Advanced Training With Purpose

Levels 5–6 are designed for experienced high-school dancers ready to deepen their technique, artistry, consistency, and performance skills. Students are challenged as individuals while learning to contribute to the strength of the entire program.

These dancers are also leaders within Weehawken. Through classes, rehearsals, performances, partnering, and work with younger students, they develop responsibility, confidence, collaboration, and the ability to support the people around them.

Placement and Approval

All Level 5 and Level 6 classes require instructor approval. Placement is based on training, technical readiness, maturity, consistency, and the needs of each dancer—not age or grade alone.

If you are unsure whether your dancer has been approved for a class, please contact the instructor before registering. Our team is happy to help determine the best placement.

Review the Dance Level Placement guide or contact our team.

A Full-Year Training and Performance Commitment

Level 5–6 classes run for the complete 29-week school year. Registration includes both semesters and participation in our winter and spring productions.

Each class prepares one dance for each production. Upper-level dancers perform their class dances in multiple shows and should expect a more involved production schedule than younger students.

Level 5–6 dancers should also plan for Sunday production rehearsals in Montrose, particularly as productions approach. Exact rehearsal schedules will be communicated during the semester.

Mixed-Level, Add-On and Pointe Classes

Mixed-level classes such as Ballet 4+, Ballet 5/6, and Pointe 4/5/6 allow instructors to provide appropriate challenges based on each dancer’s training and readiness.

Lyrical Hip Hop is an add-on class and requires concurrent enrollment in Hip Hop 5 or Hip Hop 6.

Pointe classes are non-performing technique classes and require concurrent enrollment in the corresponding ballet class and instructor approval. Learn more about pointe requirements.

2026–27 Productions

The Upper-Level Performance Experience

Each class prepares a dance for The Nutcracker, Remixed! in December and Peter Pan in May. Level 5–6 students perform their class dances in multiple shows and often take on a larger role in the overall production.

Through rehearsals, partnering, featured roles, ensemble work, and interaction with younger performers, upper-level dancers learn that great performances depend on preparation, responsibility, generosity, and teamwork.

Upper-Level Expectation

Auditions for Featured and Lead Roles

Level 5–6 dancers are expected to participate in the audition process. Auditions help instructors create choreography and roles that challenge each dancer appropriately while building a strong, connected cast.

Not every dancer will receive a lead role, but every dancer plays an important part in making the production successful. Casting considers technical readiness, performance quality, reliability, availability, partnering needs, and the needs of the production.

Fall auditions: Sunday, August 30

What to Expect During Nutcracker Show Week

Show week is December 7–13. Level 5–6 dancers should expect to be available throughout the week for dress rehearsals and performances.

Upper-level dancers typically participate in multiple casts, attend several dress rehearsals, and perform in multiple shows. Students with featured roles, assisting responsibilities, partnering assignments, or classes in several styles may have additional commitments.

It is a busy week, but it is also one of the most rewarding parts of the upper-level experience. Dancers perform more often, take on greater challenges, support younger cast members, and help bring the entire production together.

Final casting, rehearsal schedules, performance dates, and call times will be sent by email, typically in October.

View Level 5–6 Show Information

Ready to Register?

Choose an approved class from the schedule above. Contact the instructor or Registrar before registering if you are unsure about placement.