“Dancing can reveal all the mystery that music conceals.”
- Charles Baudelaire
Children's Division

The Children’s Division at the Central School of Ballet Phnom Penh offers classes based on a syllabus designed to cultivate young dancers. It emphasises development of body strength, coordination and the discipline required for classical ballet and dance. Although we take our training seriously, we strive to create a nurturing, comfortable, fun and noncompetitive atmosphere in the classroom. Central School of Ballet Phnom Penh offers three levels of training to children.

Pre Ballet

This programme is designed for children from 6 to 9 who are ready to be introduced to a class format that aims to prepare them for a traditional ballet class. The elements of creative movement will be augmented by more coordination and sequence-related exercises: floor formations that teach children to remember their “place” in the room; movement exercises that emphasise straight legs and pointed feet, posture, placement, stretches and comportment of classical ballet. Basic ballet concepts such as 1st and 2nd positions and pliés will be introduced. Fun, creative elements such as stories, games and other imaginative activities will keep the pace of the class lively and engaging.

Pre Ballet students have to attend class twice a week. Pre Ballet (Lower) classes are held every Monday and Wednesday from 16:00 to 16:45 and Pre Ballet (Upper) classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 16:00 to 17:00.

Parents are invited to attend Parent Observation Day held at the end of term twice a year. Pre Ballet students do not take part in recitals as it can be a very traumatic experience for such a small child to get up on a stage in front of a large audience. CSBPP feels that children get used to performing in a safe environment on parents' day and then make an easy transition to stage performance in the Junior Associates programme. Students who complete the Pre Ballet programme are assured a spot in the Junior Associate Ballet Programme at Central School of Ballet Phnom Penh.


Junior Associates

The Junior Associates programme has been developed to guide young dancers through the early stages of their training. Classes are based on ability, and grow in complexity as the dancers progress. It emphasises development of body strength, coordination and discipline. At Central School of Ballet Phnom Penh we strive to create young well-rounded individuals as well as promising artists.

Junior Associates Level I

This class is designed for children aged 8 – 12 (experience dependent) and helps bridge a student’s transition from the Pre Ballet programme into a more structured class environment. They are introduced to an increased level of formal training consisting of barre and centre work. The posture, placement and comportment of classical ballet will be emphasised. The exercises introduced at this level focus on alignment, flexibility and coordination, and will develop a strong foundation of physical and cognitive understanding necessary for Classical Ballet training.

Junior Associates I students have to attend class twice a week. Junior Associates I (Upper) classes are held Mondays and Wednesdays from 17:00 to 18:15. Junior Associates I (Lower) classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 17:00 to 18:15.

Junior Associates Level II

This class is designed for children aged 11-15 (experience dependent) and builds on the work of the level I class. It continues to stress posture, placement and comportment while expanding the student's ballet vocabulary. Exercises and combinations grow in complexity as the dancer gains strength.

Junior Associates II students have to attend class twice a week. Junior Associates II classes will be offered as soon as there are enough students advanced enough to attend this level of classes.

All Junior Associates will be invited to perform in productions and public performances run by the school.

There are no Junior Associates II classes at the moment.

Download Tuition Fee Schedule for 2013 (30/03/13 edit) [requires Acrobat Reader]
Download Application Package [requires Acrobat Reader]

Central School of Ballet Phnom Penh Uniform and Class Decorum

Discipline and grooming are an integral part of a dancer's life, therefore CSBPP has a strict policy on uniforms. The correct dancewear must be worn at all times. In addition, hair must be securely pinned up in a bun. No loose braids, pony tails, etc. are permitted. No scrunchies or head bands are allowed. Bangs should be secured back if hanging in the eyes, and hair pinned up off the back of the neck. Jewellery, including watches, are not to be worn into any class. Students who are not properly attired may only observe class. As two of the qualities CSBPP endeavours to impart to the students are discipline and respect for oneself, CSBPP believes it is important to demand attention to rules.

Girls' Uniform

Pre Ballet - pink tights (footed), light pink short-sleeved leotard, pink canvas or leather full-sole or split-sole ballet shoes

Junior Associates I - pink tights (footed), light blue short-sleeved leotard, pink canvas or leather full-sole or split-sole ballet shoes

Junior Associates II - pink tights (footed), fuchsia short-sleeved leotard, pink canvas or leather full-sole or split-sole ballet shoes

Boys' Uniform

Pre Ballet - Short sleeved white T-shirt, black leggings, white socks, white canvas or leather full-sole or split-sole ballet shoes

Junior Associates I and II - Short sleeved white T-shirt, black tights or leggings, white socks, white canvas or leather full-sole or split-sole ballet shoes


All children's uniforms can be purchased from CSBPP's dancewear shop.


Class Decorum


Ballet is an art which requires skills. The learning of these skills demands discipline. In keeping with the traditions of ballet, CSBPP expects and demands that students be disciplined and attentive in class, and maintain a pleasant and positive attitude. Talking is not allowed except when indicated by the instructor. Students must not hang on the barres. Absolutely no gum is permitted in the studio. Street shoes are not allowed on studio floors, or ballet shoes outside of the studio. CSBPP reserves the right to expel any student who does not conduct herself/himself in a courteous and orderly manner.


You can download the complete School Policies here:
CSBPP School Policies [requires Acrobat Reader]

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