Adult Classes

Discover your balance and confidence - whether you are an absolute beginner or a returning dancer, The Washington Ballet offers dance classes designed especially for you. Our classes are designed to promote good technique, strength, and flexibility. They are taught in a welcoming and non-competitive environment. Our adult class faculty have years of experience and will make adaptations to the class work for students either more advanced or behind the level.
All NW classes are held either at The Joseph C. Coleman Studios, located at 3308 Wisconsin Ave. NW (above GIANT Food), or at the TWB Main Building, located at 3515 Wisconsin Ave. NW. It is important that you check the schedule for class locations. Both locations are near the Cleveland Park and Tenleytown stops on the Metro Red Line, and several buses serve our location. For more information about getting to the school, please visit wmata.com.
NW Information and Policies
The Washington School of Ballet (TWSB) offers open adult classes on a drop-in basis throughout the year, and students may join classes at any time - no audition or pre-registration is necessary. Our classes are designed for students new to ballet and seasoned dancers. We encourage students who are unsure about their level to attend a beginner class and after class, discuss appropriate levels and classes with the instructor.
Cost:
Regular Rates:
$20 Single Class
$95 5-Class Card
$180 10-Class Card
$340 20-Class Card
Senior Rates for ages 65+:
$13 Single Class
$65 5-Class Card
$130 10-Class Card
$260 20-Class Card
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE CLASSES
Class cards are NON-REFUNDABLE but are transferable. All sales are final.
Adult classes are taught by Linda Baranovics, Stephen Baranovics, Shu-Chen Cuff, Constance Dinapoli, RoAnne Duncan, Fidel Garcia, Aaron Jackson, Maurice Johnson, Amanda Melrose-Smith, Mané Rebelo-Plaut, Roger Plaut, Florian Rouiller, Bahareh Sardari, Nancie Woods, Irina Wunder and Royce Zackery.
General Policies
The Washington Ballet is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal items. Clothing or other personal items left in the dressing room are at the risk of the participant. Valuable items should remain with the participant at all times.
Participants are encouraged to arrive approximately 10-15 minutes prior to class. To prevent injury resulting from inadequate warm up, students may be asked to observe class if they are more than 15 minutes late. Out of respect for the pianist, teachers, and participants, students are asked not to enter class while music is playing. Students should await a pause in the music before entering and checking in with the instructor.
All participants in The Washington Ballet's adult program classes must be at least 16 year of age. Persons younger than 16 years of age may participate with faculty permission or if they are currently enrolled in The Washington School of Ballet at level 4 or above. The adult program offers a limited number of "teen-friendly classes." For these classes, participants must be at least 12 years of age or currently enrolled in The Washington School of Ballet at level 3 or above.
Refund Policy
- No refunds will be made for classes or special events such as workshops. In exceptional circumstances, class credits may be offered on a case by case basis at the discretion of The Washington Ballet staff.
Inclusion Policy
- The Washington Ballet is committed to an inclusive environment and does not discriminate against applicants or students on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic background, religion, sexual orientation, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Inclement Weather Policy
- In the case of inclement weather, please check The Washington School of Ballet online portal at www.twsbparent.org for operating starus. Closings or delays are also provided to WTOP and News Channel 9. Due to scheduling conflicts, we are often unable to offer additional classes for those that have been canceled.
Dress Code
- There is no required dress code for adult students. We encourage students to wear a leotard, tights and ballet slippers, but students are welcome to wear clothing that is comfortable and easily allows for movement. Hair should be pulled back from the face and off of the neck.
Holiday Closures
TWSB will not hold adult classes at the NW Campus on:
- February 18, 2019
- May 27, 2019
- July 4, 2019
NW Schedule
Purchase multiple classes at a discounted rate. BUY NOW
This schedule is effective Tuesday, September 4. Please check the online student portal for the most up to date schedule information or call 202.349.0261.
