Kentucky Ballet Theatre

ballet and dance instruction to individuals ages 5-Adult, offered by the Academy of 50-75 students within Kentucky Ballet Theatre. This provides a comprehensive dance education for a wide age range.

Students experience the school show program and also participate in hands-on workshop classes such as the "Ballet Basics" or "Theatre Arts" with KBT's professional staff and other local arts professionals

Students experience the school show program and also participate in hands-on workshop classes such as the "Ballet Basics" or "Theatre Arts" with KBT's professional staff and other local arts professionals

The third offering is a customized school performance and school visit in which Kentucky Ballet Theatre’s professional company will travel to your school and put on an hour and fifteen minute program. We are now accepting “School Visit Inquiries & Reservations” for program dates between September 1 through May 15, 2023. The program includes performance excerpts from holiday or story book performances -- a Q & A session and some interactive student demonstrations.

The KBT professional company presents one-two Main Stage productions each season at the Lexington Opera House. These programs will include a 45-60 minute performance, followed by a Q & A session with interactive student demonstrations. Teachers from each school attending will also be equipped with educational materials for continued academic learning about the ballet, music and art.

Kentucky Ballet Theatre continues its strong commitment to cultural equity and inclusion, and promoting creative growth for all of the participants in ballet and dance instruction, performances, educational outreach programming, and special events.

Advance acro classes emphasizes more strength and flexibility and teaches students skills related to advanced contortion and tumbling. advanced techniques such as diving walkovers, front aerials, and side aerials. *Must have your front and back limber, as well as basic Acro skills learned in the intro class.

Acro emphasizes strength and flexibility and teaches students skills related to and tumbling. Students practice fundamental acrobatic techniques and skills such as handstands, cartwheels, back bends, walkovers chin stands, elbow stands, balance, and contortion tricks depending on individual level of experience. The students learn how blend dance and acrobatics.

In this class, students will further explore their terminology in styles popping, locking, breaking, and Jazz Funk; Additionally, they we will be introduced 2 other essential styles that make up hip hop that range from Boogaloo and Social dances. These dancers work on musicality and choreography in combinations every week based on the technique they learn. They will also be introduced to more advanced hip-hop tricks individually and as partners/groups.

An introduction to the hip hop style of dance. Students will be introduced to a variety of styles ranging from popping, locking, a breaking, and Jazz Funk. They will also be introduced to basic hip hop tricks individually.

Increase control, coordination, and rhythm with this fusion of dance and percussion. This class continues the development of tap technique & terminology. Students will further develop skills including musicality and sound clarity with an added focus on increasing speed, and developing style. Intermediate level tappers should expect to learn double and triple time steps, 3 & 5 beat riffs, pull-backs, pick-ups, more advanced turns, as well as more intricate rhythms.

Increase control, coordination, and rhythm with this fusion of dance and percussion.This class continues the development of tap technique & terminology. Students will further develop skills including musicality and sound clarity with an added focus on increasing speed and developing style. Beginning and Intermediate level tappers should expect to learn double and triple time steps, 3 & 5 beat riffs, pull-backs, pick-ups, more advanced turns, as well as more intricate rhythms.

Increase control, coordination, and rhythm with this fusion of dance and percussion. This class emphasizes the development of tap technique & terminology with an introduction to various styles of tap. Students will explore coordination and steps including single time steps, beginning turns, short combinations, and showmanship along with rhythm and timing within a wide range of musical accompaniment. Open to students enrolled in ages 8+ or by invitation.

Students focus on improving body alignment, isolating body movements, and expanding their movement vocabulary while learning fun choreography set to a wide variety of fun, kid-friendly popular music. Open to students enrolled in the advance levels or by invitation.

Students focus on improving body alignment, isolating body movements, and expanding their movement vocabulary while learning fun choreography set to a wide variety of fun, kid-friendly popular music. Open to students enrolled in Levels 2 & 3, who have completed Jazz 1, or by invitation.

Students focus on improving body alignment, isolating body movements, and building their movement vocabulary while learning fun choreography set to a wide variety of fun, kid-friendly popular music. Open to Students enrolled in Levels Beginning C-Intermediate L-1.

Students are introduced to the basic movements, body alignment and vocabulary of classical jazz. They will begin learning fun choreography set to a wide variety of fun, kid-friendly popular music. This class is designed to introduce students to the different styles of jazz. Open to students enrolled in levels Beginning A & B. Students preparing for SCAPA auditions may enroll in this class.

Lyrical dance is a style that combines ballet and jazz dancing techniques. It is performed to music with lyrics so that it inspires expression of strong emotions the choreographer feels from the lyrics of the song. This style concentrates on an individual approach and expressiveness of a variety of emotions. It does not concentrate on the dancer’s precision of movement. Movements are fluid, continuous, and graceful, with the dancer flowing seamlessly from one move to another with little or no stopping, holding finishing steps as long as possible. These emotional dance moves help the dancer connect on an emotional level with the audience.

