Fall 2026 Classes

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.

Geared towards children aged 7-9, this class explores fundamental movement principles like fall and recovery, release and momentum, weight transfer, dynamic alignment, and counterbalance, all within a fun, creative, and imaginative approach. Students are encouraged to get in touch with their funky and weird selves through expressive movement that celebrates each individual's voice and body, and promotes coordination, musicality, spatial awareness, and a love of dance.

Geared towards children ages 10-12, this class builds on the material learned in Children's Modern I. We will continue to explore the fundamental movement principles like fall and recovery, release and momentum, weight transfer, dynamic alignment, and counterbalance, and will further our understanding of these fundamentals through short and medium-sized combinations. Students will also have chances to learn the basic tools of choreography and composition through games, partnering, and use of props.

In rhythm tap, we will explore the fundamentals of musicality and movement while learning tap dance skills through traditional repertoire and improvisation. Students will learn rhythmic and musical structure, the five basic tap forms, traditional steps and their history, and develop a solid foundation in the magic and joy of tap dance! This class is for dancers aged 6 and up and will be orchestrated so that students with tap experience will receive instruction appropriate for their level. No shoes? No problem! Victoria has a supply of children’s tap shoes that students can borrow for the term.

Students will explore the elements of dance and expand their movement vocabulary while developing body awareness and an appreciation for all bodies and ways of moving. Class begins with a seated circle warm-up to stretch, ground, and check in. Students will then explore moving across the floor and through the space with a variety of movement games and activities. They will experiment with different levels, tempos, and movement qualities through creative imagery and the use of a variety of props. Imagination, music, and movement come together to encourage confident, creative movers and foster joy in dance.

Students will explore the elements of dance and expand their movement vocabulary while developing body awareness and an appreciation for all bodies and ways of moving. Class begins with a seated circle warm-up to stretch, ground, and check in. Students will then explore moving across the floor and through the space with a variety of movement games and activities. They will experiment with different levels, tempos, and movement qualities through creative imagery and the use of a variety of props. Imagination, music, and movement come together to encourage confident, creative movers and foster joy in dance.

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.

In this introduction to dance, play and creative dance elements come together. Students will work on locomotor steps, starting and stopping safely, and getting used to being in a class environment. Class begins with a seated circle warm-up to stretch, ground and check in. Students will then explore moving across the floor and through the space with a variety of movement games and activities. Creativity is supported throughout this class with a variety of props, imagery and music.

Beginner to advanced beginner jazz class for 9 to 14 year olds covering the basics of theatrical jazz from Jack Cole influences through Bob Fosse and Frank Hatchett styles. Warm ups, technique exercises and across the floor phrases prepare the dancer for a final combination which allows the dancer to find the connection of the movement to the music through physical expression. Technique will be emphasized for strength and balance in eventual jumps and turns with special emphasis on finding the dynamics of dance. Leggings and leotard or form fitting attire preferred with jazz shoes, socks or bare feet.

Rhythm Tap, also known as Jazz Tap, tends to focus on the sound, rather than appearance, using dancing as a percussive musical instrument, similar to drumming. The class level is Fast Beginning/Slow Intermediate. Some prior tap experience, or extended dance training is recommended. An understanding of musical bars and phrases is also helpful. Lace-up Oxford style tap shoes are recommended. Otherwise, students may wear whatever is comfortable and allows free movement. Footwork tends to be close to the floor with a relaxed foot. Class begins with a brief body warmup. The class will include learning new and repertoire/historical pieces and exercises.

Put some Saturday night in your Thursday morning with a beginner-friendly cardio dance class designed to get your body moving and your heart pumping. Easy-to-follow choreography targets different muscle groups to give you a full-body workout that feels less like hitting the gym and more like hitting the club. This class warmly welcomes all bodies and ability levels, with modifications available so you can go low-impact, high-impact, or anywhere in between. Please wear clothes you can move in and clean, indoor-only sneakers or bare feet. Music may contain explicit lyrics.

NOTE: Our instructor is new to teaching cardio dance, and this class is being offered by donation as she irons out the kinks. All proceeds go to Friends of BSD.

