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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.
Pre-Ballet
with Emma Van Norman
for ages 5-7
8 weeks beginning Sept 16
4:30-5:15 p.m.
$56 class fee, $8 tutu/sash fee
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Dancers at this level will learn posture, flexibility, and coordination using music and expression, developing a strong foundation of physical and mental understanding 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 III & IV
with Clover Robinson
8 weeks beginning Sept 16
5:15-6:45 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.
Ballroom
with Brenda Angle
6 weeks beginning Sept 16
(no class on Oct. 14)
6-7 p.m.
$68 single fee
$101 couple fee
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This class will learn classic dances such as the waltz, foxtrot, cha-cha, and others. All levels welcome for a fun class!
Partnering
with Clover Robinson & Jayson Gage
for levels III & IV or by invitation
8 weeks beginning Sept 16
6:45-7:45 p.m.
Nutcracker rehearsal for Senior Division dancers: 7:45-8:45 p.m. beginning Oct 7
Pilates
for level II & up
also open to teen/adult non-dancers
with Julia Kubec
8 weeks beginning Sept 17
4:30-5:15 p.m.
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A mat-based fitness class focusing on core strength and flexibility. This is an excellent class for dancers and individuals looking for a total body workout. Modifications will be given to accommodate different levels.
Ballet II
with Julia Kubec
8 weeks beginning Sept 17
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 Cassandra Serdula
8 weeks beginning Sept 17
5:15-6:45 p.m.
see Monday’s description
Beginning Pointe
with Julia Kubec
8 weeks beginning Sept 17
7-8 p.m.
The study of Ballet technique as applied to pointe work.
Intermediate/Advanced Pointe
with Cassie Serdula
8 weeks beginning Sept 17
7-8 p.m.
The study of Ballet technique as applied to pointe work.
Nutcracker rehearsal for senior division dancers: 8-8:45 p.m. beginning Oct 8.
Ballet III & IV
with Heather Burns
8 weeks beginning Sept 18
5-6:30 p.m.
See Monday’s description
Teen/Adult Ballet
with Trinity Stevens
8 weeks beginning Sept 18
5:30-6:30 p.m.
$90 class fee
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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!
Ballet I
for age 7 & up
with Heather Burns
8 weeks beginning Sept 18
6:30-7:30 p.m.
$90 class fee
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.
Contemporary/Jazz
with Trinity Stevens
8 weeks beginning Sept 18
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Students will use elements of ballet, jazz, and modern dance to explore movement styles while having the opportunity for pushing boundaries, gravity, and imagery as they gain technical and artistic experience.
Creative Movement
for ages 3-5
with Emma Van Norman
8 weeks beginning Sept 19
4:30-5 p.m.
$56 class fee, $8 tutu/sash fee
REGISTER
This class focuses on the joy of movement, encouraging children to use and develop imagination through participation in dance, improvisation, & music. Students learn spatial awareness, musicality, teamwork, and develop social skills, coordination, and creativity.
Ballet II
with Heather Burns
8 weeks beginning Sept 19
5-6:30 p.m.
Ballet III & IV
with Clover Robinson
8 weeks beginning Sept 19
5-6:30 p.m.
Beginning/Intermediate Pointe
with Heather Burns
8 weeks beginning Sept 19
6:45-7:45 p.m.
Intermediate/Advanced Pointe
with Clover Robinson
8 weeks beginning Sept 19
6:45-7:45 p.m.
Nutcracker rehearsal for Senior Division dancers: 7:45-8:45 p.m. beginning Oct 10
No Friday dance classes currently scheduled.
Camps will 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 (a $2 service fee will be applied to all payments made by phone). 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 in September, October, November, and December.
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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