Early Childhood Dance Programs
Our Early Childhood programs are designed to spark joy, confidence, and connection from the very first steps in the studio. Whether joining us for Baby Ballet alongside a parent or stepping into Tiny Tots independently, dancers build coordination, musicality, listening skills, and social development in a nurturing and playful environment. These classes gently introduce structure and classroom routines while keeping movement imaginative and age-appropriate. It is a beautiful foundation for a lifelong love of dance.
Baby Ballet
Ages 12 months- 18 months
(Limited class size to maintain personalized attention.)
What to wear/bring: Your little one can wear anything cozy and easy to move in. Comfort is key. Ballet shoes are required so they can safely practice their first pliés and twirls. Please also bring a labeled water bottle.
Parents should wear something comfortable that allows you to move freely as well, such as workout clothes or athleisure. You’ll be right alongside your dancer for this special class experience.
Baby Ballet I is a joyful first introduction to movement, music, and the magic of dance- designed for our youngest dancers and their grown-ups. This special parent-and-me class is lovingly taught by studio owner Mama Tess, creating a warm, family-centered experience from the very first class.
Caregivers and dancers explore creative movement together through gentle, ballet-inspired activities. We bounce, sway, tiptoe, clap, and move through imaginative exercises that support coordination, balance, musical awareness, and confidence.
At this age, dance is about exploration and connection. Parents actively participate, offering comfort and encouragement while helping their child feel safe and successful in the studio. Families also have the optional opportunity to perform together in our annual recital on May 16. Baby Ballet I runs as a 8-week session and is a beautiful first step into the Carolina Collective family.
Tiny Tots
Ages 1-2 Years
Limited class size to maintain personalized attention.
What to wear/Bring: Dancers may wear anything cozy and easy to move in. Some love wearing ballet dresses and skirts, but those are completely optional. Comfort and confidence matter most. Ballet shoes are required so they can safely practice their foundational steps and movements. Please send your dancer with a labeled water bottle.
We kindly ask that all toys stay at home.
Tiny Tots is a joyful and confidence-building class designed for dancers ages 2–3 years who are ready to take the exciting step into class on their own. This dancer-only class is taught with care by studio owner Mama Tess, creating a supportive, encouraging environment that nurtures early independence.
In Tiny Tots, dancers explore creative movement and ballet basics through imaginative activities that develop coordination, balance, musicality, and classroom skills. Classes include gentle stretching, simple center work, traveling steps, and playful combinations that build focus, listening skills, and confidence.
This class emphasizes structure while keeping movement fun and age-appropriate. Dancers practice following directions, taking turns, and participating as part of a group- important milestones at this stage. This will be a part of our recital.
“Baby Ballet has been the sweetest part of our week. Watching my little one light up when the music starts and gain confidence each class has been incredible. The environment is warm, organized, and so nurturing - it truly feels like more than just a class. We’ve made friends, created special memories together, and I can already see her growing in independence and coordination. Carolina Collective makes every tiny dancer feel so loved and celebrated.”