This class is an excellent introduction to ballet with an emphasis on body alignment and the proper execution of ballet steps.

The student will learn the very basics of ballet technique in the structure of a traditional ballet class. The class begins with barre work, consisting of pliés, tendues, jetés, and ronds de jambe. These movements are taught slowly so the student understands the importance of muscle development for strength and rotation. Barre work is concluded with stretching before class resumes with center floor work. Center exercises reinforce the barre work, and port de bras is added. Small jumps are introduced. The class ends with a traditional révérence.

The completion of at least two workshop sessions is recommended to ensure student confidence before moving into Beginning Ballet.

This class is a continuation of Adult Absolute Beginning Ballet. Participation in at least two terms of Absolute Beginning Ballet or former training is recommended prior to entry. Students new to our Adult Program may begin this class only with instructor approval (please e-mail for placement process).

The structure of Adult Advanced Beginning Ballet’s class is consistent from week to week, repeating and building on prior knowledge of technique. Port de bras is added to barre work, and combinations are more complex with quicker execution. More advanced jumps are first introduced at the barre and then executed in the latter half of center work. Simple adagio exercises are expanded upon in center work. Combining four or more steps make up exercises traveling across the room. The class ends with a traditional révérence.

This class is a continuation of Adult Beginning Ballet. Participation in at least two terms of Adult Beginning Ballet or former training is recommended prior to entry. Students new to our Adult Program may begin this class only with instructor approval (please e-mail for placement process).

Beginning Ballet’s class structure is always consistent, repeating and building onto prior knowledge of technique. Port de bras is added to pliés, tendues, and jetés, and these movements are executed at a faster tempo and in 5th position. Frappés, fondues, and grands battements are added to the barre work. Sautés and échappés are first introduced at the barre and then executed in the latter half of center work. Barre work always concludes with stretching. Simple adagio exercises are added in center work. Combining two or more steps make up exercises traveling across the room. The class ends with a traditional révérence.

The completion of at least two terms of Elementary Ballet is recommended to ensure student confidence before moving into Intermediate Ballet. The class may also be suitable for experienced ballet dancers returning to ballet after a long break or injury.

This class includes barre work, stretching, and center work, including adagio, pirouettes, petite allegro, and grande allegro. Emphasis is placed on integrating more elements into combinations, including port de bras, epaulment, musicality, and artistry.

This class expands on our Intermediate level with more focus on artistry, intricate combinations and musicality, and strength building. This class is suitable for active and former professional dancers and advanced dancers who have had at least seven years of recent consistent high-level training.

Grace, Strength, Confidence, Community!

This extended workshop is a wonderful opportunity for the adult student to take the time and improve many aspects of their ballet goals. Through this intensive workshop our mission is to help build confidence in movement quality, strength and artistry, try new things and learn ballet repertory.

The first hour-and-a-half of each class is focused on fundamental elements of ballet technique with a highlighted pillar of the classical artform. For the last hour of each genre of the week listed below. Each week will finish with a half-hour demonstration during the final week for guests to celebrate and support the students’ achievements!

6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. – Technique Class
7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. – Featured Genre of Week

The completion of at least three terms of the Absolute Beginning Ballet workshop or one year of consistent formal ballet training is required to ensure student confidence and safety.

Weeks
June 16-June 21
6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. – Technique Class Focus – Pairing Upper & Lower Body Movements
Like your favorite OBT principal dancer in Swan Lake, learn to connect head and upper body movements with technical precision in your lower body with an aim of a more coordinated and artistic presentation of your classical ballet technique.
7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. – Featured Genre – Choreography Focus: Storytelling/Pantomime*
Counter the curse of Carabosse towards Princess Aurora! Learning pantomime will unlock the mysteries of classical storytelling.
*Ballet pantomime is a classical technique that uses mime to tell a story through dance.

August 4-August 8
6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. – Technique Class Focus – Lower Body Strength
The technique portion will focus on building muscles and awareness to hold and utilize classical ballet positions.
7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. – Featured Genre –Pointe or Classical Repertory from The Sleeping Beauty
For the featured genre students will have the option to expand their pointe work* or learn choreography inspired by the ballet The Sleeping Beauty.

*This is not an introduction to pointe work. Students need to have prior pointe experience.

August 11-August 15
6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. – Technique Class Focus – Building Block for Strong Turns & Pirouettes
Further develop your secret recipe for the perfect Sugarplum Fairy and Candy Cane turns. Key ingredients are head coordination, eye focus, standing leg strength, coordination of arms and back, and the action of getting into proper positions.
7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. – Featured Genre – Character
Character dance is a ballet subgenre often featured in full length ballets (Swan Lake, Raymonda, and Don Quixote) it utilizes stylized folk dance from around the world and adds cultural richness and storytelling to ballets. Popular character dance styles are the csárdás, mazurka, and tarantella.

The completion of at least three terms of the Absolute Beginning Ballet workshop or one year of consistent formal ballet training is required to ensure student confidence and safety.