The Pasadena Civic Ballet Center offers classes in ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, musical theater and character with an emphasis on developing the student as an artist and an individual. Involvement in the Center can begin as early as 3 1/2 years of age and can continue for life. The purpose of the Pasadena Civic Ballet is threefold: To provide quality instruction in the art and technique of dance, with an emphasis on ballet as the foundation for discipline and vocabulary. To create performance opportunities to allow the dancers to grow as artists as well as develop self confidence, poise and presentation skills. To provide a nurturing, supportive environment that emphasizes dance as an avenue to growth as an individual and as an artist through dedication, discipline, creativity, and camaraderie. Ballet serves as our base of instruction because of its sound principles of correct alignment and wide vocabulary of movement, as well as its beauty and power. The fundamentals of movement taught in ballet technique can be applied to all forms of dance. It demands focus and concentrated effort, and provides a sound basis for learning all movement disciplines, including sports. It also promotes health and physical fitness. The discipline and tenacity developed in class can be applied to other endeavors. The friendships made and support received in the dance environment will be a positive influence on their development as dancers and as individuals.