Ballet Hawaii, Honolulu's largest ballet company, will offer ballet classes at Island Pacific Academy in Kapolei, starting Tuesday.

Based at Dole Cannery in Iwilei, Ballet Hawaii started the outreach program in response to popular demand.

"We have many inquiries from families in the Kapolei area," said Pamela Taylor-Tongg, Ballet Hawaii's artistic director for more than two decades. "I live in Kapolei, so I am thrilled to have this wonderful opportunity right here in my own neighborhood."

Classes will be held at Island Pacific Academy, which in turn is opening the sessions to students in the Kapolei area. Classes will be offered at two levels: Pre-ballet, ages 5 and 6; and Ballet I, ages 6 and older, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Additional sessions will be added for the summer.

The core classes, for beginners to professional, will continue at Dole Cannery.