Columbia Ballet Academy

This class is designed to improve alignment and posture, develop a sense of coordination and stability, and increase power for the dynamic and explosive movements of dance. Participants will learn about proper technique and will build strength to protect their bodies through a full range of mobility. When paired with other dance classes, Strength & Conditioning helps dancers move with confidence, grace, and a full sense of artistry.

Advanced Jazz will build upon the fundamentals of jazz, while continuing to push dancers' musicality and movement dynamics. Dancers should expect a high energy class that pushes them both physically and artistically.

In this class, dancers explore musicality and different movement dynamics while continuing to strengthen their alignment. Many students enjoy the high energy movement and music of jazz classes, which supplement ballet training in a wonderful way or can be enjoyed on its own.

As the most advanced ballet level, this is a typical full ballet class that would be given to advanced students or company dancers, balancing the joy of movement with the excitement of a challenge.

This class is a slightly shorter and more gentle version of an advanced ballet class, with extra attention on slowly learning more complicated center combinations. It is great for dancers who grew up dancing and are returning to it after some time away, or who have taken Intro to Ballet and Beg/Int Ballet.

This class is designed to bridge the gap between Intro to Ballet and Intermediate Ballet by developing more complicated barre combinations and introducing new steps in the center. It is great for dancers who did ballet for a few years as a kid or who have gone through Intro to Ballet.

This class explores the fundamentals of classical ballet with a focus on finding the joy of movement and listening to the body. Dancers will develop their alignment, musicality, and coordination in a class that balances learning and discussion with follow-along movement to keep them moving and help gain strength and endurance.

For students Ballet IV+ Required: 4 Ballet classes, 3 Pointe classes (if applicable), Jazz IV+ or Contemporary IV+, PBT or Strength & Conditioning Recommended: 5 Ballet classes, Jazz IV+, Contemporary IV+

For students Ballet II and Ballet III Required: 2 Ballet classes, 1 PrePointe class, Jazz II/III or Modern I/II/III, PBT or Strength & Conditioning Recommended: 3 Ballet classes, Jazz II/III, Modern I/II/III

Required: 4 Ballet classes + at least 1 additional class (Jazz IV+ or Contemporary IV+) Recommended: 5 Ballet classes, Jazz IV+, Contemporary IV+, Pointe, PBT, and Strength & Conditioning

Required: 4 Ballet classes + at least 1 additional class (Jazz IV+ or Contemporary IV+) Recommended: Jazz IV+, Contemporary IV+, Pointe, PBT, and Strength & Conditioning Students typically spend 2-3 years at this level depending on age and number of classes

Required: 3 Ballet III classes + at least 1 additional class (Jazz II/III or Modern I/II/III) Recommended: PrePointe, Strength & Conditioning, PBT Students typically spend 2-3 years at this level depending on age and number of classes

Required: 2 Ballet II classes + at least 1 additional class (Jazz II/III or Modern I/II/III) Recommended: Jazz II/III, Modern I/II/III, PBT Students typically spend 1-2 years at this level depending on age and number of classes

Required: 2 classes–either 2 Ballet I classes, or 1 Ballet I class and 1 PreJazz/Jazz I or Modern I/II/II Recommended: PBT Students typically spend 1-2 years at this level depending on age and number of classes

We offer individual coaching for ballet, pre-pointe, pointe, modern, jazz, and solo coaching. Please email info@columbiaballet.org with your coaching request, preferred days and times, and if you have a preferred instructor.

By audition only, Youth Ensemble aims to provide our intermediate and advanced students with performance and choreographic opportunities in a professional atmosphere. They will have the opportunity to learn repertoire, and have new pieces created for them by professional dancers and by their peers. Every year, our Youth Ensemble students attend ballet competitions such as Youth America Grand Prix and Étoile Dance Competition. Please email us at info@columbiaballet.org for more information.

By audition only, Junior Ensemble aims to provide our Ballet II and up students with performance opportunities in a supportive atmosphere. They will have the opportunity to learn repertoire, and have new pieces created for them. Every year, our Junior Ensemble students attend ballet competitions such as Youth America Grand Prix and Étoile Dance Competition. Please email us at info@columbiaballet.org for more information.

DanceAbility gives dancers with different abilities (ages 4 through adult) an opportunity to learn and explore the world of dance. This first-of-its-kind program in the area was designed by physical therapists and Mareck Center for Dance instructors to meet the dancers’ unique needs and abilities. Students are encouraged and guided in movement and receive positive reinforcement. Classes provide a safe and supportive environment where students can grow and develop their skills. At the end of each semester, students present a showcase to share with friends and family what they have learned.

We offer drop-in classes for teen and adult dancers of all levels - whether you are completely new to dance, returning to it after dancing as a child, or a retired professional looking to continue enjoying movement, we can help you find the right class. Please see our Open Division page for the schedule and more information.

This program is ideal for dancers and athletes, offering a proactive approach to injury prevention and rehabilitation, while fostering improved posture, optimal placement, and a robust core. PBT is open to Ballet I and up.

Strength & Conditioning has incredible benefits for young dancers, both for health reasons and for the tremendous impact it can have on their dancing. This class is designed to improve alignment and posture, develop their sense of coordination and stability, and increase power for the dynamic and explosive movements of dance. Participants will learn about proper technique and will build strength to protect their bodies through a full range of mobility. When paired with other dance classes, Strength & Conditioning helps dancers move with confidence, grace, and a full sense of artistry.

Jazz I through IV+ corresponds to the student’s ballet level placement. In these classes, students develop musicality and different movement dynamics while continuing to strengthen their technique. Older levels will learn various jazz styles, and incorporate more contemporary movement. Many students enjoy the high energy movement and music of jazz classes, which supplement ballet training in a wonderful way.

Modern I through III and Contemporary IV+ correspond to the student’s ballet level placement. In these classes, students will learn to use gravity and momentum as movement tools, develop their use of the spine and head, explore how to use the floor to ground themselves, and practice transitioning to and from the floor smoothly. Many students enjoy the relative freedom of modern classes, which supplement ballet training in a wonderful way.

Beginning with Level I, students learn classical ballet technique with an awareness of alignment and discipline, enabling them to progress to higher levels. Mastery of skills is assessed by the instructor and determines class placement for future years. Please see Classes and Schedule for age guidelines and class requirements–the number of classes your student takes will have a significant impact on the speed of their progression, and will affect how long they spend in a given level.

Designed to introduce the fundamentals of jazz dance and dance class etiquette. Students may take this alone or with PreBallet.

Designed to introduce the fundamentals of Ballet. Students learn the ballet positions along with basic technique and age appropriate steps. Students may take this alone or with PreJazz

Creative Movement introduces elements of dance with a professional instructor in a studio environment. Based on creativity, musicality, and imagination, students gain awareness of elements of dance before entering the Pre-Ballet program. Classes meet once weekly.

Dance class specifically designed for students 18 months and up to take alongside a guardian. Help your little one explore the wonders of dance and music.