CLASS |
DAY |
TIME |
LOCATION |
INSTRUCTOR |
Intermediate |
Monday |
9:30 –11:00 AM |
Joseph C. Coleman 3308 Wisconsin Ave. NW |
Florian Rouiller |
Strength, Agility, & Stretch All Levels |
Monday | 10:00 - 11:00 AM | Joseph C. Coleman 3308 Wisconsin Ave. NW | Constance Dinapoli |
Beginner |
Monday |
11:00 AM - 12:15 PM |
Joseph C. Coleman 3308 Wisconsin Ave. NW |
Fidel Garcia |
Advanced |
Monday |
7:30 – 9:00 PM |
Joseph C. Coleman 3308 Wisconsin Ave. NW |
Stephen Baranovics |
Advanced |
Tuesday |
10:00 - 11:30 AM |
Joseph C. Coleman 3308 Wisconsin Ave. NW |
Nancie Woods |
Intermediate |
Tuesday |
12:00 – 1:30 PM |
Joseph C. Coleman 3308 Wisconsin Ave. NW |
Aaron Jackson |
Street Jazz |
Tuesday | 6:30 - 7:45 PM | Joseph C. Coleman 3308 Wisconsin Ave. NW | Maurice Johnson |
Intermediate |
Tuesday |
7:30 - 9:00 PM |
Joseph C. Coleman 3308 Wisconsin Ave. NW |
Nancie Woods |
Advanced |
Tuesday |
7:45 - 9:15 PM |
Joseph C. Coleman 3308 Wisconsin Ave. NW |
Tamas Krisza |
Intermediate |
Wednesday | 9:30 - 11:00 AM | Joseph C. Coleman 3308 Wisconsin Ave. NW | Royce Zackery |
Beginner |
Wednesday |
12:00 - 1:15 PM |
Joseph C. Coleman 3308 Wisconsin Ave. NW |
Shu-Chen Cuff |
Beginner |
Wednesday |
7:30 – 8:45 PM |
Joseph C. Coleman 3308 Wisconsin Ave. NW |
Stephen Baranovics |
Intermediate |
Wednesday |
7:30 - 9:00 PM |
Joseph C. Coleman 3308 Wisconsin Ave. NW |
Mané Rebelo-Plaut |
Intermediate |
Thursday |
9:00 -10:30 AM |
Main Building 3515 Wisconsin Ave. NW |
Aaron Jackson |
Advanced Beginner |
Thursday |
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM |
Joseph C. Coleman 3308 Wisconsin Ave. NW |
RoAnne Duncan |
Beginner |
Thursday |
12:00 - 1:15 PM |
Joseph C. Coleman 3308 Wisconsin Ave. NW |
RoAnne Duncan |
Intermediate Ballet |
Thursday | 7:30 - 9:00 PM | Joseph C. Coleman 3308 Wisconsin Ave. NW | Stephen Baranovics |
Advanced |
Thursday |
7:30 - 9:00 PM |
Joseph C. Coleman 3308 Wisconsin Ave. NW |
Nancie Woods |
Intermediate |
Friday |
9:00 - 10:30 AM |
Main Building 3515 Wisconsin Ave. NW |
Aaron Jackson |
Beginner |
Friday |
12:00 - 1:15 PM |
Joseph C. Coleman 3308 Wisconsin Ave. NW |
Irina Wunder |
Intermediate |
Friday |
12:00 - 1:30 PM |
Joseph C. Coleman 3308 Wisconsin Ave. NW |
Bahareh Sardari |
Advanced Beginner Ballet *Teen-Friendly Class |
Friday | 7:00-8:30PM | Joseph C. Coleman 3308 Wisconsin Ave. NW | Amanda Melrose-Smith |
Beginner Ballet 2 |
Saturday | 9:00 - 10:15 AM | Joseph C. Coleman 3308 Wisconsin Ave. NW | Royce Zackery |
Intermediate |
Saturday |
9:45 - 11:15 AM |
Main Building 3515 Wisconsin Ave. NW |
Aaron Jackson |
Beginner Ballet 1 |
Saturday |
10:15 - 11:30 AM |
Joseph C. Coleman 3308 Wisconsin Ave. NW |
Constance Dinapoli |
Intermediate/ Advanced Ballet |
Saturday | 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM | Joseph C. Coleman 3308 Wisconsin Ave. NW | Roger Plaut |
Intermediate Ballet |
Saturday |
12:15 - 1:45 PM |
Joseph C. Coleman 3308 Wisconsin Ave. NW |
Stephen Baranovics |
Advanced Beginner |
Saturday | 1:15 - 2:45 PM | Joseph C. Coleman 3308 Wisconsin Ave. NW | Constance Dinapoli |
Beginner Ballet 2 | Saturday | 2:45 - 4:00 PM | Joseph C. Coleman 3308 Wisconsin Ave. NW | Constance Dinapoli |
Beginner Ballet 2 |
Sunday |
9:45 - 11:00 AM |
Main Building 3515 Wisconsin Ave. NW |
Linda Baranovics |
Advanced Beginner Ballet *Teen-Friendly Class |
Sunday | 10:00-11:30AM | Main Building 3515 Wisconsin Ave. NW | RoAnne Duncan |
Advanced Beginner | Sunday | 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM | Main Building 3515 Wisconsin Ave. NW | Bahareh Sardari |
Intermediate Ballet |
Sunday | 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM | Main Building 3515 Wisconsin Ave. NW |
Linda Baranovics
|
Instructors are subject to change.
