Open Classes for Adults

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 and dance history. Upon completion for a semester, it builds confidence and prepares one to attend Beg. 1 class.

Skills – Plies, tendus, degages, developpes and gran battements, preparation for pirouettes; basic foot and arm positions, 7 basic forms of motor movement (walking, skipping, triplets, sautes, assembles, chasses, jetes).

Beginner Ballet I

Prerequisite: Highly recommend students to take New to Ballet Fundamentals 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. May not be for novice students. 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.

Skills – Full barre including fondus, rond de jambes, en dehors pirouettes, incorporation of basic foot and arm positions with movement, waltzes, piques, chaines, tombe pas de bourre, beginning of petite allegro, incorporate basic steps into simple movement combinations (8 count gran allegro).

Beginner Ballet II

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.

Skills – Full barre adding in frappes, simple adagio, en dehor and en dedans pirouettes, more complex combinations using basic foot and arm positions, waltzes in all directions, simple adagio, petite and grand allegro, 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, frappes, 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 petite allegro, grand allegro, 16 count combinations utilizing all material learned to date.

Intermediate Ballet I

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 Ballet II

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.

Beginning Pointe for Adults – Begins in Fall 2023

Students should be at an advanced beginner/intermediate level of ballet and should be taking at least 2-3 other technique classes/week. This class is open for novice pointe students but is recommended for those with some experience dancing on pointe. This class focuses on strengthening the feet and ankles, proper alignment, and maximum lengthening of the body. Skills gained in this class help support the adult dancer in their other technique classes in soft slippers. This class will guide students through exercises to progress their pointe work starting at a beginning level. The majority of each class will be spent at the barre before moving to center work for the last 15-30 minutes of class.  If this is your first pointe class, please purchase your shoes prior to first day of class. You should not sew on your ribbons and elastics if you want the advice from your instructor if your shoe is the best fit for you. For the safety of our adult students, the use of pointe shoes is at the instructor’s discretion.

Skills – A full barre,usually facing the barre, focusing on being on pointe as much as possible. Strength building exercises at the barre such as echappes, fondues, piques. In the center, bourres and preparations for pirouettes.

Stretch & Strengthen

This is a 60-minute 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 class to build strength or take as a warm up before a full ballet class.

Stretch & Lengthen

This is a 60-minute class focused on the gentle lengthening of fascia and loosening of joints. After a standing warm-up, the class moves to a mat (or towel or carpet) to stretch major muscle groups. Modifications are offered so everyone can participate. Bring a tennis ball and a TheraBand or kitchen towel, if you have one. This is a perfect addition to your weekly schedule to spend time stretching or to take as a warm up before or cool down to a ballet class.

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.

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.

Adult Program Faculty Performance 
April 29 (Sat. 7 pm) and April 30 (Sun. 4 and 7 pm)
at Cathedral Commons

1/13-4/28
15 weeks
$195 Performance Fee/Choreographer 

Registration for this workshop is now CLOSED. Please stay tuned for performance info!

Accepting all levels from beginner through advanced dancers. Each choreographer specifies their level for their dance and rehearsal dates. Previous performance experience recommended.  

Choreographers/Levels Accepting/Rehearsals Date & Times between Jan. 13-April 28: 

“Ubuntu: Building Bridges Between Diverse Communities Through Dance,” a culmination of a 15-week performance workshop, presents in concert TWSB Adult Program’s faculty and students from both the NW and SE campuses. 3 performances will be held on April 29 (Sat. 7 pm) and April 30 (Sun. 4 and 7 pm) at the Joseph C. Coleman Studios. This one-hour program will present a mix of diverse neoclassical and contemporary works choreographed by Tamas Krizsa, Royce Zackery, Alvaro Palau, Miya Hisaka and Kevin Malone with guest performances by Mimmo Miccolis/Professional Training Division, Shu Chen Cuff/Gin Dance Company, and Miya Hisaka/DC Contemporary Dance Theatre. The objectives are to: celebrate diversity and inclusivity; bring together diverse communities; and to honor our dedicated adult faculty and students, who greatly enrich the greater cultural life of the District of Columbia. 

Instructions for Students Interested in Participating: 

Nov. 1-23 – Interested students must fill out the following online application along with their headshot:  

The Application Period Has ENDED

The 15-week rehearsal session will be Jan. 13- April 28, 2023, on either Fridays, 7:15-8:45 pm, Saturdays, 2-5 pm, or Sundays, 3:30-5:30 pm, with all rehearsals held at the Joseph C. Coleman Studios.  Students are required to attend rehearsals, be prompt and participate on a regular basis in order to perform. 

By Dec. 16– Students will be notified via email to report to a specific choreographer’s first rehearsal date on Jan. 13-15, whereby, the choreographer will select his/her final cast. 

Jan. 13, 14, 15 – Students attend choreographer’s first rehearsal where final cast will be selected. 

By Jan. 20–  If you are cast, then you will confirm their participation by registering online with their performance fee of $195 total ($13/rehearsal) by Jan. 20. This fee helps cover a modest honorarium for their choreographer, production costs and post-performance gathering.  Students will purchase their own costume according to choreographer’s guidelines.  

This Concert will be produced and directed by Miya Hisaka (Adult Faculty Artistic Operations Manager), along with a selection panel of Tamas Krizsa (Company Rehearsal Director/Adult Faculty), Kim Parmer (PDT Student Services Coordinator) and other TWSB Staff and Faculty. All tickets must be purchased online in advance: $20/General Admission. All proceeds will go to support the TWSB and the Adult Program. 

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: Gabrielle Corporal at gcorporal@washingtonballet.org 

Please enter in subject line: Adult Faculty Concert 

On Demand Classes

Don’t miss our full On Demand Library of OVER 80 videos to enjoy! Classes include 30-minute, 60-minute, and 90-minute formats in various styles and levels including: Body Conditioning such as Yoga and Pilates, Beginner Ballet 1, Beginner Ballet 2, and Advanced Beginner Ballet.

Purchase On Demand videos for $8 and enjoy for seven days. Students may repurchase videos for continued viewing.

Follow these steps to access and purchase On Demand classes:

• Login to your Student account or Create a new account
• Need help with your password or accessing an existing account? Email jfrontdesk@washingtonballet.org
• Once logged in, select the “TWSB for Adults” tab.
• Select “On Demand Videos” to see all available videos. Select “On Demand Video Playlist” to view groups of videos organized by series or level.
• To purchase and view videos, select the film icon, then click “Make Your Payment.” Click “video list,” then click the film icon in the top left corner.
• After purchasing, you will have access to the video for seven days.

View your purchased video by logging into your student account. Click “Video List,” then click the film icon in the top left corner.

Register & Purchase Classes

Login to your Student account or Create a new account Select the “TWSB for Adults” tab, then “Class Schedule” tab. There you will see all open, drop-in classes and workshops available for registration. Open, drop-in classes are only open for registration seven days in advance. en español

Step-by-Step Instructions & Videos

Once registered for class, you will receive a confirmation email to join class. Advanced registration is required for ALL classes/workshops. Registration closes 30 minutes prior to the class start time or when the class reaches capacity.

Class Pricing

IN-STUDIO Classes

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

ONLINE Classes

• Single class credit $13
• 3-class credit package $39
• 5-class credit package $65

SENIOR 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. Senior/Student/Artist cards expire one year from the date purchased.

Who qualifies for the TWSB Senior/Student/Artist Rate?