We’re thrilled you’re interested in joining Cincinnati Ballet’s Otto M. Budig Academy. Our Academy staff and faculty consider it a distinct privilege to share our love of dance with students and families throughout the greater Cincinnati area. We hope to have opportunity to serve you and can’t wait to welcome you to the Margaret and Michael Valentine Center for Dance. We know in any new endeavor the hardest part can be figuring out how to get started. While there’s a lot to consider when enrolling in classes, we offer the resources below to make it as simple as possible. Need additional support? We’re happy to be your guide. Our team is standing by to answer any questions you may have. You can find our contact information at the bottom of this webpage.
Class selection and level placement varies based on each student’s age and level of experience.
Below is some helpful guidance broken down by student age.
For dancers ages 2 – 7, class placement is typically determined by age:
Ages 2 – 3: Petite Pas de Deux
Ages 3 – 7: Creative Dance
Ages 6 – 7: Pre Ballet
Students ages 6 – 7 have the option to continue in Creative Dance or begin Pre Ballet.
New students ages 8 and up typically need to take a placement class in order to determine the class level that’s best for them. Please see the Placement Class section below for further information.
Dancers ages 10 – 17 interested in Community Division classes do not need a formal placement assessment and may register directly for their preferred class(es). Experienced dancers interested in the Preparatory, Young Dancer and Advanced Division training programs should engage in a placement class as outlined below.
Cincinnati Ballet’s CB Moves program engages children and young adults with specific needs in adaptive dance classes designed in partnership with Cincinnati Children’s. New CB Moves students should complete the questionnaire below so we can guide you to the best class options for you.
Cincinnati Ballet’s Adult Dance + Fitness classes are open to students ages 16 and up. Classes operate on a drop-in basis which means there’s no registration commitment required. All levels are welcome, and participants are encouraged to assess their own experience and comfort level for classes with designated levels (basic/intermediate).
Placement class information for the 2025-2026 Academy Season is coming soon!
For placement support and updates on placement classes, please complete the inquiry form below.
Need additional guidance on level placement or connecting to the class that’s right for you? We’d love to help. Please complete the inquiry form below so we can learn more about you. An Academy staff member will follow up with more specific support.
