Classes

Ballet technique classes focus on proper alignment and posture; musicality and coordination; strength, flexibility, and endurance; clarity of movement and classical line; and artistry and expressive quality. As dancers progress through the levels from Pre-Primary to 6B, classes gradually introduce more complex vocabulary, increased physical demands, and deeper artistic exploration.

Pre-Pointe is a pointe preparation class for serious ballet students interested in dancing en pointe. Pre-Pointe is a 30-minute class that meets weekly or bi-weekly, usually after the student’s ballet class. The class is initially taken barefoot to develop dexterity and strength in the toes and metatarsals along with a general conditioning of the body. At the instructor’s discretion, the dancer will graduate to wearing “pre-pointe” shoes – a modified version of a pointe shoe which provides the texture and feel of the harder sole and box of a pointe shoe but does not allow a dancer to go up onto the tip of the shoes.

A dancer is invited into pre-pointe class once she displays correct posture and placement in ballet class, and demonstrates adequate muscle control.

After mastering pre-pointe shoes and developing the necessary strength and control, a dancer will, at the discretion of their instructor, transition to Pointe class. Pointe class is 30 minutes, usually after the student’s ballet class. Early pointe classes are done solely with the support of the barre and center work is introduced very gradually. Dancers should expect the pre-pointe/pointe education phase to span a minimum of at 2 years before a dancer is deemed proficient enough to dance off the barre independently. This will ensure the proper and well-phased development in a dancer’s pointe technique. If a dancer moves through their pointe training period too rapidly it can lead to bad habits and ultimately severe injuries.

A Variation is a short dance (solo, duet, or trio) from a full-length ballet. Variations class is offered to Upper/Pre-Professional Division pointe students with a strong technical foundation. Variations class teaches dancers stamina, spacing, stage presence, and students will be exposed to a wide variety of technical styles, stories and steps while learning some of the most famous choreography in the ballet world!

Pas de Deux class is offered, by invitation of the Artistic Staff, to level 4A-6B dancers. The class focuses on understanding how male and female dancers work together. Our instructors work with dancers on technique, support, balance, coordination, lifting, and trust, and will tailor the class work to the level/ability of the dancers. Beginning work might include basic weight transfer exercises, promenades in various positions, pirouettes from fourth and finger turns. Lifts begin small and broken into segments, and work up to more complicated full lifts. Pas de Deux is a vital part of our curriculum to prepare dancers for our performances and potential performing careers, as well as just the enjoyment of learning to partner!

Character dance is a stylized representation of traditional folk or national dance. In classical ballets, Character dances are usually used to depict large scenes of gatherings, royal parties or festivals, and are often a joyous and celebratory part of a ballet. Character class uses music and dances from all over the world which have been adapted for theater, and helps students develop musicality, stage presence, and expressiveness.

Contemporary ballet utilizes elements and techniques from other styles of ballet—classical, romantic, and neoclassical—and combines them with improvisation and freer movements to create a style that’s expressive and nontraditional.This class will teach students technical skills, musicality, and expression of emotions through dance.

Jazz combines many styles and techniques from ethnic and contemporary dance to ballet. Our Jazz class teaches basic and more advanced (depending on the level) jazz dance steps, terminology and style with an emphasis on proper technique, alignment and movement quality. Class work and choreography is set to age appropriate jazz, R&B, ethnic and pop music.

Improvisation in dance is the process of spontaneously creating movement. Dancers in the Improvisation class are cued and encouraged to free the body from habitual movement patterns or mental blocks through topics, exercises and creative explorations of dramatic themes, abstract concepts, ideas of shapes and dynamics, partnering/group work, and a variety of planes of movement. Improv helps dancers (ballet dancers in particular), to break through fears of being different, wrong, or not good enough and to learn to move freely and compose dance in the moment to cultivate their unique voices as artists.

Whether you’re brand new to ballet, rediscovering a past passion, or simply looking for a fun and effective way to stay active, this class is for you! Teen/Adult Ballet is designed for beginners and returning dancers ages 13+, with a focus on building strength, flexibility, musicality, balance, and coordination. Each class is tailored to meet the needs of the participants, ensuring a supportive experience for all skill levels. Classes are held in a relaxed, encouraging, and professional environment—where artistry meets wellness. Wear leotard/tights/skirt or comfortable workout clothing, with socks or ballet slippers.

This movement-based class is a joyful introduction to dance for your toddler (age 18mo – 3yrs) combining music, imaginative play, and basic dance concepts, in a fun and nurturing environment. Designed to support early development, the class encourages creativity, builds coordination and balance, and provides socialization while also strengthening the special bond between child and caregiver. A participating adult (mom, dad, grandparent, nanny, etc.) joins in the class, making it a shared experience full of connection, music, and movement.