Enrollments Now Open for 2026/2027 School Year *Grades PreK3-Eighth*
Enrollments Now Open for 2026/2027 School Year *Grades PreK3-Eighth*
A Playful Introduction to Dance, Music, and Movement
Creative Movement is a joyful, imagination‑rich class designed especially for three‑ and four‑year‑olds taking their very first steps into the world of dance. This class nurtures confidence, coordination, and creativity through age‑appropriate activities that blend music, storytelling, and expressive movement.
Young dancers explore:
• Basic rhythm, tempo, and musical responsiveness
• Simple movement patterns that build balance and coordination
• Creative expression through stories, imagery, and pretend play
• Spatial awareness and gentle group interaction
• The joy of moving their bodies with freedom and confidence
Children attend class dressed in a leotard of their choice and ballet shoes, allowing them to move comfortably while beginning to feel like dancers.
The environment is warm, encouraging, and developmentally supportive—perfect for little ones discovering how fun dance can be. Creative Movement lays the foundation for future classes such as Tiny Tappers, Primary Ballet, and Primary Tap.
A Joyful Introduction to Classical Ballet Foundations
Primary Ballet is a delightful, developmentally appropriate class designed for young dancers ages five and six who are ready for a more structured introduction to ballet. This class blends imaginative movement with the early building blocks of classical technique, helping children grow in confidence, coordination, and musicality.
Students learn:
• Basic ballet positions and simple barre exercises
• Graceful movement, posture, and balance
• Musicality, rhythm, and expressive storytelling through dance
• Spatial awareness, coordination, and beginning technique
• Short, age‑appropriate choreography that celebrates creativity
The environment is warm, encouraging, and playful—perfect for young dancers taking their first steps into the world of ballet. Primary Ballet builds a strong foundation for future study while nurturing a lifelong love of movement and the arts.
👗 Uniform Requirements
Girls:
• Light Blue SoDanca Child Tank with Princess Seams (Millie SL11)
• Split Sole Ballet Shoes (Pink)
• Pink Tights
• Optional Ballet Skirt
Boys:
• White T‑Shirt
• Black Pants or Shorts
• Split Sole Ballet Shoes (Black)
All uniform items can be purchased at:
Cristons Dancewear
5516 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Killeen, TX 76543
(254) 526‑6174
A Fun and Rhythmic Introduction to Tap Dance
Primary Tap is an energetic and engaging class designed for five‑ and six‑year‑olds who are ready to explore the lively world of tap dance. This class introduces young dancers to the fundamentals of rhythm, coordination, and musicality through playful, age‑appropriate instruction.
Students learn:
• Basic tap steps and clear beginning sounds
• Simple rhythm patterns and musical timing
• Traveling steps and coordination skills
• Short, upbeat combinations that build confidence
• Expressive movement and performance readiness
The atmosphere is upbeat, encouraging, and developmentally supportive—perfect for young dancers who love to move, make sound, and express themselves through music and rhythm.
👟 Uniform Requirements
Girls & Boys:
• Tap Shoes: Black tap shoes (preferably slip‑on or Velcro for ease)
• Comfortable dance attire (leotard, dance top, or fitted shirt)
• Leggings, dance shorts, or fitted pants that allow free movement
The First Step in Formal Classical Ballet Training
Ballet Level 1 marks the beginning of our Pre‑Professional Track, offering young dancers a strong and developmentally appropriate foundation in classical ballet. This formative year emphasizes the essential building blocks of technique, including proper posture, body alignment, coordination, and strength.
Students also develop:
• Musicality and rhythmic awareness
• Imaginative artistry and expressive movement
• French ballet terminology
• Confidence, discipline, and healthy classroom habits
As part of the pre‑professional program, Ballet Level 1 prepares dancers for the increasing demands of higher‑level training. The skills learned in this level support future success in ballet competitions, college‑level dance programs, and long‑term artistic goals. This class blends technical rigor with creativity, nurturing both precision and a love for the art of ballet.
