C.F.
We just moved here so I haven't tried the rec centers here but I had my daughter in the rec center ballet class near our home and I thought it was wonderful.
I grew up in dance and know that the preferred age to start structured ballet classes is 8. I know people who believe 5 or 6 is okay if the child is mature. Ballet centers on a lot of terminology and discipline. It takes a lot of patience and concentration. Many ballet schools will not start a child in a structured ballet class until 5-6 and recommend "pre-ballet" or creative movement for those younger. I don't know how old your child is but I believe the rec center is the perfect place to try new things and be introduced to ballet until the child is old and mature enough to study ballet.
Hope this helps.