Open Classes for Adults
Open Class Schedule & Calendar
Open Class Schedule & Calendar
We are pleased to offer a variety of class formats to meet you where you are! Dance with us!
TWB Covid Policy – Adult Program students are required to be fully vaccinated and are asked to confirm their vaccination status when registering. *Masks in class are optional unless indicated. Please note the TWSB Adult programs will have an updated Covid policy on June 1, 2023.
Open Class Schedule:
Please carefully note class locations. All classes will take place in Cathedral Commons unless noted.
- Cathedral Commons – 3308 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 2nd floor
- THEARC – 1901 Mississippi Ave SE, 2nd floor
Please check the registration system for faculty substitutions.
Monday
11:00AM-12:30PM ET, In-Studio/Online: Beginner II Ballet with Lisae Jordan, class ending after Monday, May 22
12:30PM-1:30PM ET, In-Studio/Online: Stretch & Lengthen with Lisae Jordan, class ending after Monday, May 22
7:00PM-8:30PM ET, In-Studio/Online: Beginner I Ballet with Marcela Paz Palau
Tuesday
10:00AM-11:30AM ET, In-Studio: Intermediate I Ballet with Arron Scott *Masks Req’d
7:30PM-8:30PM ET, In-Studio at THEARC $15: Modern Dance with Katherine Smith *Masks Req’d
7:30PM-9:00PM ET, In-Studio: Advanced Beginning Ballet with Rafael Bejarano
7:45PM-9:15PM ET, In-Studio: Beginner II Ballet with Ramon Sanchez *Masks Req’d Rotating Summer Teacher Schedule: Arron Scott (6.6, 6.13, 6.20, 7.25, 8.1, 8.8, 8.15, 8.22, 8.29), Therese Gahl (6.27, 7.11, 7.18)
Wednesday
9:30AM-11:00AM ET, In-Studio: Advanced Beginner Ballet with Royce Zackery
12:00PM-1:30PM ET, In-Studio/Online: Beginner II Ballet with Shu-Chen Cuff
7:00PM-8:30PM ET, In-Studio: Advanced Beginner Ballet with Alvaro Palau
Thursday
10:00AM-11:30AM ET, In-Studio: Intermediate II Ballet with Aaron Jackson *Masks Req’d
12:00PM-1:30PM ET, In-Studio: Beginner I Ballet with Constance Dinapoli
7:30PM-9:00PM ET, In-Studio: Advanced Beginner Ballet with Royce Zackery
7:30PM-9:00PM ET, In-Studio: Intermediate I Ballet with Tamas Krizsa
Friday
10:00AM-11:30AM ET, In-Studio: Intermediate II Ballet with Aaron Jackson *Masks Req’d
12:00PM-1:30PM ET, In-Studio: Beginner I Ballet with Elena Ovchinnikova Rotating Summer Teacher Schedule: Connie Dinapoli (6.9, 6.16), Allison Crosby (6.23, 6.30, 7.7, 7.14, 7.28, 8.25), Elizabeth Gahl (7.21, 8.4, 8.11,), Arron Scott (8.18)
Saturday
9:30AM-11:00AM ET, In-Studio: Advanced Beginner Ballet with Tamas Krizsa
9:30AM-11:00AM ET, In-Studio: Intermediate II Ballet with Aaron Jackson *Masks Req’d
11:00AM-12:00PM ET, In-Studio: New to Ballet Fundamentals with Miya Hisaka *Masks Req’d
12:00PM-1:30PM ET, In-Studio: Beginner I Ballet with Royce Zackery
12:30PM-2:00PM ET, In-Studio: Intermediate II Ballet with Tamas Krizsa
Sunday
10:00AM-11:30AM ET, In-Studio: Advanced Beginner Ballet with Bahareh Sardari
10:00AM-11:30AM ET, In-Studio: Intermediate II with Linda Baranovics
11:30AM-1:00PM ET, In-Studio: Beginning Pointe with Marcela Paz Palau *Masks Req’d
1:30PM-3:00PM ET, In-Studio/Online: Beginner II Ballet with Miya Hisaka *Masks Req’d Rotating Summer Teacher Schedule: Allison Crosby (6.25, 7.2, 7.9, 7.30, 8.20, 8.27), Rafael Bejarano (6.18, 7.16, 7.23), Miya Hisaka (8.6, 8.13), TBD (6.11)
1:30PM-3:00PM ET, In-Studio: Beginner I Ballet with Marcela Paz Palau
1:30PM-3:00PM ET, In-Studio: Advanced Beginner Modern/Horton Technique with Kevin Malone starting Sunday, June 11
Open classes are available for students to take as their schedule allows. There are two open class formats: In-Studio and Online. All require advance registration.
- IN-STUDIO: Taken by students in a TWB studio with the faculty member teaching from the same studio.
- ONLINE: Taken by students via Zoom from their personal studio space. Online Zoom classes open five minutes before the class start time.
Register for Class
2022-2023 Adult Open Class Calendar
- Monday, August 29 – Monday, September 5, 2022: Adult classes are cancelled. Classes resume Tuesday, September 6.