Dunham Technique, created by dance pioneer Katherine Dunham, is a vibrant fusion of Haitian dance, jazz, modern and ballet and includes center floor, barre and progressions. This class will review the fundamentals of the technique in a multi-level, supportive atmosphere and then challenge the dancers with more complex phrases and material. Dancers will be empowered by philosophies that encourage accessing self-awareness through dance. Our focus will be on breath, alignment, energy, rhythm and most importantly, the joy of dancing!

This intergenerational class is designed for dancers 9 years and up who have previous Dunham experience. Dancers with background in other techniques are welcome! It is also a perfect opportunity for families to dance together.

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.

Gentle modern is a multi-level class that begins on the floor, tuning up our inner sensing with an exploration from a variety of somatic practices. Warmup continues into standing with exercises that emphasize efficient alignment. Finally, we dance, exploring rhythm, flow, contrasting energy dynamics, partnering with the space and with one another. This class is aimed at the advanced beginner, with some intermediate-level combinations introduced toward the end. All are welcome who have an interest in dancing from the inside out.

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!

Designed primarily for older adults, Strong & Steady welcomes anyone seeking a gentle, supportive approach to movement and fitness. Build strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and confidence while moving at your own pace. Exercises are thoughtfully adapted for all levels of mobility and ability, incorporating elements of dance, yoga, resistance training, breathwork, and guided imagery. Chairs, mats, and props support safe, functional movement and help improve joint mobility, posture, strength, and endurance. Above all, Strong & Steady is a welcoming community where encouragement, connection, and laughter are just as important as the exercises. All are welcome!

Experience the joy, rhythm, and energy of traditional West African dance in this dynamic community class. Taught by Demba, whose roots in the music and dance traditions of Senegal inform his teaching, the class draws on dance styles from Senegal, Mali, Guinea, and beyond. Each class begins with a 30-minute warm-up designed to build strength, flexibility, coordination, and stamina before moving into dynamic, full-body choreography. Through movement and music, dancers will explore the power, rhythm, and expressive spirit of West African dance. All levels and bodies are welcome. No prior dance experience is necessary. Come ready to move, sweat, have fun, and connect with the music. Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely and bring water. Bare feet or clean, indoor-only sneakers are recommended.

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.

Dunham Technique, created by dance pioneer Katherine Dunham, is a vibrant fusion of Haitian dance, jazz, modern and ballet and includes center floor, barre and progressions. This class is for dancers with Dunham experience, ready to challenge themselves with longer combos and more complex material. Dancers will be empowered by philosophies that encourage accessing self-awareness through dance. Our focus will be on breath, alignment, energy, rhythm and most importantly, the joy of dancing!

This intergenerational class is designed for dancers with a strong base in Dunham Technique. Dunham II is a prerequisite, however, experienced dancers with extensive background in other techniques are welcome!

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 is a fun, high energy class that prioritizes finding your own style and personality. We do lots of strength training, coordination exploration, and endurance building. We focus on footwork, isolations, hip hop fundamentals, musicality, and most importantly – finding your fierceness. This is a great class to explore your inner baddie. We have a great time learning modern hip hop choreography and bringing our own personal flavor to the moves. Toni's choreography is inspired by contemporary hip hop trends as well as old school style. This class is for students who have taken hip hop basics or have studied with Toni in the past.

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.

In this class students will be introduced to movements and qualities from the disciplines of contemporary and modern dance. From investigating inversions and floorwork to how dance is understood and defined, this class will push the student to expand away from the idea of "uprightness" and "correctness" as the only location for dance. Engaging with the weight of the body, initiations, and how shapes can be built from within, the goal of this class is to build versatile, brave, and joyous dancers by engaging with the near infinite ways dancing can emerge and be explored. This class is open to dancers with at least 3 years of rigorous dance training. Prior experience with modern/contemporary recommended but an openness to using technique while letting go of the classical form required and highly encouraged.

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.

The Young Artist Lab is designed for middle- and high-school dancers who are enrolled in at least three intermediate or advanced-level classes at BSD, or who have permission from the instructor. The Lab gives dancers space to experiment, create, and discover what inspires them as they explore many facets of the dance world - from choreography and the creative process to the cultural, historical, and professional dimensions of the dance world. Alongside exploring their own voices through improv and choreography, students will participate in seminars on subjects such as dance history, college dance programs, and the realities of being a professional dancer. Led by the Interim Director as mentor, the workshop fosters connection, shared curiosity, and a supportive community that enriches each dancer's artistic journey.