Summer Classes

NPD classes are led by our experienced, professional faculty who provide each student with an enriching arts education in a supportive and welcoming learning environment.

Summer term classes are perfect for all dancers, whether just starting out or continuing their study. Age-appropriate exercises provide safe practice in a wide variety of dance styles.

Ages 2.5-4
One 30-minute class per week. 

In their first independent class, students build confidence and independence while engaging in age-appropriate choreography and imaginative movement. Our experienced instructors lead each class with positivity, keeping young dancers engaged through a thoughtfully paced curriculum that encourages creativity, coordination, and a love of dance.

Note: Students do not need to be fully potty trained to enroll in Discover Dance, however, if dancers are not able to follow NPD’s policy on toileting, a parent/guardian must remain in the building.

Existing NPD students enrolled in Dance Together or Discover Dance in the 2025-26 school year should enroll for this class.

Ages 3-5
One 40-minute class per week. 

Creative Movement is a joyful and engaging way for children to explore movement, express their energy, and spark their imagination. This class nurtures creativity while introducing fundamental movement skills, including bending, stretching, turning, and jumping. Through playful activities, children develop coordination, confidence, and a sense of discipline in a fun and supportive environment.

Note: Students must be fully potty trained in accordance with NPD’s policy on toileting in order to take Creative Movement.

Existing NPD students enrolled in Creative Movement in the 2025-26 school year should enroll for this class.

Why choose just one when you can explore both? This summer, your mini-mover will enjoy an exciting introduction to the elegance of ballet and the lively rhythms of tap. This class blends graceful ballet techniques with the upbeat energy of tap dance, creating a fun and engaging experience for young dancers.

Note: Students must be fully potty trained in accordance with NPD’s policy on toileting in order to take Mini-Movers.

Existing NPD students enrolled in Creative Movement B, Mini-Movers, Pre-Ballet, Pre-Dance or Pre-Tap in the 2025-26 school year should enroll for this class.

School-aged students embark on an exciting journey into the world of classical ballet, where they develop grace, strength, and discipline. This class introduces essential ballet concepts, including turnout, the five positions of the feet and arms, and the fundamentals of movement technique. With a special focus on class etiquette, students learn the importance of respect, focus, and perseverance—all while having fun and building confidence in a supportive environment. Through engaging exercises and imaginative instruction, young dancers will take their first steps toward mastering the beauty of ballet.

Existing NPD students enrolled in Pre-Ballet or Pre-Dance in the 2025-26 school year should enroll for this class.

Ages 5-7
One 45-minute class per week

School aged dancers to explore dance styles outside of ballet. The class focuses on basic jazz, modern and hip-hop movements that promote strength and agility.

Existing NPD students enrolled in Pre-Ballet or Pre-Dance in the 2025-26 school year should enroll for this class.

Pre-Tap is a fun and energetic introduction to the rhythm and musicality of tap dance—perfect for dancers who love to make noise with their feet. Students explore basic tap steps and combinations while developing coordination, timing, and a strong sense of rhythm.

Existing NPD students enrolled in Pre-Tap, Pre-Ballet or Pre-Dance in the 2025-26 school year should enroll for this class.

Ages 7+
One 1-hour class per week

Step into the world of ballet with this fun and structured class! Dancers will start at the barre, focusing on posture, alignment, and graceful movements. As the class progresses, they’ll move to the center for fluid exercises and exciting traveling steps that bring ballet to life. No prior experience is needed—just a love for movement and a willingness to learn.

Branch out this summer and discover the freedom of movement in this dynamic and expressive dance class. Experience what it’s like to move off-center, embrace asymmetry, and explore the artistry of floor work. Through fluid and expressive choreography, dancers will connect mind and body in new and exciting ways. No prior training is needed—just a willingness to explore and create.

Ages 7+
One 1 hour class per week

Step into the foundations of grace and strength. This class introduces young dancers to elementary barre work within the structure of a formal ballet class, helping them build strength, flexibility, and coordination. At this level, students develop the discipline and focus needed to refine their technique while discovering the joy of movement. Through engaging exercises, fun challenges, and expressive dance combinations, dancers will grow in confidence.

