HIS Dance Academy

We are Proud to Present Our Original Ensemble Ballet ARK. This season’s production, originally written by Tassia Johnson and Hannah Sullivan with choreographer Sarah Powell is being restaged by this season’s Directors, Tassia Johnson, Christina Perry, Sarah Walters, and Charlotte Davis.

30-minute class participation in Showcase will be determined in October and posted accordingly.

Mini Session students will not participate in the showcase.

All Recreational dancers will rehearse their dance on the stage the day of the show (Please see detailed arrival time above). No recreational classes will meet May 4-7.

Please look at the details on the class page before registering for a class.

Please look at the requirements on the class page.

Sign up for AP 1 & 2, Jr 1 & 2, SR 1 & 2 level classes here. Please look at the requirements on the class page.

2nd - 3rd grade

8+ years old

7th grade+

4th - 5th grade

K - 1st grade

Ages 3 - 5 years

Ages 3+ - Adult

Great opportunity for Advanced, Intermediate, and Apprentice (8+ years old with experience) dancers in the community to learn from guest instructors and develop their skills!

A variety of weekly morning and evening classes on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays for 3 years thru adults. Short-session summer commitments enable you to enjoy one or a few throughout the summer!

HIS Dance Academy provides a safe, nurturing environment where each student may explore their technical and artistic capabilities. Our goal is to inspire young dancers to grow and expand in their faith and to reach their full potential.

HIS Dance Academy provides a safe, nurturing environment where each student may explore their technical and artistic capabilities. Our goal is to inspire young dancers to grow and expand in their faith and to reach their full potential.

HIS Dance Academy provides a safe, nurturing environment where each student may explore their technical and artistic capabilities. Our goal is to inspire young dancers to grow and expand in their faith and to reach their full potential.

HIS Dance Academy provides a safe, nurturing environment where each student may explore their technical and artistic capabilities. Our goal is to inspire young dancers to grow and expand in their faith and to reach their full potential.

HIS Dance Academy provides a safe, nurturing environment where each student may explore their technical and artistic capabilities. Our goal is to inspire young dancers to grow and expand in their faith and to reach their full potential.

HIS Dance Academy provides a safe, nurturing environment where each student may explore their technical and artistic capabilities. Our goal is to inspire young dancers to grow and expand in their faith and to reach their full potential.

Ms. Sarah began dancing at the age of three in the Russian method. She became a member of the Marshall Community Ballet Company and starred in the roles of Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker. Sarah attended Blue Lakes Fine Arts Camp and toured Europe performing Swan Lake with Blue Lake International Ballet.

Ms. Olga was born in Russia and trained in the Vaganova method. She performed as a soloist with the Central Ballet Theatre in Tennessee. She has taught throughout the United States for more than 18 years and her students have been accepted into prestigious ballet summer programs such as Bolshoi Ballet, ABT, Joffrey Chicago, Colorado Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet, Oklahoma City Ballet, and Ballet 5:8 and have been awarded scholarships to Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp.

Ms.Christina has been dancing for 25 years and her passion for dance was inspired by her early training under Betsy Carr, Marjorie Randazzo, and Melissa Ray at Dance Arts Academy in Traverse City. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Dance Performance at Butler University’s prestigious Jordan College of the Arts in Indianapolis.

Ms.Tassia trained on scholarship at the prestigious San Francisco Ballet School, thanks to her training with Jane Stamps. In 1983, she became a company member of The Dance Theatre of Harlem. She began choreographing, and in 1995, her ballet Belinda O was a winner in the New York City-based New Choreographers on Point competition and was performed at the Lincoln Center.

Private lessons are a great opportunity for dancers to receive personalized feedback and help dancers meet their individual goals.

Variations optional (see Graded Technique page for requirements.)

(1) SR Modern class

(2) Pointe classes

(1) JR1 Modern class

(1 - 2) Pointe classes optional and at teachers' discretion

(3) JR1 Ballet classes per week between M-Th

(1) JR2 Modern class

JR2 Ballet classes per week between M-Th

Modern class optional

Weekly Ballet class

Ensemble members are required to participate in the Summer Intensive each August.

