Ballet Academy East, with more than 25 years of experience, offers two excellent programs for children. The youngest children start in Mother & Child classes where 2 years olds and their parents/nannies share the joy of music and dance. Pre-ballet classes (ages 3 to 6) introduce ballet in a positive and creative environment. Tap classes are also offered. The Graded Level Ballet Program is for children ages 6 to 17. This Program provides students every opportunity to achieve their highest potential and aspirations within a well-structured curriculum and in a nurturing environment. The faculty consists of highly experienced and renowned teachers. All classes have piano accompaniment. Admission to the graded Level Ballet Program is by audition. There are two performance opportunities yearly, first with Dances Patrelle’s The Yorkville Nutcracker in December where many of the school’s young dancers participate. Ballet Academy East’s spring performance provides children in levels 2 and up the invaluable opportunity to hone their performance skills and to display their accomplishments over the past year. BAE also offers a schedule of ballet, tap, yoga and Pilates classes for adults of all levels. The bright facility has five air-conditioned studios. The dressing rooms have showers and lockers, and there is a Capezio Dancewear Boutique on the premises.