Where Ballet Becomes a Place to Grow
First Position is Ballet Spartanburg's free ballet and mentorship program created to serve children and youth in foster care, including those being cared for by foster families and kinship caregivers. Designed for students ages 5–18, the program combines age-appropriate ballet instruction with encouragement, connection, and a supportive community at no cost.
Through weekly classes with peers of similar ages, students experience the discipline and artistry of classical ballet while developing communication skills, independence, responsibility, friendships, and confidence. No previous dance experience is required.
MEET THE FOUNDER & INSTRUCTOR | Nate Nettles
Nate Nettles is a Company Artist with Ballet Spartanburg and founder of the First Position Initiative. After spending more than seven years in foster care before being adopted at age 10, Nate was inspired by his own experiences to create the program he wishes had been available to him growing up. A professionally trained dancer, Nate joined Ballet Spartanburg in 2025 and is passionate about helping young people discover their strengths, build confidence, and recognize their potential.
Why First Position?
First Position was created with a simple belief: a child's circumstances should never determine the opportunities available to them.
Ballet provides the foundation, but what happens in the studio reaches beyond learning steps. Students are given opportunities to challenge themselves, celebrate progress, form friendships, develop life skills, and learn alongside adults and peers who want to see them succeed.
Each class combines:
Ballet Instruction
Age-appropriate training focused on technique, creativity, musicality, and the joy of movement.
Mentorship
Positive role models who encourage students, celebrate their successes, and help them believe in themselves.
Meaningful Conversations
Age-appropriate discussions that strengthen communication, decision-making, and other skills students can carry into everyday life.
Friendship & Community
A small, supportive class environment where students learn alongside peers and experience the importance of teamwork, kindness, and supporting one another.
Program Inforamtion
Instructor: Nate Nettles
Cost: Free for eligible students
Class Size: Maximum of 12 students per class
Ages: 5–18
Schedule: Saturdays throughout the CFDE academic year
Location: Ballet Spartanburg Studios at the Chapman Cultural Center
200 E. Saint John St., Spartanburg, SC 29306
Previous Dance Experience: None required
Program T-Shirt: Provided by First Position
Classes begin after Labor Day and follow the Ballet Spartanburg Center for Dance Education academic calendar throughout the school year.
The First Position Joureny
Students are placed in the group that best aligns with their age and stage of development. Each level provides ballet instruction, mentorship, conversations, and experiences appropriate for that stage of life.
Group 1 | Discovering Ballet:
Ages 5–7 | Saturdays, 10:00–11:00 AM
Children are introduced to ballet through movement, music, imagination, and play while building confidence, friendships, and a love for learning.
Group 2 | Building Strong Foundations:
Ages 8–11 | Saturdays, 11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Students build ballet skills while strengthening responsibility, teamwork, perseverance, and self-belief in a supportive environment.
Group 3 | Developing Technique & Artistry:
Ages 12–15 | Saturdays, 1:00–2:00 PM
Students refine their ballet technique while developing greater independence, leadership opportunities, meaningful friendships, and age-appropriate mentorship.
Group 4 | Beyond the Studio:
Ages 16–18 | Saturdays, 2:00–3:00 PM
Older students strengthen their ballet technique while participating in mentorship, leadership development, and discussions that help prepare them for adulthood.
What Students Experience
Every First Position class is designed to provide students with opportunities to:
- Learn age-appropriate classical ballet technique
- Develop creativity and musicality
- Strengthen communication and decision-making skills
- Build independence and responsibility
- Form friendships with peers
- Learn from positive role models
- Develop teamwork and perseverance
- Celebrate progress and embrace new challenges
- Have the opportunity to participate in an end-of-year performance based on consistent participation and attendance
What to Wear
First Position provides every student with an FPI T-shirt. Families will select the student's T-shirt size during registration.
Female students: FPI T-shirt, black leggings, and white socks
Male students: FPI T-shirt, black basketball-length athletic shorts, and white socks
These clothing requirements allow students to move comfortably and freely during class.
How to Register
Families must complete a registration form before a student attends their first class.
Families and caregivers referred to First Position will receive a registration code through DSS or PS I Love You Ministries. This code is required to complete registration and will change each year.
AGES 19–21
Young adults ages 19–21 who remain eligible through South Carolina's Extended Foster Care (EFC) program and are interested in continuing their dance journey are encouraged to contact Ballet Spartanburg.
Adult ballet opportunities may be available based on the individual's interests and experience.
Another Way to Dance | Dance For All
Ballet Spartanburg's Center for Dance Education also offers Dance for All, a free adaptive dance program designed for students with physical, developmental, and intellectual disabilities.
Families who feel Dance for All may better meet their child's individual needs are invited to learn more about the program.
Learn More About Dance for All
READY TO LEARN MORE?
If you have questions about First Position, eligibility, or registration, please contact:
Analay Saiz
Center for Dance Education Principal
asaiz@balletspartanburg.org
Carlos Agudelo, 2023 SC Governor's Award for an Individual
Ballet Spartanburg's Artistic Director, Carlos Agudelo, was awarded the South Carolina Governor's Award from the South Carolina Arts Commission on May 23, 2023, at the Chapman Cultural Center. The award was presented by Mr. David Platt, Executive Director of the South Carolina Arts Commission. "We recognize the unparalleled energy, enthusiasm, devotion and love for dance that Carlos has gifted to our community out of his passion for all to experience the arts for the past 32 years. We are overjoyed that Carlos has been recognized by the South Carolina Arts Commission, " Teresa S. Berline, Executive Director. "The South Carolina Arts Commission is an extraordinary organization in our state which promotes and advocates opportunities in the arts which values equality, access, diversity and inclusion. Ballet Spartanburg is honored by the support of the South Carolina Arts Commission and the recognition of Carlos Agudelo."