PLACEMENT GUIDE ✦
find where you belong.
Every dancer's journey is different. GEM's placement system considers three things: age, technical level, and training commitment—helping each dancer find an environment where they can feel supported, challenged, and inspired to grow.
AGE GROUP
Who you train with.
CLASS LEVEL
Where you are technically.
TRAINING PATH
How much you train.
Age Groups
Where do I start?
A dancer’s age group determines where they train, not how much they train. Beginning at age 6, dancers can participate at different levels of commitment through GEM’s Foundation, Development, and Intensive training paths. Little Gems ages 3–5 follow their own age-appropriate early childhood curriculum.
little gems
AGES 3-5
A joyful first step into movement, music, and dance.
Focus:
• Movement
• Musicality
• Creativity
• Confidence
MINI
AGES 6-9
Building strong foundations while discovering a love for movement.
Focus:
• Fundamentals
• Musicality
• Coordination
• Confidence
JUNIOR
AGES 10-12
Strengthening technique while developing versatility and artistry.
Focus:
• Technique
• Strength
• Versatility
• Performance
TEEN
AGES 13-15
Deepening technical training while developing individual artistry and performance.
Focus:
• Technique
• Artistry
• Musicality
• Performance
SENIOR
AGES 16-18
Refining technique and artistry while preparing dancers for their individual goals.
Focus:
• Technical Refinement
• Versatility
• Artistry
• Preparation
where are you technically?
Within each age group (ages 6+), dancers are placed in a class level based on technical ability and instructor recommendation.
Class Levels
LEVEL I
For dancers developing the fundamental technique, vocabulary, coordination, and classroom skills required for the style.
- Building foundational technique
- Learning core vocabulary and skills
- Developing coordination and strength
- Gaining confidence in the classroom
- Working on consistency and focus
The goal at Level I is to build a strong foundation for growth.
LEVEL II
For dancers with established fundamentals who are ready for increased complexity, technical expectations, and artistry.
- Demonstrating solid technique
- Ready for more complex combinations
- Developing musicality and performance
- Improving strength, flexibility, and control
- Building independence and consistency
The goal at Level II is to expand skills and improve execution.
LEVEL III
For experienced dancers demonstrating strong technical foundations, maturity, versatility, and readiness for more demanding material.
- Executing advanced technique
- Performing with confidence and control
- Showing strong musicality and artistry
- Training with focus and discipline
- Ready for high-level challenges
The goal at Level III is to refine technique, elevate artistry, and prepare for advanced training.
placement Is personal
Not Sure What Level Is Right?
You don’t need to figure it out on your own. GEM will help determine the class level that best supports your dancer based on their experience, technical ability, and individual needs.
Placement may vary by style, so a dancer may train at different levels across different disciplines.