Existing NPD students enrolled in Level 1A  in the 2025-2026 school year should enroll for this class.

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Looking to add another ballet class per week to your training?  Register for both class offerings to be enrolled in Ballet 1A Extended (Two 1 hour classes per week)

Ages 7+
One 1 hour class per week

Discover the freedom of contemporary dance in this exciting and expressive class. Dancers will explore moving off-center, embracing asymmetry, working in parallel, yielding to gravity, and experimenting with floor work. Through dynamic exercises and fluid choreography, students will connect their minds and bodies in new ways, building strength, creativity, and confidence. This class encourages self-expression and artistic exploration.

Existing NPD students enrolled in Contemporary 1, Jazz 1, or Modern 1 in the 2025-26 school year should enroll for this class.

Ages 7-13
One 45-minute class per week

Students will explore a variety of tap styles, from Broadway to Rhythm Tap, in this energetic and engaging class. With a focus on articulation, ankle and knee coordination, dancers will develop clarity of sound and precision in their footwork. Class includes center floor combinations and repetitive exercises designed to build a strong technical foundation, musicality, and confidence, making it the perfect introduction to the tap genre for beginners.

Existing NPD students enrolled in Tap 1 in the 2025-26 school year should enroll for this class.

Ages 8+
One 1-hour class per week

*Runs May 28-July 9.  Additional sessions may be added through August 12 depending on additional schedule performances.

NPD is proud to present Tiny Tots Ballet, a special Community Engagement program designed to bring the joy of dance to young audiences! This unique performance-based class allows Youth Ensemble dancers to learn choreography created by our faculty while developing their performance skills, musicality, and storytelling abilities. Dancers will have the opportunity to share their love of ballet with children ages 2-4 through engaging and interactive community performances. Participation in all performances is encouraged but not required. Join us in spreading the magic of dance.

Performance Dates (subject to change):
June 17 Kids Summer Stage (12:15-1:00 pm)
July 8 Kids Summer Stage (12:15-1:00 pm)
July 14 Bismarck Public Library (9 and 10:30 am)
July 15 Bismarck Public Library (9 and 10:30 am)

July 15 Family River Walk (12:00-12:45 pm)
August 12 Kids Summer Stage (12:15-1:00pm)

*Youth Ensemble is free of charge for 2025-26 Student Company Members and the cast of The Little Engine That Could 2025 with 100% performing availablity.

Ages 8+
One 1-hour class per week

Building upon the foundation of previous levels, Ballet 1B deepens students’ understanding of ballet vocabulary while enhancing strength, balance, and technique. As dancers gain confidence in a formal class setting, they refine their body alignment, coordination, and musicality. With engaging exercises at the barre and in the center, this class fosters discipline and artistry, preparing students for continued advancement in their ballet journey.

Existing NPD students enrolled in Level 1B  in the 2025-26 school year should enroll for this class.

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Looking to add another ballet class per week to your training?  Register for both class offerings to be enrolled in Ballet 1B Extended (Two 1 hour classes per week)

Pre-Pointe is designed for dancers of all levels looking to develop the flexibility, balance, and targeted strength essential for pointe work. This class focuses on strengthening the feet, ankles, calves, and core while refining leg and arm lines to build the stability and control needed for a strong foundation in pointe technique.

Existing NPD students enrolled in Pre-Pointe in the 2025-26 school year should enroll for this class.

Students will explore a variety of tap styles, from Broadway to Rhythm Tap, in this energetic and engaging class. With a focus on articulation, speed, and intricate footwork, dancers will refine their ankle and knee coordination to achieve greater clarity of sound and rhythmic precision. Class includes center floor combinations, across-the-floor progressions, and more complex rhythmic patterns, designed to strengthen technical foundation, musicality, and performance quality. Perfect for intermediate dancers looking to expand their tap vocabulary and enhance their overall execution.

Existing NPD students enrolled in Tap 2 in the 2025-2026 school year should enroll for this class.

Ages 9+
One 1.5 hour class per week

This class will focus on arm positions, body direction, and endurance, with an emphasis on executing longer movement phrases both at the barre and in the center to develop performance quality. 

Existing NPD students enrolled in Level 2 in the 2025-26 school year should enroll for this class.

