Adult Classes

NW Schedule

Purchase multiple classes at a discounted rate.  BUY NOW

Instructors are subject to change.

For more information, please call 202.349.0261 or email nnoel@washingtonballet.org.

PLEASE NOTE
The Washington School of Ballet will not hold adult classes at the NW Campus on:

• February 19, 2018
• March 30, 2018
• May 28, 2018
• July 4, 2018
• September 3, 2018
• October 8, 2018
• November 22, 2018
• December 25, 2018

NW Purchase Classes

$19 for a single class card/Seniors $12
Arrive early to check in at the front desk.

BUY NOW

Save with Class Packages
Purchase multiple classes at a discounted rate.
$180 for a 10 class card
$340 for a 20 class card
BUY NOW

Gift Certificates
Give the gift of dance to your friends or loved ones.
Please call 202.362.3606 to purchase a gift certificate.

NW What to Expect

What is the cost of a single class?

A single class cost $19. You can save by purchasing multiple classes at a discounted rate. We do offer a discount to senior citizens of $12 per class.

Is there a membership fee?

No, there is no membership fee. All classes can be taken on a walk-in basis at any time. No need to sign up in advance. Pre-registration might be needed only for special classes and workshops.

How do I purchase classes in-person?

You can always 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, you can click on the “BUY NOW” link or you can go on 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 a prior reservation to attend a class. When you are ready to take a class, you can do one of the following:

• Give your name to our front desk staff. He/she will locate your account and will sign you into your desired class.
• Log on into your account and print your QR code. You can find your QR code by clicking on “My QR Code” tab located on the left side of the menu bar. Please present your QR code to the front desk to sign in your desired class.

What should I wear for class?

Female students may wear leotards and tights with or without a skirt or yoga/pilates wear. Male students should wear fitted clothing that will allow for a full range of movement. Everything is allowed but students should remember that it is best that the teacher be able to see muscles working to be sure that each student is working correctly. All students should wear ballet flats which are available at our reception desk where for purchase.

For ballroom classes, you can wear any clothing in which you are comfortable moving. Dressing up is not required, but you are welcome to if that's the kind of clothing you like dancing in. As far as shoes, it would be best to have dance shoes. Please do not wear your street shoes in the studio. Women's shoes should have a medium-sized heel (character shoes are fine, but no stilettos). Men's shoes should have a slight heel. No sneakers or boots, and avoid rubber soles.

I have not danced for a while but am looking to come back for a class. What level class 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 his/her 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.

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 to celebrate ourselves.

Do you have locker rooms and shower?

We do have showers. However, 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 held either at the Joseph C. Coleman Studios located at 3308 Wisconsin Ave. NW (above GIANT Food) or at the headquarters located at 3515 Wisconsin Ave. NW.  It is important that you check the schedule for class locations.

Does The Washington Ballet offer parking to its students?

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 studios.

Do you offer pointe classes in the adult program?

Pointe classes are not offered 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.

If I arrive late, can I still take the class?

Students who are more 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.

NW Adult Program Summer Intensive 

Summer 2018 Intensive Adult Program

Immerse yourself in dance this summer with TWSB's Adult Summer Intensive Program!

All Summer Intensive Program Classes are held at the Joseph C. Coleman Studios located at 3308 Wisconsin Ave. NW.  Enrollment is limited. Pre-registration is required.

BUY NOW

June
Weekend Workshop - Fee: $290 per session
REQUIRED LEVEL: Intermediate and Up

Session 1: June 9 & 10

Session 2: June 16 & 17

Ballet Technique Boot Camp with Irina Wunder
June 11 – 20
Fee: $100 (for all four classes)
REQUIRED LEVEL: Low Intermediate and up
Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:00pm – 2:00pm

Monday, June 11: TURNING MOVEMENTS
- Preparation for Turns; Turns at the Barre
- Turning Movements Used in Adagio (Center)
- Tours En Dehors/ En Dedans (Center)

Wednesday, June 13: SMALL AND MEDIUM JUMPS
- Preparation for jumps: placement, plie, music accents and coordination
- Small and Medium jumps
- Small and Medium Jumps in simple movement sequences

Monday, June 18: TURNING MOVEMENTS EN DIAGONAL AND MANEGE
- Introduction to Types of Tours (Tour En Dehour Degage, Tour En Dedan Coupe, Tour Glissade En Tournant, Tour Emboites)
- Practice of Tours in simple movement sequences 

Wednesday, June 20: MEDIUM AND BIG JUMPS
- Types of Medium and Big Jumps
- Role of Port de Bras in Execution of Jumps
- Medium and Big Jumps in Movement Sequences

Pre-registration is required - Fee:  $100 for all four classes

Note: The summer intensive program is designed for students with at least three years of continuous ballet training.

