SpiritJoy Dance

Rylee began ballet at the age of two in a small school in Grand Rapids, Michigan. At 13, she began pre-professional training. She spent multiple summers dancing at The Boston Ballet School. At the age of 16, Rylee moved to train fulltime under the direction of former Pacific Northwest Ballet professionals, Phillip Otto and Rachel Butler. At Huntsville Ballet , she trained six days a week to focus on the next step in my ballet career.

Aside from a year of tap when she was four, Deborah’s dance training began 20 years later, in 1974, with an open ballet class for adults at Duke University.

She trained in ballet and modern with teachers throughout the triangle. In 1981, she began studying with Ann Vorus, formerly of the Atlanta Ballet and founder of the Raleigh School of Ballet (RSB). Before leaving for graduate school in 1986, Deborah performed with and choreographed three ballets for the Raleigh Dance Theater, the performing arm of the RSB.

Lauren began dancing at 4 years old at the Dance and Music Academy in Chicago, IL. She trained in jazz, tap, ballet, hip hop, as well as a primary focus in contemporary. Throughout high school she performed with Trifecta Dance Collective as part of their high school intern dance program. Lauren was very active in performances and competitions, performing multiple times in Dance Chicago, Peridance in New York, and was a protege for CRU dance competition’s nationals. In college, she pursued a minor in dance. She choreographed and performed for her sorority in JMU’s GreekSing Dance competition, and helped lead ADPi to victory. She moved to Clayton in May 2024 and has renewed her love of ballet at SpiritJoy Dance. Her 9-5 is as an Analytical Chemist at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Research Triangle Park.

Ksenia has been dancing since she was three years old. She trained at GJ’s Dance Studio in Waldorf, MD doing tap, jazz, ballet, broadway, contemporary, and hip hop. While at Stevenson University, she performed on the dance teams as well. She then took a break until finding Spirit/Joy Dance classes with Lori DuPeron, which has rekindled her love of dance. When she is not dancing, she works for the US Composting Council and volunteers as a Master Gardener.

Rylee attends classes at SpiritJoy Dance and is the instructor for the popular Dance Conditioning Class Poise and Power. Rylee holds a BFA in Interior Architecture and this fall will become a candidate for a Masters of Architecture at the University of Michigan.

Traditional ballet classes focused on creating a kind and supportive community and environment for learning the art of dance. For students and parents who prefer not to compete. Our goal is to foster mental and physical skills in students as they learn to dance together with greater awareness, skill and spirit.

A world-wide, simultaneous "thriller" dance. Clayton Arts Alliance performs a modified version for Thrill the World. Practice with SpiritJoy Dance. Open to every-body!! We need more zombies!!!!!

Our Beginning Ageless Ballet sessions usually begin sometime soon after the free Community Class. I really enjoyed today’s class! Thank you again! I’ll definitely be registering for the Beginner class.

Watch our Facebook page for the announcement. And if you really want to start, just try a drop-in class on Tues, Thurs or Sunday.

About every other month we offer a free beginning Ageless Ballet orientation class for members of the community. Please see the calendar and follow us on Facebook for our next FREE COMMUNITY CLASS (at least 6 times yearly).

FREE COMMUNITY CLASS for every-body. We want to share our joy in dancing and give back to our beautiful community. No experience necessary – just wear workout clothes and socks. Designed for ages 16+ (call for exceptions).

Beautiful ballet class for adults with a focus on maintaining the proper form that will keep you dancing for years. Express your spirit and expand your soul through the art of dance all while gaining expanded body awareness and ability.

Beautiful ballet class for adults with a focus on maintaining the proper form that will keep you dancing for years. Express your spirit and expand your soul through the art of dance all while gaining expanded body awareness and ability.

Beautiful ballet class for adults with a focus on maintaining the proper form that will keep you dancing for years. Express your spirit and expand your soul through the art of dance all while gaining expanded body awareness and ability. Traditional ballet barre and some center work. Increased balance, strength, grace, flexibility are developed while having fun learning this beautiful art form in a fun and supportive community. If you have never had ballet class, Beginning Ageless Ballet is recommended before you drop into class.

If this is your first Ageless Ballet session with SpiritJoy this is the class for you. Learn ballet basics for aspiring adult beginners and get back into shape and carefully re-ignite your skills for experienced dancers returning to class. The focus is on learning the proper form that will keep you dancing for years. Increased balance, strength, grace, flexibility are developed while having fun learning this beautiful art form in a supportive community.

Private Dance Instruction/1 Hour. Receive personalized one-on-one dance coaching tailored to your specific needs and goals.

Contemporary Classes 4 classes/4 weeks. Explore the expressive and fluid movements of contemporary dance in this focused four-week program.

SpiritJoy Classes - 2x week (16 classes/8 weeks). These classes offer a dynamic and engaging dance experience twice a week for a total of sixteen sessions.

Adult Ballet Ages 14-75+ 8 classes/8 weeks. This class caters to adults seeking to learn or refine ballet techniques in a supportive environment.

Beg Ballet Ages 14-75+ 8 classes/8 weeks. This class is designed for beginners of all ages and provides a comprehensive ballet experience over eight weeks.