Our 2025 summer camps have wrapped! They’ll be back next summer!
Ballet Theatre Ashtabula School of Dance provides students with a strong technical foundation in ballet via expert instruction and personal attention, in a studio space designed with safety and artistic excellence in mind. Classes are held year-round, and there are annual performance opportunities for all student levels, which dancers are strongly encouraged to take part in. Special artistic development opportunities are also available for Senior Company Division dancers, who have the chance to work with guest artists in a variety of dance genres. Our studios have shock-absorbing, basket-weave construction sprung floors surfaced with state-of-the-art marley, enhancing performance and reducing the risk of injury. Many former BTA students have gone on to dance professionally in companies such as Alonzo King’s Lines Ballet, MOMIX, Alberta Ballet, Sarasota Ballet, Hubbard Street 2, Les Ballets Trockadero, Ailey II, Verb Ballets, and Elisa Monte Dance, or have danced professionally for major cruise lines and in national tours of Broadway shows. Others have gotten their degrees in dance from institutions including the Juilliard School, Marymount Manhattan College, Mercyhurst University, and Wright State University. BTA also offers recreational classes, for students who enjoy dance for fun and fitness.
From ages 3-6, students are part of the Young Children’s Division, consisting of Creative Movement and Pre-Ballet. Children are introduced to basic ballet concepts and vocabulary, and begin to learn about movement and self-expression. Classes at this level emphasize imagination, simple musicality, and coordination, along with early learning concepts like listening for directions, being kind and respectful to classmates, and trying new things.
At age 7, students move into the Junior Company Division, consisting of Ballet I & II. At this level, dancers are expected to develop a sense of teamwork, responsibility, and self-confidence, learning and memorizing choreography and attending classes and rehearsals consistently. Once in Ballet I, all students are invited to perform in The Nutcracker and the Children’s Dance Recital. It’s important to note that entrance into Ballet I is the last time a student’s age determines their placement; advancement to subsequent levels happens when a student has shown sufficient growth in the skills and maturity needed to move on. This advancement is a unique journey for every student, focused on individual improvement, mastery of techniques, and self-confidence — not a timeframe.
Dancers advance to the pre-professional Senior Company Division, consisting of Ballet III & IV, when they demonstrate the levels of commitment, discipline, and focus required of young, developing artists. Senior Company Division dancers are encouraged to take extra classes beyond their requirements, take advantage of master classes and choreography workshops with guest artists, and are expected to be good role models to younger dancers. Missing classes or rehearsals at this level can quickly become a barrier to a dancer’s progress, so solid attendance is vital. While not all dancers at this level plan to pursue careers in dance, those who want to can get one-on-one support in researching programs, preparing for auditions, and creating individual training plans.
Ballet III & IV
with Amaris LaSalle
8 weeks starting Sept 15
5-6:30 p.m.
Dancers will study sustained barre and center work, along with adagio, pirouettes, and allegro combinations, and will be expected to work with greater emphasis on discipline and precision in skills.
Fresh Beats!
for ages 8 & up
with Violet Lasalle
8 weeks starting Sept 15
5-6 p.m.
$102 ($92 for donors)
REGISTER
This is a fun class for anyone interested in dancing to popular music and learning basic dance moves. This is a fun, upbeat class where students will create their own dance while building skills in a supportive environment.
Ballroom
with Brenda Angle
4 weeks starting Oct 6
6-7 p.m.
$75 couple ($67 for donors)
$52 single ($47 for donors)
REGISTER
This class will focus on traditional dances of the Polka and the Foxtrot. All levels welcome for a fun class!
Modern Dance
with Amaris LaSalle
8 weeks starting Sept 15
6:30-7:30 p.m.
open to level II & up;
any level II student
taking Modern can also take Monday Ballet III/IV at no charge.
This class will explore Horton and Limon based techniques as well as contemporary movement. This is a great class for ballet dancers to build their technique and understanding of breath work, floor work, and release/control of the body.
Teen/Adult Ballet
with Sadie Drozd
8 weeks starting Sept 15
7:30-8:30 p.m.
$102 ($92 for donors)
REGISTER
For the student who always wanted to take ballet, but never did. We’ll cover the basics of ballet: learning dance vocabulary, proper body alignment, and coordination. Dance for fitness & fun — it’s never too late to start!
Nutcracker rehearsal Senior Company – 7:45-8:45 p.m. starting Oct 6
PreBallet
for ages 5-7
with Violet LaSalle
8 weeks starting Sept 16
4:30-5:15 p.m.
$64 ($58 for donors),
$8 tutu/sash fee (optional)
REGISTER
This class focuses on the joy of movement. Dancers at this level will learn posture, flexibility, and coordination using music and expression, developing a strong foundation necessary for Classical Ballet training. Fun and beautiful basic ballet concepts are introduced. Dancers will learn vocabulary and build a foundation in ballet technique prior to entering into our leveled classes.
Ballet II
with Clover
Robinson
8 weeks starting Sept 16
5:15-6:45 p.m.
Ballet II students take two classes per week and focus on developing technical abilities as well as artistic expression, developing self-confidence, coordination, balance, and musicality, while learning the discipline of the art form.
Ballet III & IV
with Cassie Serdula
5:15-6:45 p.m.
See Mon. description
Beginning Pointe
with Clover Robinson
8 weeks starting Sept 16
7-8 p.m.
The study of Ballet technique as applied to pointe work.
Intermediate/Advanced Pointe
with Cassie Serdula
8 weeks starting Sept 16
7-8 p.m.