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Looking to add another ballet class per week to your training?  Register for both class offerings to be enrolled in Ballet 2 Extended (Two 1.5-hour classes per week)

Dive deeper into a variety of Modern and Contemporary techniques and explore movements and expression of emotion.  We encourage students to express their own creativity and grow their movement vocabulary through the use of improvisation.

Existing NPD students enrolled in Contemporary 2, Jazz 2 or Modern 2 in the 2025-26 school year should enroll for this class.

Stretch & Strengthen is designed for all level dancers looking to improve their flexibility, strength, leg and arm lines, and balance, to become a stronger dancer.

Ages 10+
One 1.5-hour class per week

In Ballet 3, attention is paid to the shape of the feet, balance and key elements of musicality including rhythm and phrasing. Students will see an increase in difficulty in barre and center work as they begin to focus on repetition and retention. Existing NPD students enrolled in Level 3  in the 2025-26 school year should enroll for this class.

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Looking to add another ballet class per week to your training?  Register for both class offerings to be enrolled in Ballet 3 Extended (Two 1.5-hour classes per week)

Further develop and strengthen the muscles necessary for pointe work. Focus is on strengthening muscles of the foot, ankle and core, with attention to alignment and classical technique. Pointe 1 is by placement only.

Existing NPD students enrolled in Pointe 1 in the 2025-26 school year should enroll for this class.

Ages 12+
One 1.5-hour class per week

The class focuses on complex barre work, center exercises and  across the floor combinations, pointe work, and ballet variations. Students learn advanced steps, while emphasizing musicality, discipline, and professionalism.

Existing NPD students enrolled in Level 4  in the 2025-26 school year should enroll for this class.

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Looking to add more ballet clasess per week to your training?  Register for up to three offerings per week.

Can’t atttend all 6 weeks?  Check out our new Drop-In option for Ballet 4.

Ages 12+ by placement
One 45-min class per week

As students progress, pointe technique focuses on building stamina and skill to support the demands of classical repertoire. Students who are placed in pointe levels are expected to train year-round.

Existing NPD students enrolled in Pointe 2 in the 2025-26 school year should enroll for this class.

Ages 12+ by placement
One 1 hour and 15 minute class per week

Dive deeper into a variety of Modern and Contemporary techniques and explore movements and expression of emotion.  We encourage students to express their own creativity and grow their movement vocabulary through the use of improvisation.

Existing NPD students enrolled in Contemporary 3, Modern 3 or Modern 4 in the 2025-26 school year should enroll for this class.

Can’t atttend all 6 weeks?  Check out our new Drop-In option for Contemporary/Modern 3.

Ages 12+
One 1.5-hour class per week

Elevating dancers into a more technically demanding level, Ballet 5 prepares students for pre-professional training. This class emphasizes correct postural alignment, principles of turn out, and control while performing complex combinations.

Existing NPD students enrolled in Level 5 in the 2025-26 school year should enroll for this class.

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Looking to add more ballet classes per week to your training?  Register for up to three sections per week.

Can’t atttend all 6 weeks?  Check out our new Drop-In option for Ballet 5.

Ages 13+ by placement
One 45-min class per week

As students progress, pointe technique focuses on building stamina and skill to support the demands of classical repertoire. Students who are placed in pointe levels are expected to train year-round. 

Existing NPD students enrolled in Pointe 3 in the 2025-26 school year should enroll for this class.

Ages 13+
Two 1.5-hour class per week

Classes will focus on use of the head and upper body, fluidity of movement as well as the intricacies of advanced ballet terminology. Select the sessions that work best for you.

Existing NPD students enrolled in Level 6 in the 2025-26 school year should enroll for this class.

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Looking to add more ballet classes per week to your training?  Register for up to three sections per week.

Can’t atttend all 6 weeks?  Check out our new Drop-In option for Ballet 5.

In Pointe 4, there is a strong emphasis on the refinement of technique. Using more complex combinations to challenge students to maintain technique and artistry, students focus on creating a bridge between classwork and performance. Students who are placed in pointe levels are expected to train year-round.

Existing NPD students enrolled in Pointe 4 in the 2025-26 school year should enroll for this class.