Open Classes for Adults

Class and Level Descriptions

New to Ballet Fundamentals
This 60-minute class is a basic ballet class for absolute beginners. No previous experience necessary. This class introduces novice students to the fundamentals of ballet technique and focuses on: alignment, stretching, strengthening, balance, floor work, full barre, center, movement, and incorporates basic terminology, dance history and classroom etiquette. Upon completion for a semester, it builds confidence and prepares one to attend Beg. 1 class.

Skills – Pliés, tendus, dégagés, développé and grands battements, preparation for pirouettes; basic foot and arm positions, 7 basic forms of motor movement (walking, skipping, triplets, sauté, assembles, chassé, jeté).

Fundamentals II Ballet
Students must have taken New to Ballet Fundamentals class for at least 2 semesters and registration is confirmed with permission of teacher.

This 1.5 hour class is for students who have taken New to Ballet Fundamentals for at least 2 semesters and are preparing to transition to Beg. 1 level classes. Students must have taken the Fundamentals class for at least 2 semesters and registration is confirmed with permission of teacher. This class will take the beg. student from facing the barre to turning sideways with one hand at the barre and will teach all proper arm positions and port de bras to complete a full barre. This class incorporates basic terminology, dance history and classroom etiquette. This class will build confidence and fully prepare dancers to attend any Beg. 1 class. This is not for the novice dancer.

Skills – Pliés, tendus, dégagés, fondus, rond de jambes, frappés and grands battements, preparation for pirouettes, basic foot and arm positions, and more.

Open Level Ballet
This adult ballet class introduces participants to basic barre work, simple stretches, and center exercises, all in an engaging and relaxed atmosphere.  All levels are welcome.

Beginner I Ballet
Prerequisite: Highly recommend students Fundamentals II Ballet before attending Beg. 1.

This class is for beginners who may be returning after many years away from the art form and wishing to ease back into ballet. Not for novice students. This class introduces basic terminology, foundational ballet technique with a focus on proper alignment, and class etiquette. 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.

Skills – Full barre including fondus, rond de jambes, en dehors pirouettes, incorporation of basic foot and arm positions with movement, waltzes, piqué, chaînés, tombe pas de bourrée, beginning of petit allégro, incorporate basic steps into simple movement combinations (8 count grand allégro).

Beginner II Ballet
This class is for beginner students who already 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 1 level to include slightly more complex movements and coordination. Class continues to incorporate dance terminology and class etiquette.

Skills – Full barre adding in frappés, simple adagio, en dehor and en dedans pirouettes, more complex combinations using basic foot and arm positions, waltzes in all directions, simple adagio, petit and grand allégro, simple combinations utilizing all material learned to date in longer phrases.

Advanced Beginner Ballet
This class is a progression from Beginner Ballet 2 classes. Students in this level have attended ballet classes regularly in recent years or throughout adolescence. A deep knowledge and understanding of ballet terminology, ballet technique alignment principles, and execution of core ballet technique is expected.

Skills – Full barre that increases in complexity and pace, frappés, rond de jambe en l’air, adagio, en dehors and en dedans and attitude pirouettes, more complex center combinations, waltzes used in combinations, simple adagio and petit allégro, grand allégro, 16 count combinations utilizing all material learned to date.

Intermediate I Ballet
This class is for the more proficient and experienced student with a minimum of 5 years training who is looking for an Intermediate level class that moves at a slightly slower pace. A deep knowledge and understanding of ballet terminology and alignment principles, as well as the ability to execute core ballet technique is expected. This class will remain at the Intermediate level of technique, however, barre combinations and center work will cater to students who prefer a slightly slower pace and want to concentrate on improving existing levels of technique.

Intermediate II Ballet
This class is for the more proficient and experienced student with a minimum of 5 years training who is looking for an Intermediate level technique class that moves at a brisk pace. A deep knowledge and understanding of ballet terminology and alignment principles, as well as the ability to execute core ballet technique is expected. The class will move at a quicker pace than all other class levels with students executing complex movement sequences with more developed strength and proficiency.

