On the body: Most people feel comfortable wearing stretchy, form-fitting clothing in order to move freely and easily observe the body's lines in the mirror. This can be the classic tights and leotard combo or non dance-specific clothes.
On your feet: Socks are perfectly fine, and even recommended if you're starting out and don't want to buy dance shoes yet. Soft ballet shoes, made of either canvas or leather, will provide better grip and foot support and are the flat shoe of choice for ballet dancers of all levels.
For contemporary dance, most people choose bare feet.
Extras: Make sure to bring a water bottle. You may also enjoy having an extra layer to wear at the beginning of class before your body warms up.
What class should I take?
Very Beginner Ballet If you aren’t sure where to start and have never been to ballet before, this is the class for you! This class will address ballet technique and good posture from the beginning. It is a great class for learning the basics of being in a ballet class and asking questions.
Beginner Ballet This class is intended to be for those who are just starting on their ballet journey, are returning to ballet after a break or for those interested in a slower ballet class focused on technique. This one hour class will take place mostly at the Barre and will focus on moving through the basics of ballet. Regular attendance is encouraged to help build confidence in head, arm and leg movements.
Advanced Beginner Ballet This class is for beginners who are ready to move off of the barre and spend some time in the center beginning to work on balance without the barre, moving across the floor and simple combinations.
Int/Adv Ballet This is a great class for getting in depth with specific technical aspects of ballet. We will focus on a specific part or application of technique in each class. It is likely to include a long barre with plenty of exercises, center combinations that continue developing the same specifics of technique in adagio and across the floor, and some jumps.
Open Level Ballet This class will be a mix of technical development with corrections and posture work and moving through combinations. Class will adjust to participants' skill level in class that day.
Barre Class This class will take place entirely at barre. It is a great noon time exercise class for dancers and non-dancers alike to move and stretch your body.
Contemporary Contemporary encourages dancers to expand on classical ballet, creating more versatility in their expressions. It focuses on spacial and body awareness, use of body weight, floor work, leaps, turns, efficiency of muscle usage, and safe body alignment. Dancers need to be able to move from the floor and back up again easily in order to take this class. If you are just starting out, Contemporary Basics is the class for you!
Is ballet an activity for me?
Ballet provides many different things for different people. Some enjoy it for exercise, some for artistic expression, some for moving meditation, some for making new friends, and the list goes on. It can be both a challenging and incredibly rewarding art form, with endless room for upward mobility. We welcome people of all genders, experiences, and backgrounds to join us and discover what dancing ballet will mean to you!