BUY NOW

Enrollment is limited. Pre-registration is required. No drop-ins. Classes are non-refundable, non-transferable.
Classes will be held at the Joseph Coleman Studios (The Joe), 3308 Wisconsin Ave NW, Suite 204.

Guest Teacher Bios

Kjara Starič Wurst

Ms. Starič Wurst is a Slovene choreographer and teacher, combining technically stylized classical ballet, broken lines of contemporary ballet, and the softness and fluidity of contemporary dance. Her choreographies are very physical, emphasizing interpretation and precise movement, filled with the suggestiveness of everyday movement and emphasizing humanity and narration within the dancers.

She has choreographed for Slovene National Ballet Theatre, Slovene National Ballet Conservatory, APT Theater and her company KDP contemporary dance company, among others.  She has taught at University of Minnesota, TU Dance, Balletto di Firenze, Slovene High School for Contemporary Dance, National Ballet Conservatory and numerous workshops around Slovenia, Croatia, Italy, and USA. She also holds a status of "choreographer" from Slovene Ministry of Culture. She now lives and works in Washington DC.

Lisae C. Jordan

Ms. Jordan received her early training in classical ballet with Marilyn Ramsey in upstate New York and with the School of the Hartford Ballet in Connecticut. She worked as a principal dancer with Womenwerks and regional ballet companies in her home state of New York. Since moving to the D.C. area, she has danced with the Washington National Opera under the direction of Placido Domingo, the Baltimore Opera, Artefacts, and other local dance companies. She has taught ballet and stretch throughout the DC metro area and is also on the faculty of the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Academy of Classical Acting. Her classes emphasize using space, alignment and length.

Special Workshops

Make dance part of your life this year. Join us for some special workshops.

BALLET TECHNIQUE FOR ADVANCED BEGINNERS WITH IRINA WUNDER
Seven-Week Workshop
April 20-June 1
Fridays 7:30pm-9:00pm
Cost: $140 for all 7 classes

Pre-registration required - No drop-ins
Classes will be held at the main building at 3515 Wisconsin Ave NW
Classes are non-transferable

This seven-week workshop is for beginners with some previous knowledge of ballet. The participants continue to practice the basic concepts of the classical dance as well as apply them in more complex movement sequences. The workshop emphasizes proper alignment, stability (aplomb) and coordination as the very substance of classical dance. The instructor will provide detailed explanation of the steps and movement sequences building on the material from each class. After completing the workshop, students will not only improve their understanding of basic ballet terminology and steps but also gain a sense for artistry and expression.

Irina Wunder received her classical training in Turkmenistan, then a Republic of the former Soviet Union. She performed with the Republic’s Theater of Opera and Ballet and toured with the company in the former Soviet Republics. She was also a guest artist with the Ballet Nacional del Peru. While in Lima, Peru, Ms. Wunder also taught dance and served as a liaison between the US diplomatic and local dance communities. Ms. Wunder holds a Master’s degree from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance (London, UK), specializing in methodology and optimal practices of performing artists.

BUY NOW!

BALLET TECHNIQUE FOR BEGINNERS WITH IRINA WUNDER
Eight Week Workshop - Part 1 
February 9-April 6 (No class on March 30)
Fridays 7:30pm- 9:00pm
Cost: $152 for all 8 classes

Pre-registration required – No drop-ins
Classes will be held at the main building at 3515 Wisconsin Ave NW
Classes are non-transferable.

This workshop is designed for beginner level students. Previous experience is necessary. The workshop offers a progressive ballet study with focus on proper alignment, coordination and technique. The instructor will break down basic steps and movement sequences building on the material from each class. Classes will be taught in a supportive, caring and friendly environment. After completing the workshop, students will gain an understanding of basic ballet terminology and steps, and no longer feel self-conscious to try a beginner ballet class.

BUY NOW!

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 Class rates are $12.00 per class. A discount of $6.00 is granted to adults from the zip codes 20020 and 20032. A valid ID is required to receive the discount. $6 Drop in Class rates are also available to THEARC employees or TWB@THEARC parents.
Class cards good for 12 classes are $100/$60 for Wards 7 and 8 residents. Cards expire four months after the date of purchase; unused classes will not carry over to a new card.

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 2017 (begins September 5)

Drop in Class Rates are $12.  If you are a resident of Ward 7 or 8 (with a Valid ID), THEARC employee or a TWB@THEARC parent, Drop in Class rates are $6.  Don’t want to pay every time you attend class? No sweat! Ask about our Class Card options.

View the 2017.2018 Class Schedule, beginning September 5, 2017.

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 19^th 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.