- Monday, October 10, 2022: TWSB will be closed for the holiday and all classes cancelled. Classes resume Tuesday, October 11.
- Tuesday, November 8, 2022: THEARC is closed and no classes will be held at that location. Classes at Cathedral Commons will be held as regularly scheduled.
- Friday, November 11, 2022: TWSB will be closed for the holiday and all classes cancelled. Classes resume Saturday, November 12.
- Wednesday, November 23 – Friday, November 25, 2022: On 11/23, morning classes will be held as regularly scheduled and all evening classes will be cancelled. 11/24-11/25 TWSB will be closed and all classes cancelled. Classes resume Saturday, November 26.
- Saturday, December 24 – Monday, December 26, 2022: TWSB will be closed for the holiday and all classes cancelled. Classes resume Tuesday, December 27.
- Sunday, January 1, 2023 – Monday, January 2, 2023: 1/1-1/2 TWSB will be closed and all classes cancelled. NOTE: On Sat,12/31, classes will be held as regularly scheduled. Classes resume Tuesday, January 3, 2023.
- Monday, January 16, 2023: TWSB will be closed for the holiday and all classes cancelled. NOTE: with the exception of rehearsal for the Adult Program Faculty Concert. Classes resume Tuesday, January 17.
- Monday, February 20, 2023: TWSB will be closed for the holiday and all classes cancelled. Classes resume Tuesday, February 21.
- Sunday, April 9, 2023: TWSB will be closed for the holiday and all classes are cancelled.
Classes resume Monday, April 10. - Saturday, April 29 – Sunday, April 30, 2023: Adult Program Faculty Performance
April 29 (Sat. 7 pm) and April 30 (Sun. 4 and 7 pm) at Cathedral Commons - Monday, May 29 – Sunday, June 4, 2023: Adult classes are cancelled. Classes resume on Monday, June 5.
- Monday, June 19, 2023: TWSB will be closed for the holiday and all classes cancelled. Classes resume Tuesday, June 20.
- Tuesday, July 4, 2023: TWSB will be closed for the holiday and all classes cancelled. Classes resume Wednesday, July 5.
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 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).
Ballet Fundamentals 2
Students must have taken the Fundamentals class for at least 2-3 semesters and registration is confirmed with permission of teacher.
This 1.5 hour 9 week-class is an intensive workshop for those Fundamentals students who have taken Fundamentals for over 2 semesters and are preparing to transition to Beg. 1 level classes. Students must have taken the Fundamentals class for at least 2-3 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 workshop incorporates basic terminology and dance history. Upon completion, it will build confidence and fully prepares one to attend any Beg. 1 class. This is not for the novice dancer.
Skills – Plies, tendus, degages, fondus, rond de jambes, frappes and grand battements, preparation for pirouettes, basic foot and arm positions, and more.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
Ballet Fundamentals 2 Workshop
June 11 – August 6, 2023
6/11-8/6
9 weeks
$162
This 1.5 hour 9 week-class is an intensive workshop for those Fundamentals students who have taken Fundamentals for over 2 semesters and are preparing to transition to Beg. 1 level classes. Students must have taken the Fundamentals class for at least 2-3 semesters and registration is confirmed with permission of teacher, Miya Hisaka. 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 workshop incorporates basic terminology and dance history. Upon completion, it will build confidence and fully prepares one to attend any Beg. 1 class. This is not for the novice dancer.
Going out of town this summer? Take TWSB with you and continue your Workshop without missing a class! All registered participants will receive a Zoom link prior to the first class so you can join live class no matter your location.
Classes will not be recorded.
Skills – Plies, tendus, degages, fondus, rond de jambes, frappes and grand battements, preparation for pirouettes, basic foot and arm positions, and more.
How to Register:
Login to your student account. > Click “Workshops.” > Click “Enroll Now.”
For more information about workshops, contact Gabrielle Corporal: gcorporal@washingtonballet.org
On Demand Classes
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 For Class
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 open for registration two-weeks 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?
- Seniors 65+ with valid government-issued ID,
- Students currently enrolled full-time in college or high school,
- Professional dancers, dance teachers, or free-lance dance artists who derive a minimum of 50% of their income from dance activities.
Policies & FAQ
TWB Covid Policy
Adult Program students are required to be fully vaccinated and are asked to confirm their vaccination status when registering. *Masks in class are optional unless indicated. If the regional transmission rates for COVID-19 are “Medium”, or “High”, all classes and buildings will require masks. You can check transmission rates here: TWB Covid Policy
Vaccination Policy
The Washington School of Ballet requires all students (ages 5 and up), staff, faculty, and contractors to be fully vaccinated and up to date with their Covid-19 vaccines as defined by the CDC. If you would like to request a medical or religious exemption, please fill out this form. Please allow at least two weeks for your request to be reviewed. If TWSB is unable to make a determination because of inadequate information, additional information may be requested before approval or denial. Students must wait for approval before registering for classes. Visit TWB’s Covid-19 Updates & Information for more information.