Ballet Technique

Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of ballet while developing confidence, coordination, and creative self-expression. Class begins at the barre with exercises focused on strength, alignment, musicality, and learning the basic vocabulary of ballet. Students then apply these skills through jumps, traveling steps, and simple combinations across the floor. Fun music and choreography encourage students to discover the joy of movement and develop their own sense of artistry. Monthly Modern or Jazz classes expand students’ movement vocabulary and creative exploration. Open to students age 7 and up; no prior dance experience required.

Prerequisite: None; instructor permission required for students under age 7.

Dress: Pink leotard, pink or flesh-colored tights, and ballet slippers; OR black leggings/shorts, white T-shirt, and ballet slippers. Hair pulled back from the face. No jewelry other than non-dangling earrings.

Building on the skills developed in Ballet I, students continue to strengthen their ballet technique while developing coordination, musicality, and creative self-expression. Class begins at the barre with exercises focused on alignment, strength, and a deeper understanding of ballet vocabulary and technique. Students then apply these skills through more complex jumps, traveling steps, and combinations across the floor. Fun music and choreography encourage confidence and artistry. Monthly Modern or Jazz classes expand students’ movement vocabulary and creative exploration.

Prerequisite: Two full semesters of Ballet I or instructor permission.

Dress: Light purple leotard, pink or flesh-colored tights, and ballet slippers; OR black leggings/shorts, white T-shirt, and ballet slippers. Hair pulled back from the face. No jewelry other than non-dangling earrings.

Building on the skills developed in Ballet II, students deepen their understanding of ballet technique, alignment, musicality, and body awareness. Class begins at the barre with exercises that develop strength, coordination, and an understanding of how the body moves efficiently. Students then apply these skills through increasingly complex jumps, traveling steps, and combinations across the floor. Exercises challenge students’ coordination and mind-body connection while encouraging confidence and creative self-expression. Monthly Modern or Jazz classes expand students’ movement vocabulary and creative exploration.

Prerequisite: Two full semesters of Ballet II or instructor permission.

Dress: Maroon leotard, pink or flesh-colored tights, and ballet slippers; OR black leggings/shorts, white T-shirt, and ballet slippers. Hair pulled back from the face. No jewelry other than non-dangling earrings.

Building on the skills developed in Ballet III, students continue to refine their ballet technique while developing greater strength, coordination, musicality, and body awareness. Class begins at the barre with exercises that emphasize alignment, efficient use of the body, and increasingly detailed technical concepts. Students then apply these skills through more complex jumps, traveling steps, and combinations across the floor. Exercises challenge students’ coordination and mind-body connection while supporting confidence and artistry. Monthly Modern or Jazz classes expand students’ movement vocabulary and creative exploration.

Prerequisite: Two full semesters of Ballet III or instructor permission.

Dress: Navy blue leotard, pink or flesh-colored tights, and ballet slippers; OR black leggings, white T-shirt, and ballet slippers. Hair pulled back from the face. No jewelry other than non-dangling earrings.

Building on the skills developed in Ballet IV, students refine their ballet technique through increasingly complex movement, combinations, and technical challenges. Class begins at the barre with exercises that emphasize alignment, strength, coordination, musicality, and efficient use of the body. Students then apply these skills through challenging jumps, traveling steps, and longer combinations across the floor. Modern and Jazz movement may be incorporated to explore how versatile approaches can influence and expand classical ballet technique. Students are encouraged to develop confidence, artistry, and a deeper understanding of their movement.

Prerequisite: Two full semesters of Ballet IV or instructor permission.

Dress: Black leotard, pink or flesh-colored tights, and ballet slippers; OR black leggings, white T-shirt, and ballet slippers. Hair pulled back from the face. No jewelry other than non-dangling earrings.