*Teen-Friendly classes allow dancers ages 12+ to attend class.
For more information, please call 202.349.0261 or email kginn@washingtonballet.org.
PLEASE NOTE
The Washington School of Ballet will not hold adult classes at the NW Campus on:
- October 8, 2018
- November 22, 2018
- December 25, 2018
- January 1, 2019
- January 21, 2019
- February 18, 2019
- May 27, 2019
- July 4, 2019
NW Purchase Classes
Arrive early to check in at the front desk.
All open classes on the adult program schedule are on a drop-in basis. Save money by buying a class card!
Regular Rates:
$20 Single Class
$95 5-Class Card
$180 10-Class Card
$340 20-Class Card
Senior Rates for ages 65+:
$13 Single Class
$65 5-Class Card
$130 10-Class Card
$260 20-Class Card
Gift Certificates
Give the gift of dance to your friends or loved ones.
Please call 202.349.0261 to purchase a gift certificate.
NW What to Expect
Class descriptions:
- Beginner Ballet 1
This class is for absolute beginners who are entirely new to classical ballet or students returning after many years away from the art form and wishing to ease back into ballet. This class introduces basic terminology and foundational ballet technique with a focus on proper alignment. Repetition is critical for students at this level, so participating in two or more classes per week is encouraged to progress into the next level. - Beginner Ballet 2
This class is for beginner students who have a foundational understanding of ballet terminology and technique. It is a perfect class for those who have studied ballet in the past and are returning to the art form after many years or after recovering from an injury. Class material advances from the Beginner Ballet 1 level to include slightly more complex movements and coordination. - Advanced Beginner Ballet
This class is for the more advanced student who has studied extensively in recent years or throughout adolescence. A working knowledge of ballet terminology, basic alignment principles, and general execution of principle ballet technique is expected. - Intermediate Ballet
This class is for the advanced student with a minimum of 5 years training. The class will move at a faster pace than other levels with an expectation that students will understand and execute more advanced and complex movement sequences. - Stretch, Agility, and Strength
This is a total-body conditioning class inspired by dancers, but applicable to all body types and ages. This class focuses on developing more range of motion and strength for joints, as well as toning, refining, and lengthening key muscle groups used in dance. This is a perfect addition to your weekly schedule to build strength or to take as a warm up before entering a full ballet class. - All Levels Street Jazz
Street jazz is a combination of technique styles ranging from jazz to hip hop. This high energy style of movement can be seen performed by today's most popular artists such as: Janet Jackson, Britney Spears, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars and many others. Students are challenged to push beyond their limits while having a good time in a healthy and positive environment. - Classical Variations
This class studies the great solos of ballet in a nurturing environment. Work on exciting variations to have a deeper appreciation of classical repertoire and grow your technique grow by leaps and bounds. Pointe work in this class will be at the discretion of the teacher.
Frequently asked questions:
What is the cost of a single class?
A single class costs $20. You can save by purchasing multiple classes at a discounted rate. Class cards are offered in 5, 10, and 20 class increments. We do offer a discount to senior citizens (ages 65+) of $13 per class.
Is there a membership fee?
No. All classes can be taken on a walk-in basis at any time. No need to sign up in advance. Pre-registration may be required for special classes and workshops only.
How do I purchase classes in-person?
You can purchase classes at our front desk. Credit cards, cash and checks are accepted forms of payment.
How do I purchase classes online?
On the NW Schedule tab, click the “BUY NOW” link or go to the "NW Purchase Classes" tab to buy your classes.
If this is your first class and you don’t yet have a login, the system will prompt you to create one.
After I purchase my classes online, how do I sign up for a class?
You do not need to reserve a class in advance. When you are ready to take a class, please do the following:
- Give your name to our front desk receptionist once you arrive at the studio to sign you into your desired class.
What should I wear for class?
There is no required dress code within the Adult Program,
Female students may wear leotards and tights with or without a skirt or any type of active wear. Male students should wear fitted clothing that will allow for a full range of movement. Students should remember that form fitting clothing is best to allow the teacher to see the muscles working. All students should wear ballet flats which are available at our Main Building (3515 Wisconscin Ave, NW) reception desk for purchase.
I have not danced for awhile but am looking to come back to class. Which level should I take?
Although you have some prior knowledge, you may want to reintroduce your muscles slowly. We would suggest that you attend a beginner class. You can talk with the instructor after class for class placement recommendations.
How old do I have to be to take adult class?