Advanced Beginner Pointe
Students should be at an advanced beginner/intermediate level of ballet and should be taking at least 3 other technique classes/week. This class is recommended for those with at least a year of experience dancing on pointe and who would like to improve their pointe technique at a faster pace. This class focuses on strengthening the feet and ankles, proper alignment, maximum lengthening of the body, and movement and fluidity. Skills gained in this class help support the adult dancer in their other technique classes in soft slippers and helps to build confidence on pointe. This class will guide students through exercises to progress their work starting at an advanced beginner level in pointe and will continue to progress through the year. Each class will be spent at the barre before moving to center work.

Skills – Strength building exercises at the barre such as échappé, fondus, piqué, passé, preparation for pirouettes.  Center – pirouettes (en dehor and en dedans), chaînés, piqué, bourrée, pas de bourrée, and more.

For the safety of our adult students, the use of pointe shoes is at the discretion of the instructor.

Open Level Modern at NW Campus
Open Level Modern emphasizes the core fundamentals of modern dance. This class focuses on contractions, spirals, and basic floor work. This class highlights rhythmic analysis and the elemental concepts of energy, space, and time. Students will gain core strength, flexibility, and increased comfort with self-expression through movement.  

Skills: contractions, spirals, utilization of plie as basis for expansive movement, rhythmic analysis, proper execution of dance technique as basis for expansive movement, attitude turns, proper use of breath, and more. All levels are welcome. At least one year of dance experience is recommended.  

Open Level Modern at SE Campus 
This is a Horton-based modern technique class with creative elements.  All levels welcome; at least one year of dance experience is recommended.

Advanced Beginner Modern/Horton Technique
Designed for students with an advanced beginner level in ballet and with some previous modern training. This class also focuses on developing individual artistry and self-expression. Students will gain an understanding of modern dance vocabulary rooted in a variety of techniques such as Horton, Graham, and Limon. Students will gain agility, strength, coordination, and flexibility in addition to an increased understanding of body awareness and technical skill level. Emphasis of class is on musicality and long movement phrases.

Skills – flat backs, laterals, primitive squats, leg swings , elementary balance, swing and release work, seated basic Horton floor work and Horton movement progressions across the floor, prances, triplets, side falls, Egyptian walks, stag turns, and more.

Mat Pilates
Mat Pilates is composed of lengthening and strengthening exercises that focus on your core (trunk) muscles while also training your arms and legs. The entire class is on the floor and your body is completely supported by gravity. Based on the original exercises Joseph Pilates developed, mat work originated before the creation of any equipment or “machines” and includes over 500 exercises that can be practiced anywhere. Mat Pilates can be modified for any age, body, or fitness level and therefore, is open to all levels including the novice beginner. A great way to fine tune and condition your body. Please bring your own yoga mat.

Skills – Pilates is a mind, body, and spirit practice that builds a strong and balanced body. It improves alignment and posture of the entire body, lengthens muscles which improves flexibility and mobility, improves overall coordination and balance, increases lung capacity, improves concentration and focus, increases body awareness, stress management and injury prevention. You can take what you learn from mat and apply it to improve your dance classes.

Performance Workshops
TWSB AP Performance Workshops are offered as an opportunity for more advanced students to take class room work to the stage and work with TWSB’s leading faculty. Students will experience the process of rehearsals and stagecraft while developing specific skills necessary to successfully execute a public performance. It also helps to build self-confidence, discipline, to learn proper stage etiquette, and methods of evaluating one’s work. Performance Workshops are a supplement to the regular schedule of technique classes and is the highest level of work in one’s training.

Adult Program Concert – 2024

Performances:

• Saturday June 15, 2024: 7:00pm
• Sunday June 16, 2024: 4:00pm
• Sunday, June 16, 2024 7:00pm

Performance Venue: England Studio – Main building: 3515 Wisconsin Ave NW
Participation Fee: $195-$220 (price is dependent on number of rehearsals for each piece)
Participants: Adult Program Students from NW and SE campuses – Auditions are required to participate
Choreographers: Tamás Krizsa, Miya Hisaka, Kevin Malone, and Alvaro Palau
Rehearsal Schedule: See below
Ticketing Information: Find ticketing and performance details here!

How to audition?

1. Fill out an application:

Interested students must fill out the below online application by Thursday February, 1st at 5:00pm.
Fill out the Audition Application HERE
Unsure of your level? Attend the Adult Program Open House for guidance.