👗 Uniform Requirements
Girls:
• White SoDanca Tank Leotard with Princess Seams (Millie SL11 or Amelia SL10)
• Split Sole Ballet Shoes (Pink)
• Pink Tights
• Optional Ballet Skirt
Boys:
• White T‑Shirt
• Black Pants or Shorts
• Split Sole Ballet Shoes (Black)
All uniform items can be purchased at:
Cristons Dancewear
5516 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Killeen, TX 76543
(254) 526‑6174
A Fun and Foundational Introduction to Rhythm and Movement
Tap 1 is a lively and engaging introduction to the world of rhythm, sound, and percussive movement. Young dancers learn essential beginning steps—such as ball heels, shuffles, and flaps—that build the foundation for more complex tap skills in future levels. The class emphasizes timing, musicality, and coordination, all within a supportive and upbeat environment.
Students experience:
• Warm‑ups that build strength and flexibility
• Skill‑building exercises across the floor
• Beginning rhythm patterns and clear tap sounds
• Short combinations practiced in the center
• Opportunities for creative expression and confidence building
Tap 1 is a joyful space where dancers discover how movement and sound come together, helping them develop both technical skills and a love for tap dance.
👟 Uniform Requirements
All Students:
• Black Tap Shoes (slip‑on or Velcro recommended for ease)
• Comfortable dance attire (leotard, dance top, or fitted shirt)
• Leggings, dance shorts, or fitted pants that allow free movement
A High‑Energy Introduction to Jazz Technique and Style
Jazz 1 is an upbeat and engaging class designed for dancers ages seven and up who are ready to explore the exciting world of jazz dance. This level introduces foundational jazz technique while encouraging confidence, musicality, and expressive movement.
Students learn:
• Basic jazz vocabulary and stylized movement
• Isolations, simple turns, and beginning leaps
• Strength, flexibility, and alignment for safe technique
• Musicality, rhythm, and expressive performance skills
• Short combinations that build coordination and confidence
The class atmosphere is energetic, supportive, and fun—perfect for dancers who love to move, perform, and explore a dynamic style of dance.
👟 Uniform Requirements
All Students:
• Tan Jazz Shoes
• Comfortable dance attire (leotard, dance top, or fitted shirt)
• Leggings, dance shorts, or fitted pants that allow full range of movement
Refining Technique, Musicality, and Artistic Discipline
Ballet Level 2 is a vital stage in the Pre‑Professional Track, designed for students who have demonstrated a solid understanding of the foundational concepts introduced in Ballet Level 1. At this level, dancers refine their technique through an expanded curriculum that emphasizes body alignment, muscle awareness, and focused training—key elements that support continued progress in classical ballet.
Students engage in comprehensive instruction that includes:
• Ballet technique and structured barre work
• Stretch and conditioning for strength and flexibility
• Music for dancers, including rhythm, phrasing, and musical interpretation
• Continued development of French ballet terminology
• Artistic expression, performance quality, and movement refinement
The integrated music component deepens students’ understanding of how music shapes ballet. Dancers explore time signatures and rhythmic structures—such as waltz, mazurka, polka, and gallop—and learn to recognize and count musical preparations within exercises. They are introduced to classical repertoire from composers like Tchaikovsky, Chopin, and Adam, discovering how different compositions support movement qualities from adagio to tendu and petit allegro.
Ballet Level 2 cultivates discipline, precision, and artistry. It is a transformative phase that strengthens technique while nurturing each dancer’s passion and expressive voice, preparing them for the increasing demands of higher‑level training.
👗 Uniform Requirements
Girls:
• White SoDanca Tank Leotard with Princess Seams (Millie SL11 or Amelia SL10)
• Split Sole Ballet Shoes (Pink)
• Pink Tights
• Optional Ballet Skirt
Boys:
• White T‑Shirt
• Black Pants or Shorts
• Split Sole Ballet Shoes (Black)
All uniform items can be purchased at:
Cristons Dancewear
5516 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Killeen, TX 76543
(254) 526‑6174
An Inclusive, Joy‑Filled Movement Class for Every Dancer
All Abilities Dance is a welcoming and adaptive class designed for dancers of all physical, developmental, and learning abilities. This class celebrates movement in all its forms, offering a supportive environment where every student can participate, express themselves, and experience the joy of dance.