You must be 16 years or older to take any open adult classes at The Washington School of Ballet. If you are younger than 16 years old, you will need faculty approval before signing up for the class or be currently enrolled at TWSB level 4 or above. There are a limited number of "Teen-Friendly" classes on the schedule. These classes allow students 12 and above or TWSB level 3 and above to attend class.
At what age do I qualify to receive the senior rate?
You must be 65 years of age to qualify for the senior rate. You need to present your ID at the front desk for verification.
Do I have to be part of a performance at the end of the semester or year?
No, we do not have a performance component attached to our adult program. But we have special events and workshops where performances are included.
Do you have locker rooms and shower?
We do have showers, but we do not have locker rooms. There are spaces in our changing rooms where you can store some of your items. You should bring your valuable items with you to class. We are not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Do you provide towels for the shower?
Unfortunately, we do not provide towels.
Are all adult classes held at the Joseph C. Coleman Studios (“The Joe”)?
No, our adult classes are both held at the Joseph C. Coleman Studios, located at 3308 Wisconsin Ave, NW (above GIANT Food), and at the TWB Main Building, located at 3515 Wisconsin Ave, NW. It is important that you check the schedule for class locations.
Where do I park?
There is two hour parking available on Wisconsin Avenue depending on the time of day. Please check the signs for the most up to date restrictions.
Garage parking is available below The Joseph C. Coleman Studios. Parking entrances are off of Macomb and Newark Street NW. The garage offers complementary parking to our students and guests for up to two hours. Your ticket needs to be validated at our front desk before leaving our studio.
Do you offer pointe classes in the adult program?
Pointe classes are not offered on an ongoing basis at this time, but students who have previously been on pointe may attend class on pointe either at the barre, center, or both.
How are the classes structured?
Our adult class faculty have years of experience and will make adaptations to the class work for students either more advanced or behind the level. This helps as students transition from level to level. All classes begin with a warm up and progress to larger or more complex movement sequences.
If I arrive late, can I still take the class?
Students who arrivemore than 15 minutes late will not be permitted to take class.
Does The Washington Ballet offer a summer intensive program for adults?
Yes, we currently offer a summer intensive program for our adult students. Check the website each spring for details and information.
Special Classes and Workshops
Each season, the adult program offers focused classes to challenge you and enhance your technique. Consider a workshop or a series class to dive into your dance training more this year!
Workshops run two to eight weeks and require enrollment in the full session. Series classes run from four to eight weeks and can be taken on a drop-in basis or save money by enrolling in the full session.
WORKSHOPS
Adult program workshops provide focused attention for students in a particular level, style, or area of technique. Instructors will build upon classwork from one lesson to the next to advance students’ understanding and execution o the material. For this reason, enrollment in the full session is required for all workshops. Workshops vary in length but are typically are held in two to ten week sessions.
UPCOMING:
Company Connections Workshop: The Sleeping Beauty
Sunday, February 24 | 10am-12pm | Cathedral Commons (3308 Wisconsin Ave. NW) Enroll Now
The Washington Ballet performs The Sleeping Beauty at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts February 27 – March 3, 2019. Workshop participants will receive a discount on tickets.
Join us throughout the year for workshops that will bridge what you see on stage to your work in the studio! Company Connection Workshops are a unique opportunity to learn movement styles and choreography inspired by the professional company's repertoire.
Company dancer, Sona Kharatian, will teach repertoire from Julie Kent and Victor Barbee’s staging of The Sleeping Beauty, a quintessential classical ballet inspired by the fairy tale of true love’s kiss and the triumph of good over evil. The workshop will include a ballet technique warm-up class, time to learn movement phrases from The Sleeping Beauty, and a Q&A session.
BASIC PRINCIPLES OF BALLET BARRE FOR ADVANCED BEGINNERS WORKSHOP
with Irina Wunder
4-week session on Fridays February 15 – March 8, 7:30 – 8:45pm
Location: Main Building, 3515 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Cost: $80. Enrollment in full session required
This four-week workshop will teach a ballet barre class based on systematic repetitions of the foundational movements at the barre. The aim is to help dancers approach each exercise with a clear purpose of how this particular exercise, if performed correctly, aids his or her progress as an adult ballet dancer. Learn the importance of systematic repetition performed to slow tempos that provides the basis for further development of the muscles and ligament elasticity. After completing the workshop, dancers will not only improve their understanding of basic steps but also learn a beginner ballet barre that can be practiced independently in or outside of the studio.
