SLO Movement Arts Center

SLO Movement Arts Center offers Primary Ballet for ages 3–5, Level One for ages 6–8, Level 2 for ages 7–10, Level Two Plus for ages 8–10, Level 3 for ages 8–12, Level 3 Plus for ages 9–12, Level 4 for experienced middle and high school dancers, Level 5, Adult Dance, and Dance Sculpt for ages 12+ through adult. The program includes ballet, barre work, modern dance technique, contemporary repertoire, contemporary/jazz, and pointe work, with placement based on age and ability.

Programs

• Primary Ballet — Ages 3–5 · Designed for dancers ages 3–5 to build a solid foundation. Training commitment: 1 hour of Ballet per week.
• Level One — Ages 6–8 · Dancers ages 6–8 are introduced to barre work. Training options: 1 hour of Ballet per week.
• Level 2 — Ages 7–10 · For dancers typically between ages 7 and 10 with some ballet experience. Training commitment: Two 1.15-hour Ballet classes per week.
• Level Two Plus — Ages 8–10 · Ballet classes are supplemented with Modern Dance Technique and Contemporary Repertoire. Training commitment: Two 1.15-hour Ballet classes per week and One 1-hour Contemporary/Jazz class per week.
• Level 3 — Ages 8–12
• Level 3 Plus — Ages 9–12 · Dedicated dancers ages 9–12 may be invited to join Level Three Plus. Dancers must already be dancing on Pointe to join this level.
• Level 4 — Experienced Middle & High School Dancers · For experienced Middle or High School dancers. Dancers at this level are invited to audition for the Movement Arts Collective for additional performance experience.
• Level 5 — Advanced Conservatory Training designed to complete pre-professional training and prepare dancers for further study in college or nationally recognized programs.
• Adult Dance — Adult · A beginning ballet and contemporary dance class for adults.
• Dance Sculpt — Ages 12+ thru Adult

At a glance

• Ages: 3–18 years old
• General schedule: Conservatory-style dance training for children and young adults ages 4–18. The program includes leveled classes and progressive training.

About the provider

The program was founded by professional dancers and educators Maartje Hermans-Lawrence and Ryan Lawrence. In 2012, they returned to Ryan’s hometown of San Luis Obispo and began building the program. Ryan Lawrence earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from The Juilliard School, and Maartje Hermans-Lawrence trained at the Dutch National Ballet Academy in Amsterdam, where she earned her degree in dance. The program’s mission is to inspire a lifelong interest in the performing arts, create ballet dancers of a recognized caliber, and develop model young individuals by encouraging commitment, dedication, and the sustained pursuit of excellence in the art of dance.

Placement is based on age and ability. New students need to create a member account first. Temporary passwords are valid for 24 hours. If having trouble logging in, clear browser cookies/cache.

What families say

“The training at Movement Arts Center is the best we have found anywhere!” — M. Wilson

Last updated September 23, 2026.