The HIS Dance Ensemble performs an original ballet each year in March at Devos Center for Arts and Worship. Beautiful costumes, sets, and a Biblical message create theatrical performances that the community has come to love and look forward to each year.

Boys in the Graded Technique Division have the option of registering for a "Technique with choreography" class within their level which participates in the May showcase.

Boys may also join the Ensemble and participate in the March production. Register under Session "Ensemble 2024-25" within the parent portal. AP Rehearsal runs January 11-March 8. JR/SR Rehearsals begin in September and runs through March 8.

JR/SR dancers must meet the above class requirements for Showcase Class.

Wednesday Ballet class must be taken prior to Variations/Partnering class. Requires (3) additional Ballet classes (Monday - Thursday) and (2) Pointe classes.

Requires (3) JR or Senior Ballet classes per week (Monday-Thursday). (1-2) JR 1 Pointe classes per week required at teacher's discretion. (2) JR 2 - SR 2 Pointe classes per week required. Variations class does not meet requirement.

Minimum requirements include (3) SR Ballet classes per week. Saturday Ballet is required prior to rehearsals. Ensemble members require (3) Ballet classes plus Saturday Ballet.

Minimum requirements include (3) JR Ballet classes per week. Saturday Ballet is required prior to rehearsals. Ensemble members require (3) Ballet classes plus Saturday Ballet.

Minimum requirements include (2) AP Ballet classes per week. Saturday Ballet is required prior to rehearsals.

Pre-professional division is for students 8+ years old with Ballet experience, who are committed to a minimum of 3 hours of Ballet per week (2 or more classes.) Students' progress through the levels at their own pace, sometimes remaining in a level for 2-3 years. Pointe begins at Level JR 1 or 2 at the teacher's discretion.

A mix of creative movement with many styles and choreography are taught. Opportunities to take these dances out into the community are also offered.

Students 8+ years old with ballet experience may choose to enter our Graded Technique Division. The minimum class requirements are 2 Ballet classes a week.

Interested in a Semi-Private Pod Session with your friends? Cost is Class Fee plus $25/month each. Call for more information.

Recreational classes are a great place for young beginning dancers as well as older dancers who wish to refine their dance technique while getting great exercise. Classes are offered to various ages from infant thru teen/adult.

God's Girls, our Special Needs dancers, have the option of participating in Outreach events throughout the year.

Students participating in the 'Outreach Class' are sent out into the community to take dance back to their home church and to present at special events.

The Apprentice Level Ensemble is for dancers at Level AP1 & AP 2 who desire to intentionally develop their artistic and performance abilities through participating in a professional-scale Ballet.

The Junior Ensemble is for dancers at Level JR 1 & JR 2 who desire to intentionally develop their artistic and performance abilities through participating in a professional-scale Ballet.

The Senior Ensemble is for dancers at Level SR 1 & SR 2 who desire to intentionally develop their artistic and performance abilities through participating in a professional-scale Ballet.

An extra charge is applied if a private lesson is scheduled outside of normal studio hours, requiring a desk staff member to be present.

An additional fee is charged for every extra individual added to a private lesson.

Semi-private lessons involve two individuals and the fee is split between the two students.

Individual private lessons with any current 2025-2026 HIS Staff are available for one hour.

A showcase costume and participation fee for AP 1 - SR2 Choreography Classes. This fee is automatically charged on January 2.

A showcase costume and participation fee for recreational classes that are 45 minutes or longer.

A showcase costume and participation fee for 30-minute recreational classes.

A Saturday Showcase Choreography Class fee for Level AP1-SR 2. Students are automatically enrolled at the time of enrollment in the GT Division.

Graded technique students (AP-SR) are welcome to take drop-in classes for 2 hours.

Graded technique students (AP-SR) are welcome to take drop-in classes for 1.75 hours.

Graded technique students (AP-SR) are welcome to take drop-in classes for 1.5 hours.

Graded technique students (AP-SR) are welcome to take drop-in classes for one hour.

A drop-in rate is available for recreational classes.

All recreational classes that are 45-60 minutes in length are priced at $65 per month.

Ensemble dancers for SR 1 & 2 Ballet have an increased time commitment during the school year and summer, including rehearsals outside of technique class. Placement is decided by a dancer's level.

