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.
Young Children’s Division
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.
Junior Company Division
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.
Senior Company Division
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 Trinity Stevens
8 weeks beginning June 15
10:30 a.m.-noon
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.
Musical Theatre Dance
with Trinity Stevens
8 weeks beginning June 15
12:45-1:45 p.m.
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Students will be introduced to intermediate/advanced dance vocabulary through movement in the musical theater genre while having the opportunity to learn combinations using the classic Broadway music and style.
Ballet I
with Emma Van Norman
8 weeks beginning June 15
1-2 p.m.
$100
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Formal training in Classical Ballet begins at this level. We’ll focus on learning basic ballet vocabulary, alignment, weight transfer, musicality, and coordination, while dancing in a fun and nurturing environment.
YAGP
with Clover Robinson
8 weeks beginning June 15
2-3 p.m.
$50
Gentle Stretch for Seniors
with Trinity Stevens
8 weeks beginning June 15
2-3 p.m.
$100
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Through breath and postural support, we will explore gentle movement and seated stretching. Using various options for modification, we will work within, and aim to better understand, our own personal range of motion.
Teen/Adult Ballet
with Sadie Drozd
8 weeks beginning June 15
7:30-8:30 p.m.
$100
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This beginning-level class will introduce the fundamentals of ballet technique, incorporating proper body alignment, coordination, and gentle stretching.
PreBallet
for ages 5-7
with Taylor Fusek
8 weeks beginning June 16
10-10:45 a.m.
$56 class fee, $8 tutu/sash fee
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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 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 Trinity Stevens
8 weeks beginning June 16
10:30 a.m.-noon
Ballet II students take two classes per week and focus on developing technical abilities as well as artistic expression. Dancers develop self-confidence, coordination, balance, and musicality, while learning the discipline of the art form. Junior Division Dancers are invited to join Ballet Theatre Ashtabula to participate in the Nutcracker Season and the Spring Dance Recital. Parent/teacher conferences are held the last week of classes to provide an opportunity for parents to learn of their student’s progress in the program.
Ballet III/IV
with Clover Robinson
8 weeks beginning June 16
10:30 a.m.-noon
See Mon description.
Beginning Pointe
with Trinity Stevens
8 weeks beginning June 16
12:45-1:45 p.m.
Intermediate/Advanced Pointe
with Clover Robinson
8 weeks beginning June 16
12:45-1:45 p.m.
Jazz (Senior Division or by invitation only)
with Emma Van Norman
8 weeks beginning June 16
2-3 p.m.
This is a modern Jazz class utilizing techniques of Giordano and Fosse, among others. The class will focus on isolations, precision, and dynamic movement.
Adaptive Dance
with Trinity Stevens
8 weeks beginning June 16
2-3 p.m.
$100
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Dance has a place in the lives and bodies of everyone! This class will allow participants of all abilities to explore movement and dance in a safe and inclusive environment. So come, have fun, and get moving- all while learning some basic dance techniques. Various modifications will be offered for exercises as we all work towards the common goals of expressing ourselves through artistry and building a sense of community through movement.
Athletic Conditioning (open to community)
age 10 & up
with Jayson Gage
8 weeks beginning June 17
9:30-10:30 a.m.
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Strengthen muscles, balance, and coordination through athletic exercises to improve agility, endurance, and athletic performance. Please bring a mat to class. This is great class for athletes and those looking to add to their current workout routine!
Ballet III/IV
with Clover Robinson
8 weeks beginning June 17
10:30 a.m.-noon
See Mon description.
Contemporary Dance (Senior Division or invitation only)
8 weeks beginning June 17
12:45-1:45 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
YAGP
with Clover Robinson
8 weeks beginning June 17
2-3 p.m.
Ballroom Dance
with Brenda Angle
4 weeks beginning June 3
5:30-6:30 p.m.
$50 single
$73 couple
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This class will focus on Swing, Salsa, and Polka. Join us for some summer fun and dance to some great music!
Creative Movement
for ages 3-5
with Taylor Fusek
8 weeks beginning June 18
10-10:30 a.m.
$56 class fee, $8 tutu/sash fee
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Children will discover movement through imaginative play, stories, and improvisational movements. Dancers will learn about spatial awareness, musicality, working in a small group, and will develop social skills, coordination, and creativity.
Ballet II
with Emma Van Norman
8 weeks beginning June 18
10:30 a.m.-noon
See Tues description.
Ballet III/IV
with Clover Robinson
8 weeks beginning June 18
10:30-noon
See Mon description.
Beginning Pointe
with Emma Van Norman
8 weeks beginning June 18
12:45-1:45 p.m.
Intermediate/Advanced Pointe
with Clover Robinson
8 weeks beginning June 18
12:45-1:45 p.m.
Stretch Conditioning
with Emma Van Norman
8 weeks beginning June 18
2-3 p.m.
This class is an opportunity to release muscle tension and improve flexibility through passive and dynamic stretching, strengthening core and stabilization muscles, and enhancing a dancer’s technical development.
No Friday dance classes currently scheduled.
Yoga
with Dylan Crowell
6 weeks beginning July 11
10:30-11:30 a.m.
$75
REGISTER
A refreshing summer yoga class designed to help you slow down, soak in the season, and reconnect with your body and breath. This all-levels session focuses on gentle movement, breathwork, and mindful stretching to improve flexibility, strength, and balance. Whether you’re new to yoga or returning to your mat, this summer class offers a welcoming space to reset, recharge, and embrace the lighter, more relaxed energy of the season. Please bring a mat to class.
Fairy Tale Prince & Princess Dance Camp
June 22 – 26 with Violet LaSalle
July 27 – 31 with Taylor Fusek
noon – 12:45 p.m.
$52 camp fee
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Have a simply magical time learning to dance in our Fairytale themed dance camp! Students will explore movement and music inspired by popular fairytales while learning basic dance vocabulary and engaging in imaginative play. Dance games, activities, crafts, and choreography will bring their favorite prince or princess to life. Students will walk perform on the last day of class, donning their very own crowns and capes to keep!
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.