INTRODUCTION TO THE HISTORY OF BALLET WORKSHOP
with Irina Wunder
5-week session on Fridays March 15 – April 12, 7:30-8:45pm
Location: Main Building, 3515 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Cost: $100. Enrollment in full session required
Have you ever wondered about the origins of ballet as an art form? This five week workshop will introduce you to a variety of original dance forms and compositions from 19th century Western Europe including minuet, polonaise, waltz, and more. These forms stress charm, elegance, and style stemming from their original roots in royal courts and European folklore. Participants will dance their way through ballet history and learn to distinguish between the traditional ballet class and its original forms that underlie ballet theater and performance.
Space is Limited.
*To enroll, login to your adult student account online and select the "TWSB for Adults" tab. Select "Adult Programs" from the drop down list. Then, select the workshop in which you would like to enroll.
Having trouble? Call the front desk at 202.349.0261 for assistance.
SE General Information
The Washington Ballet @ THEARC offers open adult classes on a drop-in basis throughout the year and students may join classes at any time of the year. There is no audition or pre-registration necessary.
The Washington Ballet@THEARC has no required dress code for adult students. Students should wear clothing that is comfortable and allows easy movement. Hair should be pulled back from the face and off of the neck. Suitable foot wear for each style of dance is recommended. Adults coming to Zumba should bring a pair of clean, sturdy athletic shoes. Shoes that have only been worn inside are the best for your safety and our floors.
Cost: Drop in classes – $14 | $7 Ward 7/8 Residents (with a valid ID)
If you are an employee of THEARC or a TWB@THEARC parent, Drop in Class rates are $7.
Don’t want to pay every time you attend class? No sweat! We have class card options: Class Card (12 class bundle) – $120 | $70 for Ward 7/8 Residents
Please note: Class cards are NON-REFUNDABLE. All sales are final.
The Washington Ballet@THEARC classes are held in our spacious studios at The Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (THEARC) 1901 Mississippi Ave., SE Washington, DC 20020. THEARC is located near the Southern Ave stop on the Metro Green Line and on several bus routes. For more information about public transportation options for getting to the school, please visit wmata.com.
The Washington Ballet@THEARC has a policy to start classes on time. Following the tradition of the study of dance, students are asked to be in the studio at the start of class. Out of respect to teachers and fellow students, anyone arriving fifteen minutes late will not be permitted to enter or participate in class. Thank you for your cooperation.
Click here to learn more about The Washington School of Ballet faculty members.
Please Note: The Washington Ballet@THEARC adult schedule runs on a fall, winter/spring and summer schedule. The Fall schedule will run September 6 – December 17, 2016. The Winter/Spring schedule will run January 3 – May 26, 2017. The Summer 2017 schedule will be released later in the year.
TWB@THEARC not hold adult classes at the SE Campus on the dates. The studio will be closed:
Labor Day: September 5, 2016
Columbus Day: October 10. 2016
New Year’s Holiday: January 2, 2017
Martin Luther King Jr. Day: January 16, 2017
President’s Day: February 20, 2017
Good Friday: April 14, 2017
SE Schedule
SE ADULT CLASS SCHEDULE - FALL (begins September 4)
Click here to view the Summer 2018 Adult Class Flyer for details.
Group | Day | Time | Class |
---|---|---|---|
Open Classes | Monday | 7:15 - 8:30PM | Adult Vinyasa Yoga |
Open Classes | Wednesday | 7:30 - 8:45PM | Adult Ballet |
Open Classes | Thursday | 7:30 - 8:30PM | Adult Pilates |
Open Classes | Saturday | 8:30 - 9:30AM | Adult Zumba |
Cost: Drop in classes – $14 | $7 Ward 7/8 Residents (with a valid ID)
If you are an employee of THEARC or a TWB@THEARC parent, Drop in Class rates are $7.
Don’t want to pay every time you attend class? No sweat! We have class card options:
Class Card (12 class bundle) – $120 | $70 for Ward 7/8 Residents
For more information, please call 202.889.8150.
SE What to Expect
Entering THEARC Building
All students and parents are encouraged to sign-up for a free THEARC membership card. Using your THEARC card expedites the building check-in process and increases safety to verify all guests in the building. The card also allows you discounts to events and other programs in the building and local community. Upon arrival, you will scan your ID card at the Welcome desk on the main floor AND at The Washington Ballet @THEARC’s front desk. You must also sign out at both desks when leaving. If you lose your card a replacement can be printed at the Welcome Desk on the first floor.
Parking
THEARC has free parking and the entrance is best accessed by the 19th Street and Mississippi Avenue gate. THEARC is home to 10 non-profit organizations and sometimes the lot is full. Street parking is available.
Dressing Area
Adults are welcome to use to locker rooms to change clothes and place belongings. We strongly encourage students to bring a lock to secure items. The Washington Ballet is not responsible for lost or stolen items.