Students explore:
• Creative movement and expressive storytelling
• Rhythm, musicality, and simple choreography
• Balance, coordination, and motor‑skill development
• Social interaction, teamwork, and confidence‑building activities
• Movement choices tailored to individual needs and comfort levels
Our instructors use flexible teaching methods, visual supports, and sensory‑friendly approaches to ensure each dancer feels successful and included. Whether a student is new to dance or continuing their artistic journey, All Abilities Dance provides a positive, uplifting space where everyone can shine.
A Creative, Confidence‑Building Introduction to the Art of Performance
Acting Techniques & Improvisation is a dynamic studio class where young performers explore the fundamentals of acting through engaging games, character‑building exercises, and imaginative improvisational play. Students learn how to use their voices, bodies, and creativity to bring characters to life while developing essential performance skills.
Dancers and actors alike grow in:
• Confidence and stage presence
• Creative thinking and expressive storytelling
• Collaboration and ensemble awareness
• Character development and emotional expression
• Quick thinking and adaptability through improvisation
Whether students are brand‑new to acting or eager to expand their performance toolbox, this class provides a fun, supportive environment where every young actor can shine. It’s an inspiring space to build skills, explore imagination, and discover the joy of performing on stage.
A Creative Journey Through Mixed Media Art
Art Explorers is a hands‑on, imagination‑rich class where young artists discover the joy of creating with a wide variety of materials. Designed for children ages 5–8, this course introduces foundational art skills while encouraging curiosity, confidence, and creative expression.
Students experiment with:
• Clay and simple sculpting techniques
• Oil and chalk pastels
• Drawing tools and sketching basics
• Collage, mixed textures, and layering
• Painting with watercolor and tempera
Through guided prompts and open‑ended projects, students learn to make artistic choices, explore new techniques, and express their ideas across multiple media. The environment is welcoming, structured, and supportive—perfect for budding artists ready to explore, imagine, and create.
Expanding Artistic Foundations & Technique
Art Foundations is designed for students ages 8 and up who are ready to deepen their artistic practice and build confidence across a range of visual art skills. This class expands on core concepts with a strong emphasis on drawing and painting techniques that help young artists refine both control and creativity.
Students develop skills in:
• Line quality, proportion, and accurate observation
• Shading, value, and texture to create depth
• Layered composition and intentional design
• Basic painting techniques using watercolor and acrylic
• Color mixing, brush control, and surface preparation
Projects challenge students to strengthen technical ability while also encouraging imaginative exploration and creative risk‑taking. As they experiment with new tools and processes, students begin to develop a personal artistic style and a deeper understanding of visual expression.
This class provides a supportive, structured environment where growing artists can expand their skills, explore new media, and take meaningful steps forward in their creative journey.
From Expressive Brushwork to Lifelike Detail
Portrait & Realism is a studio‑style course that introduces young artists to the foundational skills behind creating expressive and lifelike portraits. Students explore both classical and contemporary approaches as they learn to observe closely, interpret creatively, and bring characters to life on the page.
Artists develop skills in:
• Facial structure, proportion, and anatomy
• Light, shadow, and tonal value
• Realistic rendering techniques
• Expressive brushwork and abstract interpretation
• Blending classical realism with imaginative style
Through guided demonstrations and hands‑on practice, students learn how to capture personality, emotion, and detail while experimenting with both traditional and abstract methods. This course is ideal for focused learners eager to strengthen their observational skills and expand their artistic voice.

Hill Country Arts Academy offers affordable, high-quality instruction in dance, theater, and art.
For multiple enrollments, tuition is calculated using our comprehensive Tuition Chart, based on the total minutes of weekly class participation. This ensures accessibility while rewarding student engagement.
Hill Country Arts Academy
3507 Trimmier Road, Killeen, Texas 76542, United States
Hill Country Arts Academy – TEFA Voucher Program Update
Hill Country Arts Academy will not be participating in the TEFA Voucher Program for the 2026–2027 school year. Our leadership team is continuing to review program requirements, timelines, and potential impacts to ensure any future participation aligns with our mission, values, and commitment to high-quality arts education.
We encourage families to check back at a later date for updates regarding our participation in the 2027–2028 school year.
If you have additional questions, our administrative team is always happy to assist.