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Who is Gentle Barre for?
Any child who would enjoy dance, from classical ballet to creative movement, in a calmer, more flexible setting. Classes are designed with different sensory needs, learning styles, communication styles, and ways of moving in mind.
Does my child need ballet experience?
No. Gentle Barre welcomes children with little or no previous ballet experience. Classes introduce ballet fundamentals gradually and make room for different levels of experience, ability, attention, and comfort. Children who already have dance experience are also welcome.
What is adaptive dance?
Dance taught with flexibility built in. Gentle Barre is rooted in classical ballet, with its positions, port de bras, musicality, and coordination, and in creative movement. We adapt pacing, instruction, and the environment so more children can take part.
Is Gentle Barre a good fit for autistic children?
Gentle Barre welcomes autistic children and other children who may benefit from a more adaptive approach to movement. Classes make room for different sensory needs, communication styles, attention levels, and ways of participating.
What is creative movement?
Movement guided by music, imagination, rhythm, and exploration, where there is no single correct way to do it. Dancers might travel like animals, follow a scarf, or respond to a change in the music.
Is Gentle Barre therapy?
No. Gentle Barre is an arts and movement program. Classes do not diagnose or treat any condition and are not a substitute for therapy.
What happens if my child needs a break?
Breaks are always welcome.
Children are never expected to push through when they need a moment. A child may step away from the activity, observe from the side, use a quiet space, or rejoin when they are ready. Our instructors and support staff work with each child to make breaks feel like a natural part of the class rather than something they have to earn.
What should my child wear?
Wear comfortable, movement-friendly activewear that allows your child to move freely.
Traditional ballet attire is welcome, but there is no requirement for a ballet uniform. Children may wear leggings, athletic pants, shorts, fitted tops, leotards, or other comfortable activewear appropriate for movement.
For footwear, children should wear non-slip shoes appropriate for movement or participate barefoot when appropriate for the class and studio. The goal is to allow children to move safely and comfortably, including running, jumping, stretching, and moving freely through the space.
Families do not need to purchase specialized ballet clothing before attending.
How large are classes?
Classes are intentionally small.
Gentle Barre classes are intentionally capped to allow instructors to offer individualized attention while maintaining a calm, supportive environment. Additional teaching assistants or classroom support may be present depending on enrollment and the needs of the group.
Where are classes offered?
At partner studios and community spaces in Miami. The class finder lists every current location, with its address and how to register.
How do I find and reserve a class?
Search the class finder by ZIP code or city, choose a location, and review its schedule and class details. Registration happens through each location, which manages its own pricing and enrollment.
Are scholarships available?
Families may be able to use Step Up For Students scholarships at participating partner locations that are approved Step Up providers. Because availability depends on each location, please check with the class location or contact us before registering.