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Classical Division

Training: Students receive the same serious, level-appropriate classical ballet training and individual attention as every CSCB dancer.

Class schedule: Families may choose class days that work with their schedule, guided by faculty recommendations for the student’s age, placement and goals.

Performances: Students may perform in the Norco Fair, Alice in Wonderland, The Nutcracker Suite, the Choreographic Workshop as a dancer, and The Sleeping Beauty. Every performance is optional in this division. A student may participate in all, some or none of them.

Additional opportunities: Students build a strong classical foundation and may receive faculty recommendations about progressing into the Pre-Professional Division when they are ready for a more structured commitment.

Best fit: Dancers who want high-quality classical training while choosing a class and performance commitment that works for their family.

Performance rehearsals: Performance choreography is taught and rehearsed during designated repertoire classes, not during ballet technique classes, for levels 1B and up. This ensures that every student receives their full technique class and that dancers who choose not to perform do not miss essential training.

 

Pre-Professional Division

Training: A structured, comprehensive training program with a set required class schedule based on the dancer’s level and faculty placement. 

Class schedule: Pre-Professional dancers complete the full required schedule for their assigned level rather than selecting individual class days.

Performances: Participation in assigned rehearsals and all CSCB performance opportunities is part of the program. These include the Norco Fair, Alice in Wonderland, The Nutcracker Suite, the Choreographic Workshop as a dancer or choreographer, and The Sleeping Beauty, subject to level-appropriate casting.

Additional opportunities: Pre-Professional dancers are eligible for certification. They may also be considered for teacher training or classroom-assistant opportunities. Eligible dancers may be considered to serve as a choreographer in the Choreographic Workshop. 

Best fit: This is CSCB’s recommended program for dancers who are seriously considering a career in ballet or who want to pursue ballet in a more serious, structured format.

 

Studio Company

What it is: CSCB’s small, invitation-only competition team. Studio Company is an additional opportunity within the Pre-Professional pathway, not a separate substitute for Pre-Professional training.

Eligibility: Every Studio Company dancer must be enrolled in the Pre-Professional Division. All members are selected from the Pre-Professional Division based on readiness, dedication, work ethic, attendance and artistic potential.

Why CSCB competes: Competitions are not the primary focus of CSCB training. Used thoughtfully, they can provide exposure, networking, opportunities to work with master teachers, scholarship possibilities and valuable performance experience in a higher-pressure setting.

Our approach: CSCB intentionally keeps the team small and places greater emphasis on what each dancer is learning, how the dancer is improving and whether the experience supports healthy long-term development.

Commitment: Studio Company dancers fulfill all Pre-Professional class, rehearsal and performance requirements, along with assigned private coaching, competition preparation and team events. Competition-related time and costs are additional.

 

Level Progression

Students typically spend one to two years in each level before advancing. Progression is based on technical development, strength, maturity, attendance and faculty assessment, not age or time in a level alone.​

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Questions Parents Often Ask​

Will my child receive less serious training in the Classical Division? No. All CSCB students are taught with the same commitment to correct classical technique, artistry, musicality and individual progress. The difference is the amount of required training and performance commitment.

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Can Classical Division students choose their class days? Yes. Families may choose from the appropriate classes for their dancer’s placement, with faculty guidance about which schedule will best support the dancer.

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Are performances required? Performances are optional for Classical Division students. Pre-Professional dancers are expected to participate in assigned rehearsals and performances as part of their program.

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Can a Classical Division student dance in the Choreographic Workshop? Yes, students in all divisions may be cast as dancers. To be considered as a student choreographer, a dancer must be eligible through the Pre-Professional Division.

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Does joining Pre-Professional guarantee certification, choreography or a teaching-assistant position? No. Pre-Professional enrollment makes a dancer eligible to pursue or be considered for these opportunities. Faculty determine readiness, selection and assignments.

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Can a dancer join Studio Company without joining Pre-Professional? No. Studio Company dancers are selected from the Pre-Professional Division and must continue meeting all Pre-Professional requirements.

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Does CSCB place a heavy emphasis on competitions? No. Classical training and each dancer’s improvement remain the priority. Studio Company uses selected competitions as an additional educational and performance experience.

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Your Next Step

Speak with CSCB faculty before registering or changing divisions. We will recommend the level and pathway that best supports your dancer now, and explain the schedule, attendance expectations, performance commitments and costs before you decide.