This class introduces dancers to the foundations of safe and healthy pointe work through foot-strengthening exercises, balance, coordination, alignment, and proper technique. Students begin in flat shoes, learning exercises and conditioning that help prepare the feet and body for pointe work. Once a dancer has been approved by the instructor to begin pointe, they will learn how to properly prepare and care for their pointe shoes and safely approach their first exercises en pointe, beginning at the barre. Emphasis throughout the class is placed on safe technique, proper alignment, and healthy foot development. Students should be at least 10 years old and currently enrolled in Ballet IV or V, or have permission from the instructor. Pointe work is introduced only with instructor approval.

This class is geared toward the adult or teen dancer who wants a complete ballet class above the advanced beginner level with a gentle orientation. This hour and a half class will lead students through a complete barre, opening center work, pirouette practice, waltz and adagio combinations, and petite and grande allegro. Musicality, breath and flow are emphasized. Those with prior ballet and/or dance experience will get the most out of this class. The relaxed atmosphere is a great way to end the week and/or start your weekend. Wear your sweats, yoga pants or tutus, bring your coffee and join in the fun approach to ballet technique and performance.

This class is for teens and adults who want a ballet class that covers all the basics and is flexible enough to accommodate various levels of ability. This hour and a half class will lead students through a complete barre, opening center work, pirouette and waltz combinations, adagio, and petite and grande allegro. The atmosphere is relaxed and fun while preserving the goals of technique improvement. Ideally, students should have previous knowledge of ballet vocabulary and/or some prior dance experience in other styles. Standard ballet attire is recommended. Enjoyment, expression, musicality, performance, and the joy of dance are priorities!

This class offers a focused and dynamic exploration of classical ballet, designed for experienced dancers looking to deepen and refine their technique, artistry, and musicality. Each class includes traditional barre and center work, with an emphasis on building strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. A thoughtful approach to body health, proper alignment, and self-awareness will be woven throughout the class.

A challenging yet welcoming and supportive space, each class encourages students to engage with intention, move expansively, and cultivate confidence, discipline, and joy while continuing to grow as versatile artists.

This class is designed to celebrate the joy of movement while challenging dancers to refine their technique, deepen their artistry, and discover greater freedom through the discipline of ballet. Designed for the experienced ballet student ready to take on more challenging material, it will be technically rigorous in a non-competitive and supportive environment. Barre work will focus on alignment, turnout control, articulation of the feet and ankles, overall strength and extensions. Floor work will challenge students with increasing complexity of vocabulary, sequences and port de bras, while emphasizing musicality and precision. The class will promote strength and flexibility, while respecting each dancer's unique physical capacities.

This ballet class emphasizes placement and movement efficiency, taking into consideration each individual’s specific needs and abilities. Exploration of musicality, phrasing, and dynamics will encourage and further the development of artistry. Performance and audition techniques will be discussed and practiced. An intermediate level of ballet technique is advised, as combinations will feature complex timing and longer sequences of movement to develop mental and physical stamina. As each class builds on material from the preceding weeks, drop-ins and late registration should be limited to advanced students or those with teacher approval.

Fundamentals of pointe work and body alignment will be taught and explored both at the barre and in center work. Each class focuses on building foot and ankle strength, balance, placement, and finding individual ways to safely support the full body en pointe. Modifications and technical guidance will be offered throughout so that every dancer can work at an appropriate level, while developing thoughtful ways to strengthen and utilize their pointe technique and artistic expression. Classwork may also focus on applying these skills to performance, with opportunities to learn choreography and other classical repertoire.

This class is intended for dancers with established pointe experience; placement is at the discretion of the teacher(s).

This is the highest-level pointe class offered this term, designed for intermediate to advanced dancers with a solid pointe foundation. We recommend at least two full years of dancing en pointe, with exceptions at the instructor's discretion. Classes include both barre and center work focused on building strength, stamina, musicality, and artistry en pointe. Because the group may include a range of experience levels, modifications and variations will be provided throughout the semester so every dancer can work at an appropriate level of challenge while continuing to refine technique.