2. Audition:

Saturday, February 10th at Cathedral Commons studios.
All dancers interested in participating in the Adult Program Concert must audition. Students may dance in only one piece and attend only one audition. Please carefully review the rehearsal schedule prior to attending the audition.
If you are absolutely unable to attend the audition, please fill out the audition application and speak directly with your choreographer to be evaluated in one of their classes.

Audition Times

Levels: Advanced Beginner Ballet, Intermediate Ballet, and dancers with Pointe experience.
Time/Location: 2:00pm-3:00pm: Trone Studio at Cathedral Commons
Choreographers: Tamás Krizsa and Alvaro Palau

Level: Beginner Ballet dancers
Time/Location: 2:30pm-3:30pm: Fernandez studio at Cathedral Commons
Choreographer: Miya Hisaka

Level: Advance Beginner Modern dancers
Time/Location: 2:30pm-3:30pm: Coleman studio at Cathedral Commons
Choreographer: Kevin Malone

3. Check your email:

Acceptance Notifications will be emailed by February 16th.

4. Pay your performance fee:

Included in your acceptance email will be directions on how to pay the performance fee via Mindbody online. Performance fees must be paid in full by March 1. All Participants must attend their first rehearsal before they will be able to pay the performance fee.

Performance Fee

Concert Details

Time Commitment for Dancers

General Attendance Requirements:

Students who are selected must attend weekly rehearsals, tech and dress rehearsals, and performances. No more than 2 absences will be permitted, and those dates must be discussed with and approved by the choreographer. If you must miss more than 2 rehearsals due to work travel, or a prior engagement, please speak directly with your choreographer to be approved prior to the audition.
Dancers may not be absent for tech rehearsals, dress rehearsals or any performances.

Rehearsal Schedule

Rehearsals run from mid-February through performance dates. See below for specific rehearsal dates and times. Please review carefully prior to submitting your application.

Specific Rehearsal Times and Fees for All Choreographers:

Miya Hisaka, Beginner Ballet Dancers

Alvaro Palau, Adv. Beginner Ballet Dancers

Tamás Krizsa, Intermediate Ballet and Pointe Dancers

Kevin Malone, Adv. Beginner Modern Dancers

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: jfrontdesk@washingtonballet.org
Please enter in subject line: Adult Program Concert 2024

Workshops

Workshops provide focused attention for students in a particular level, style, or area of technique and additional options from the ongoing open class schedule to train with TWSB faculty, Company dancers, and artistic leaders. Workshops vary in length but are typically held in one to eight-week sessions.

More Workshops coming soon!

How to Register:

Login to your MindBody Online student account > Click “Workshops.” > Click “Enroll Now.”

For more information about workshops, contact jfrontdesk@washingtonballet.org

Register & Purchase Classes

Log-in/Create Account for Mindbody

Advanced registration is required for ALL classes/workshops.
Please note that weekend classes fill up very quickly.

You may log into your Mindbody account to cancel your registration up to 30 minutes prior to class start. All no-shows & cancellations after that time will be charged as if you had attended.

Class Pricing

Purchase Classes

• Single class credit $20 / $15 at THEARC
• 5-class credit package $95
• 10-class credit package $180

Discounts

*Only one discount will apply at a time.*

Family Giving Circle Donor Membership
Receive 15% off of Adult class credits when you become a donor at the Second Position level or above! Once you become a member, create a Mindbody account and email jfrontdesk@washingtonballet.org to request the Donor Membership. The Donor Membership on Mindbody allows you to purchase class credits at a 15% discount. Please provide your name and giving level, then allow 2 business days for processing.

Join the Family Giving Circle Here

TWSB Alum & Enrolled Student rate for IN-STUDIO Classes
Students who graduated from our Upper Division or Professional Training Programs or are currently enrolled in these programs may receive a 25% discount on Adult class credits. Create a Mindbody account and email jfrontdesk@washingtonballet.org to request this membership. Please provide your name, campus and either year of graduation or current level. Please allow 2 business days for processing.

AGE 65+/STUDENT/ARTIST rate for IN-STUDIO Classes

• 5-class credit package $85
• 10-class credit package $160

You must be approved via the below application to purchase these cards. Once approved for a membership, you will be able to purchase class cards at the discounted rate. All class cards expire 12 months from date of purchase. Student/Artist memberships must be renewed yearly, 65+ memberships do not expire. 

Who qualifies for the TWSB Age 65+/Student/Artist Rate?