Students will learn the elements of how to choreograph a dance. Choosing music putting steps together, as a class, students will choreograph a piece for the EYP.

Students explore momentum, gravity, and force as they develop freedom of movement, fluidity, and balance. Enhance self-expression, versatility, and strength through this challenging and unique style. Open to students enrolled in Intermediate C-Advance and pre-professional levels II-IV.

Students will learn a variety of variations from classical ballets which will require them to employ their ballet technique and focus on memorization of choreography. Intended for students in levels three and four. Select students may be invited to prepare 1-2 variations to take to YAGP or other select ballet competitions.

Students will learn a variety of variations from classical ballets which will require them to employ their ballet technique and focus on memorization of choreography. Intended for students in levels one and two. Select students may be invited to prepare a variation to take to Youth American Grand Prix (YAGP).

This class contributes to the integral formation of the classical dancer and develops the character dances technique. It helps strengthen and develop the ligaments and articulations and promotes elasticity and muscle strengths. Increments the abilities of coordination, rhythms, musicality and creativity. It teaches the interpretations and differentiation of national styles. It develops corps de ballet work and stage elegance.

Private classes are available by select teachers and upon requests. Please contact our office if interested. 859-252-5245 or email us at admin@kyballet.com

These classes are for adults with previous ballet training and solid technique. The intermediate dancer can process more complicated sequences, can execute barre exercises with greater speed and accuracy and is expected to coordinate arm and leg movements smoothly. Center floor work requires a greater ability to use core strength and balance and incorporates more challenging petite and grande allegro steps and turns.

These classes are designed for adults who wish to begin the study of classical ballet. This is an excellent class for the seasoned dancer who would like to refine their technical ability. Classes will consist of barre exercises that focus on proper alignment as well as the steps which foster core and leg strength and flexibility. The center work will introduce elementary steps, simple jumps, as well as turns. No prior experience is necessary.

Elective classes include character, variation 1, variation 2, contemporary/modern, choreography, jazz 1, jazz 2, jazz 3, jazz 4, tap 1, tap 2, tap 3, and hip-hop.

Classes include pre-pointe, ballet, strength, variation, ballet/character. Students in this level may also be invited to participate in special events like outreach shows and publicity events with the Kentucky Ballet Theatre Professional Company. Performance participation is required.

Advance Program Students move into a more rigorous and demanding training program and is designed for those who have a strong mastery of pointe work with a desire to pursue ballet. This level will pay attention to fine details, use of the upper body, breadth of movement and expression as well as an increasingly advanced repertory of steps.

Classes include pre-pointe, ballet, strength, variation, and ballet/character. Please note, participation in Spring EYP is required by all Pre-Professional students.

Level three students continue to build on the technique developed in Level two. Training is more rigorous and is designed to prepare students for the advance level. classes will focus on pointe work, multiple pirouettes, fluidity of movement as well as the intricacies of small and large jumps.

Level Two students continue to build on the technique developed in Level One and the ladies will continue their pointe training. Students will also learn and perform classical ballet Variations and Repertoire and may be invited to participate in the Youth American Grand Prix.

Classes include pre-pointe, ballet, strength, variation. Please note, participation in Spring EYP is required by all Pre-Professional students.

Level One students are expected to attend ballet class a total of three times a week. The ladies will be placed in a pointe class and the young men will take a petite allegro class.

Students invited into the Pre-Professional Program at The Kentucky Ballet Theatre Academy aspire to a high standard of excellence and professionalism. The goal is to inspire a passion for dance and encourage students to realize their individual potential through the attention offered by our faculty of professional dancers and directors.

Level D classes are designed for the student who has a strong mastery of pointe work and a desire to pursue ballet. This level pays attention to fine details, use of the upper body, breadth of movement and expression as well as an increasingly advanced repertory of steps. Increase stamina & control, speed & precision, and clean & strong technique is focused on. This level meets four days a week Classes include strength, ballet, pas de deux, contemporary, and 2 electives (jazz, tap, or hip-hop/acro).

Training at this level is more rigorous and is designed to prepare students for the advance level. Classes will focus on pointe work, multiple pirouettes, fluidity of movement as well as the intricacies of small and large jumps. Students strong en pointe take a pas de deux class. This level meets three days a week with the option of four. In addition to Ballet and Pointe, Intermediate C students take an elective as well as a weekly strengthening class. Students can choose to take fewer classes yet still have performance opportunities. Classes include strength, ballet, pas de deux, modern, and contemporary.

Dancers take six classes per week and can expect to spend two years in this level. Classes focus on pointe work, pirouettes, use of the head and upper body, fluidity of port de bras as well as the intricacies of small and large jumps. In addition to Ballet and Pointe, students take strengthening and may be introduced to pas de deux and can take an elective class of modern/choreography or character/variations. With this level, students can also add jazz and/or tap. Students continue to focus on clean and strong technique as well as timing for the exercises. Students at this level can choose to take fewer classes yet still have performance opportunities. Classes include strength, ballet, pre-pointe, modern and contemporary.

