement principles from modern dance masters such as José Limón and Martha Graham. Classes focus on developing core dance concepts, such as strength, balance, and coordination, while exploring diverse movement principles such as opposition, spiraling, fall & recovery. The curriculum includes work on spinal articulation, floorwork, movement dynamics, use of weight, and complex rhythms.
- Tap
Students will learn tap fundamentals as they develop footwork precision, movement coordination, balance & weight shifts, and rhythmic accuracy. Emphasis is placed on developing the students’ artistry and improvisational skills alongside the history of the artform.
*Int and Adv classes require approval to register.
To learn more, see scheduling, and register, visit www.ballethispanico.org/school/school-year-programs/encuentros.
La Academia/The Academy: Pre & Professional Program
September 16, 2025 to June 13, 2026
For Dancers Ages 7-23
AUDITIONS NOW OPEN
Ballet Hispánico’s La Academia is a pre-professional training program for high school and college-aged dancers who want to take their technique—and their artistry—to the next level. Our dancers are known for their versatility, depth, and bold presence across classical ballet, contemporary forms, and Spanish Dance.
We offer a nurturing, high-caliber environment where dancers are challenged, supported, and seen. Whether you’re working toward a performing arts high school, conservatory, university program, or professional career, La Academia gives you the tools and confidence to stand out.
Students in Level 5B and above may choose to follow the full curriculum or focus their training in one of three tracks: Ballet, Spanish Dance, or Contemporary.
Auditions are required to pre-register and are accepted on a rolling basis. To submit a digital audition, visit www.ballethispanico.org/school/school-year-programs/la-academia
Tuition assistance and merit scholarships are available for all Encuentros and La Academia classes. Visit www.ballethispanico.org/school/information/scholarships for more information or email SODAccounts@ballethispanico.org for any questions.
Pa’lante Scholarship Program
September 4, 2025 to May 23, 2026
For Dancers Ages 15+
AUDITIONS NOW OPEN
The Pa’lante Program is Ballet Hispánico School’s premier full-time training experience for aspiring professional dancers ages 15 and up. Designed for artists ready to commit, grow, and perform, this immersive daytime program offers advanced training in ballet, contemporary, and Ballet Hispánico repertory—led by acclaimed faculty and guest choreographers.
Pa’lante is a powerful bridge between pre-professional training and the professional artist. Dancers train more hours, receive deeper mentorship, and take on performance opportunities across the tri-state area—gaining the tools, experience, and exposure needed to step confidently into a dance career.
Scholarships are available across all tracks, with select dancers accepted into the Pa’lante Scholars track receiving full-tuition awards. Apprentices and Trainees benefit from partial scholarships and financial aid, making this level of access possible for dedicated dancers of all backgrounds.
Pa’lante dancers train intensively, perform frequently, and grow in a supportive, elite environment. This is where technique becomes artistry—and where careers begin.
Only dancers 18+ will be considered for the Scholars Level. Dancers under 18 years of age may audition and will be considered for the Apprentice & Trainee Level. Commitment to the full academic year is required.
Digital auditions are accepted on a rolling basis. In-person NYC auditions are on August 23. To learn more and submit a digital audition, visit www.ballethispanico.org/school/school-year-programs/la-academia/professionalstudies.
The Ballet Hispánico School is a leading center of excellence in dance education—serving over 1,000 students and celebrating more than 50 years of dance. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance, the School provides exceptional training across a wide range of dance forms, including Ballet, Flamenco, Hip-Hop, Latin Rhythms, Afro-Caribbean, Salsa, Jazz, Tap, and more. From early childhood to adult classes, the School fosters artistry, creativity, and community in a welcoming, inclusive environment.
Ballet Hispánico: A Legacy of Artistic Excellence
Ballet Hispánico is the nation’s leading Hispanic/Latine dance company and the largest cultural institution of its kind in the United States. For over five decades, it has been a beacon of artistic excellence, celebrated for its bold repertory and exceptional training programs. The Company has commissioned over 100 original works, performed on the world’s most prestigious stages, and inspired generations through performances, education, and community engagement. Recognized as one of America’s Cultural Treasures by the Ford Foundation, Ballet Hispánico continues to redefine what it means to be an American dance company.