The study of Ballet technique as applied to pointe work.
Nutcracker rehearsal Senior Company – 8-8:45 p.m. starting Oct 7
Ballet III & IV
with Heather Burns
5-6:30 p.m.
See Mon. description
Ballet I
with Naomi Sanford
8 weeks starting Sept 17
6:30-7:30 p.m.
REGISTER
Formal training in Classical Ballet begins at this level. We’ll focus on learning basic vocabulary, alignment, weight transfer, musicality, and coordination, while dancing in a fun and nurturing environment.
YAGP Rehearsal
with Heather Burns
8 weeks starting Sept 17
6:45-8:45 p.m.
$77
Creative Movement
for ages 3-5
with Violet LaSalle
8 weeks starting Sept 18
4:30-5 p.m.
$62 ($56 for donors),
$8 tutu/sash fee (optional)
REGISTER
Children will discover movement through imaginative play, stories, and improvisational movements. Dancers will learn about spatial awareness, musicality, working with other children in a small group, along with developing social skills, coordination, and creativity.
Ballet II
with Heather Burns
5-6:30 p.m.
see Tues. description
Ballet III & IV
with Clover Robinson
5-6:30 p.m.
Beginning/Intermediate Pointe
with Heather Burns
6:45-7:45 p.m.
Intermediate/Advanced Pointe & Partnering
with Clover Robinson & Jayson Gage
8 weeks starting Sept 18
6:45-7:45 p.m.
This class will apply pointe work and basic classical partnering skills to help prepare dancers for choreography involving partnering.
Nutcracker rehearsal Senior Company 7:45-8:45 p.m. starting Oct 9
No Friday dance classes currently scheduled.
Beginning Tap for Kids
for ages 9-13
with Kara Cervelli
8 weeks starting Sept 13
11-11:45 a.m.
$77 ($70 for donors)
REGISTER
Discover the joy of creating music with your feet! Whether you’re new to tap or looking to polish your technique, this class welcomes dancers ages 9-13 in a fun, relaxed, and supportive environment. Get ready to shuffle, flap, and paradiddle in the Broadway style to classic and popular tunes while developing rhythm, balance, and coordination. No prior experience necessary. Tap shoes (full sole, lace up) or hard soled shoes preferred.
Broadway Tap
for teens & adults
with Kara Cervelli
8 weeks starting Sept 13
noon-1 p.m.
$102 ($92 for donors)
REGISTER
Put on your dancing shoes and join us for Broadway Tap! This beginner to intermediate class welcomes adults and teens (ages 13+) to explore the rhythmic world of tap dance in a fun, supportive environment. Learn classic Broadway-style tap steps and combinations while developing musicality, coordination, and confidence. Create music with your feet while dancing to both classic and contemporary tunes. No previous tap experience needed – just bring your enthusiasm and tap shoes (full sole, lace up preferred) or hard soled shoes. Come discover why tap dancing has delighted performers and audiences for generations!
Weekend Nutcracker rehearsals for
senior company start Oct 4
Our 2025 summer camps have wrapped! They’ll be back next summer!
Payment
Payment is expected at the time of registration unless otherwise noted, and can be made by cash, check, or credit card. Platform fees apply to all transactions. Qualifying donors receive a discounted rate. Materials fees, model fees, and some other fees are excluded from this discount.
Registration
Registration is required. A minimum number of students is needed to hold a class. When necessary, a class start date may be postponed a week or a class may be cancelled 24 hours prior to the starting time. Classes and lessons are open to all, regardless of race, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, or national origin.
Refund Policy
If a class is cancelled, appropriate refunds will be given. Persons desiring to withdraw from a class, who do so at least 24 hours before the start time of the class, will receive a full refund. If you drop a class after this deadline, but before the second meeting of the class, you will receive a refund for 75% of your tuition. There will be no refunds after the second class meeting.
Session Requirements by Level
Fall Tuition Cost by Level
Winter/Spring Tuition Cost by Level
Tuition may be paid in 4 monthly installments.
Financial aid is available for eligible students. The financial aid form dance department may be downloaded or obtained at the front desk and must be filled out and returned no later than one week prior to the start date of the class.
PLEASE NOTE: Financial aid is not applied towards Nutcracker Season fee, only to classes.
By registering yourself or your child for a class/workshop/music lesson/or other activity at the arts center, you hereby waive and release all rights and claims for damages you or your child may have against the arts center and its employees. The arts center will not be responsible for injuries suffered by you or your child during classes, workshops, or activities sponsored by the arts center. In addition, you also give the arts center and its employees the right to use your or your child’s image with or without you or your child’s name, for purposes such as advertising, publicity, and public presentations.
Class Placement
Class placement is determined by experience, maturity, and ability rather than age. More than one year is often needed in any given level. Our main concern is to provide each student with the training necessary for their stage of development. If a change to another level is appropriate, parents & student will be notified. Parents are welcome to request a conference concerning a child’s progress.
Observing Classes
Especially in the case of younger students, parents and friends are asked not to observe classes except when invited. Children are often shy and distracted when they have an audience. Family and friends will be invited to observe the last class of the term. If parents have concerns about a child’s progress, a special observation day may be arranged.
Class Attire
Ballet: Students should wear either pink tights and a solid-colored leotard, or white or black tights and a ballet fitted T-shirt. Ballet slippers in pink, white, or black should be worn for technique classes. Hair should be neatly groomed away from the face.
Basic Dance: Comfortable clothing such as leotards, footless tights, running pants, t-shirts, etc., that allows students to move easily.
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