Dancers take five classes per week and can expect to spend two years in this level. Dancers gain confidence as their ability grows. Students continue to develop extension of the legs, strength of the feet as well as more advanced barre and center work. Clean and strong execution of the basic elements of dance, correct alignment for turnout and pulling up as well as strong basis for future pointe work is emphasized. Depending on individual progression and development, female students may be given the opportunity to take pre-pointe and pointe classes. Students begin taking an elective class that introduces them to character, flamenco and classical variations. In addition, students can add jazz and/or tap classes. Classes include ballet, strength, pre-pointe, modern and variation.

The Kentucky Ballet Theatre Academy division is designed for students wanting to pursue a variety of dance styles. Our curriculum allows boys and girls to gain confidence in their dancing with the support of caring and nurturing faculty. Students work on strength, balance, flexibility while studying the principles of ballet. Training develops a strong foundation of physical and mental understanding necessary for a variety of dance styles and college dance programs. Multiple performance opportunities are available.

This is an invitation addition to a level schedule which includes a ballet class to prepare dancers for advancement into a Pre-Professional division.

Dancers learn self-confidence, coordination, balance, and form. The classes progress with quarter and demi-pointe as well as linking moves together with repetitions. The class covers many basic steps with an increased pace. Students will see an increase in difficulty in barre and centre work. Students begin to focus on repetition and retention. Pirouettes are introduced and a Petite Allegro class is added in preparation for female pointe work and for men’s jumps and turns. Evaluations are done for progression into the intermediate Classical or Pre-professional track. With this level, students are given the option to add jazz and/or tap with mandatory classes of ballet, strength, and petite allegro.

This level is great for the beginner but also builds on level A. The dancer takes two ballet classes and one strengthening class weekly. Dancers at this level focus on the elements of ballet movement, posture, weight transfer, large and small poses as well as allegro. Dancers begin turns and establish the base of ballet for future dance classes. This class will focus on positions of the arms, directions of the body and increased movement vocabulary. With this level, students are given the option to add beginning jazz or tap while mandatory classes include ballet and strength.

This level is perfect for the beginner and continues the teaching of previous classes. The goal of level A is to impart the fundamentals of classical ballet. Class will focus on basic ballet technique, proper body alignment, French terminology and musicality. Our curriculum focuses on posture, placement and comportment of classical ballet. Dancers at this level are learning more about proper alignment, flexibility, and coordination. Elementary barre and center work are taught at this level. With this level, students are given the option to add intro to jazz and mandatory classes include ballet and strength.

This class is designed for children 3-5 who are toilet trained and ready for group classes. This 45- minute class meets one day. Children will begin to learn the elements of creative movement and ballet: Socialization skills such as turn-taking and following instructions will be emphasized. The dancers are encouraged to expand their movement vocabulary through games and creative exploration of dance movements. Self-esteem and confidence is developed while dancers are having fun.

Electives offer a diverse range of class options to broaden your dance experience.

Electives provide a diverse range of class options to broaden your dance experience.

Electives and Beginning Ballet classes offer a variety of choices for new dancers.

Contemporary and Choreography classes explore modern movement and creative composition.

Classical Ballet classes focus on the foundational techniques of this esteemed dance form.

Children's Division and Electives classes cater to younger students and broader interests.

Ballet, Electives, and Strengthening classes are taught by dedicated instructors.

equip students of all backgrounds and ages with classical dance instruction in a nurturing environment at the KBT Academy, while offering them performance opportunities with KBT's professional company.

The KBT Academy is an integral part of the organization, offering disciplined, classical ballet training for students of all ages.

In addition to the 1-hour ballet class, students take a 30-minute strengthening/stretching class. Classes meet on Saturday mornings. This class is perfect for the young beginner and continues the teaching of previous classes. Additional ballet terms, posture, stretches, and barre work are introduced as well as specific focus on class etiquette and respect. Classes offered include strength and ballet.

This level is designed for children ages 5-6. This 1.5 hour class meets Saturdays. This class is perfect for the young beginner and continues the teaching of previous classes. Additional ballet terms, posture, stretches, and barre work are introduced as well as specific focus on class etiquette and respect.

A "Day of Ballet", an in studio program, at the KBT studios is available for scheduling for 50 or less participants. This program includes ballet history and terminology, observation of the professional company rehearsal, participation in a mini ballet class and short performance to music, and costume and prop discussion.

This two-hour program includes a performance, media presentation and Q & A session, and two hands-on workshop classes taught by the professional dancers and other local theatre and art professionals. Additionally, educators will receive classroom supplemental materials, which will integrate a classroom learning module coinciding with what the students experience during the program.