Ensemble dancers for JR 1 & 2 Ballet have an increased time commitment during the school year and summer, including rehearsals outside of technique class. Placement is decided by a dancer's level.

Ensemble dancers for AP1 & 2 Ballet have an increased time commitment during the school year and summer, including rehearsals outside of technique class. Placement is decided by a dancer's level.

Attire for Special Needs classes should be comfortable clothing, and pink ballet shoes are required.

Attire for recreational boys includes slim black pants, a fitted white or black shirt, black ballet shoes, and black socks.

Ballet A through Teen classes require a modest opaque black leotard, ballet pink tights worn under the leotard and in shoes, and ballet pink ballet shoes. Dancers of color may choose skin-toned tights and shoes. A ballet skirt in the color of the leotard is optional, and hair must be in a secure bun.

Jazz/Tap classes require a black leotard with black pants or shorts worn over the leotard, and black jazz/tap shoes.

Hip Hop classes require comfortable clothing, ensuring no tummies are exposed when arms are raised. Dancers should bring clean indoor tennis shoes. Black high-top Converse are needed for the showcase.

Attire for 16+/Adult classes includes any opaque color leotard or comfortable clothing. Ensure no tummies are exposed when arms are raised.

Pre-ballet attire consists of a pink leotard, ballet pink tights worn under the leotard and in shoes, and ballet pink ballet shoes. Dancers of color may opt for skin-toned tights and shoes. A ballet skirt in the color of the leotard is optional, and hair should be in a secure bun.

Ballet attire for boys includes slim black pants, a fitted white or black shirt, black ballet shoes, black socks, and proper undergarments.

Modern attire for girls requires a modest black leotard, black jazz pants or black shorts worn over tights, and bare feet. The leotard should not have mesh, multiple straps, lace, a low back, or expose the stomach.

Ballet attire for girls includes a modest black leotard, ballet pink tights worn under the leotard and in shoes, ballet pink shoes, and a ballet black skirt. Dancers of color may choose skin-toned tights and shoes. A nude leotard is required for performances, and hair must be in a secure bun.

Great opportunity for Advanced, Intermediate, and Apprentice (8+ years old with experience) dancers in the community to learn from guest instructors and develop their skills!

Saturday AP 1/2 Conditioning/ Ballet class. (Rehearsal following class for Ensemble and Showcase between January-May)

Saturday 9:30 -11:00 am Conditioning/Ballet Class

Saturday 9:30 -11:00 am Conditioning/ Ballet Class

Saturday 9:30 -11:00 am Conditioning/ Ballet Class

This fun, energetic class is an introduction to Ballet technique for male dancers and is taken in addition to Graded Technique Level Requirements. The skills developed in the male ballet class, train the body in self-control and coordination, developing stretch and strength that translates to all sports: endurance for running, control for kicking and spatial awareness. This class will emphasize strengthening the upper body, legs, and core, which are important for executing the demanding movements that are standard for all male ballet dancers. Students will be introduced to specialized movements (jumps, turns, and pyrotechnics) for the male dancer. This class is designed to complement the standard ballet class levels AP 1-JR 2

Graded Technique Dress Rehearsal Thursday, May 7. Call time 4:15 / warm up 4:30-5:00 / Dress rehearsal 5:30 to approx. 8:15 (stage times approximate).

Tuesday Ballet Class plus (2) additional SR Ballet classes per week between M-TH

All Graded Technique students will automatically be registered for a 6-week choreography class for Showcase that takes place between March and May.

Mini-Sessions are also available for dancers 3 months to 4 years old who would like to try a 6-week class.

Adults participating in the Six-Week Mini Session should wear comfortable, active wear.

Preschool students in the Six-Week Mini Session follow the Pre-Ballet attire guidelines, which include a pink leotard, ballet pink tights worn under the leotard and in shoes, and ballet pink ballet shoes. Hair must be in a secure bun.

Package includes photo, video recording/editing, and any choreography necessary for auditions.

The Audition Package includes 2 hours in the studio with photo, video recording/editing, and any necessary choreography for auditions. Additional studio time will be charged as a private lesson.

Great opportunity for Advanced, Intermediate, and Apprentice (8+ years old with experience) dancers in the community to learn from guest instructors and develop their skills!