Wilmington Conservatory of Fine Arts

This July 1st through July 24th, Wilmington Conservatory is offering flexible classes options for all ages and levels (3+ years). Enjoy four-weeks of classes for all ages with the freedom to pay by class or pay for all four weeks with a “July Class Pass” at a major discounted price—perfect for those looking to stay active and beat the heat! Our July dance classes provide an easy, affordable, and convenient way to try WCFA before the upcoming school year!

This class builds strength, flexibility, and coordination while introducing acrobatic skills that can help complement dance training. Dancers will work on fundamentals such as balance, conditioning, limbering, and safe progressions into skills like handstands, cartwheels, walkovers, and variations. At the intermediate level, students will refine technique, increase control, and begin combining skills into sequences.

This high-energy class is designed specifically for boys who want to build power, agility, and technique. Students will focus on dynamic jumps, clean turns, and athletic movement while developing coordination, strength, and confidence. Perfect for both beginners and experienced dancers, this class offers a supportive, encouraging environment where boys can sharpen their skills and grow in confidence—no prior dance experience needed!

Our adult ballet classes offer a welcoming and supportive environment for students of all experience levels, from beginners to more advanced dancers. Our classes focus on building strength, flexibility, and grace while developing an understanding of the classical technique. Adult ballet is not only a great way to stay fit but also an opportunity to connect with the joy and artistry of dance. Our experienced instructors provide guidance and encouragement, creating a positive, inclusive atmosphere where you can challenge yourself at your own pace.

Company is WCFA’s highest level catered to experienced dancers with many years of training. This advanced level is designed for the more mature dancer that performs soloist roles and lead roles in performances. Dancers train in multiple ballet technique and pointe classes, certified Progressing Ballet Technique (strength training curated for dancers), contemporary, modern, jazz, with options for theatre, tap, and weekend technique classes and variations.

Apprentice is WCFA’s next to highest level catered to experienced dancers with many years of training. Dancers train in multiple ballet technique and pointe classes, certified Progressing Ballet Technique (strength training curated for dancers), modern, contemporary, jazz, with options for theatre, tap, and weekend technique classes and variations.

Preparing for pointe work, dancers are now taking a two-hour ballet technique/pre pointe and beginning pointe class, one-hour modern, one hour jazz, one hour contemporary, and one hour of certified Progressing Ballet Technique (strength conditioning for dancers), also, options for theatre, tap, and Saturday advanced ballet technique.

Preparing for pointe work, dancers are now taking a two-hour ballet technique/pre pointe and beginning pointe class, one-hour modern, one hour jazz, one hour contemporary, and one hour of certified Progressing Ballet Technique (strength conditioning for dancers), also, options for theatre, tap, and Saturday advanced ballet technique.

Preparing for pointe work, dancers are now taking a two-hour ballet technique/pre pointe and beginning pointe class, one-hour modern, one hour jazz, one hour contemporary, and one hour of certified Progressing Ballet Technique (strength conditioning for dancers), also, options for theatre, tap, and Saturday advanced ballet technique.

Preparing for pointe work, dancers are now taking a two-hour ballet technique/pre pointe and beginning pointe class, one-hour modern, one hour jazz, one hour contemporary, and one hour of certified Progressing Ballet Technique (strength conditioning for dancers), also, options for theatre, tap, and Saturday advanced ballet technique.

Preparing for pointe work, dancers are now taking a two-hour ballet technique/pre pointe and beginning pointe class, one-hour modern, one hour jazz, one hour contemporary, and one hour of certified Progressing Ballet Technique (strength conditioning for dancers), also, options for theatre, tap, and Saturday advanced ballet technique.

Preparing for pointe work, dancers are now taking a two-hour ballet technique/pre pointe and beginning pointe class, one-hour modern, one hour jazz, one hour contemporary, and one hour of certified Progressing Ballet Technique (strength conditioning for dancers), also, options for theatre, tap, and Saturday advanced ballet technique.

Building upon our classical foundations we are focusing on strengthening and preparing the dancer for all the rigors of pointe work by focusing on proper body placement and poise for the introductory years before pointe work.

Building upon our classical foundations we are focusing on strengthening and preparing the dancer for all the rigors of pointe work by focusing on proper body placement and poise for the introductory years before pointe work.

Building upon our classical foundations we are focusing on strengthening and preparing the dancer for all the rigors of pointe work by focusing on proper body placement and poise for the introductory years before pointe work.

Building upon our classical foundations we are focusing on strengthening and preparing the dancer for all the rigors of pointe work by focusing on proper body placement and poise for the introductory years before pointe work.

Building upon our classical foundations we are focusing on strengthening and preparing the dancer for all the rigors of pointe work by focusing on proper body placement and poise for the introductory years before pointe work.

Building upon our classical foundations we are focusing on strengthening and preparing the dancer for all the rigors of pointe work by focusing on proper body placement and poise for the introductory years before pointe work.

A one-hour class of classical ballet focusing on proper technique and terminology for barre, center, and across the floor work. Followed by a half-hour of jazz and a half-hour of the tap. Arco and tumbling are a fun addition to class when not concentrating on choreography. The highest level in our lower division school. Level 3 is invited to take our summer intensive weeks in preparation for Level 4 auditions.

55 minutes of ballet, 20 minutes of jazz, and 15 minutes of tap. A traditionally structured ballet class incorporating the next level in the classical ballet syllabus. We incorporate extended work on barre and center technique, followed with tap and jazz exercises and combinations to broaden musicality and reflex skills.

50 minutes of ballet, 15-20 minutes of tap, and a short tumble time when not working on choreography. The syllabus for this level covers stretching, basic strengthening, balance, motor skills, and coordination. We offer a beginning emphasis on musicality and rhythm, as well as the concept of moving creatively through space. Meanwhile, we teach Basic dance vocabulary and positions through imagery. During classes, we encourage interaction with classmates and the teacher through fun dance games.

40 minutes of ballet, 10-15 minutes of tap, and a short tumble time when not working on choreography. The syllabus for this level covers stretching, basic strengthening, balance, motor skills, and coordination. We offer a beginning emphasis on musicality and rhythm, as well as the concept of moving creatively through space. Meanwhile, we teach Basic dance vocabulary and positions through imagery. During classes, we encourage interaction with classmates and the teacher through fun dance games.

Lower Division Dance Classes that are offered include ballet, jazz, tap, acro/tumbling. With opportunities to add on art, theatre, and music classes. Placement is decided by age (with teacher recommendation exceptions) and our curriculum normally spends 1-2 years in each level. All lower division students will perform in our yearly December & June performances.

Acro combines classical dance technique with precision acrobatic elements to create a unique and exciting style. In this class, students will develop strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination through skills like rolls, handstands, cartwheels, walkovers, and more—all seamlessly integrated with dance movement. Taught in a safe, supportive environment, Acro is perfect for dancers who want to add dynamic tricks and floor work to their repertoire.

Tap Dance originated as a form of communication, and students learn everything from the traditional “shim Shim” to how to “swing” a tap step. We instill the traditions of tap dance and use them to venture into a more modern approach to tap dancing. Students work hard on rudiments and basic toe-heel movement to strengthen feet, leading to faster footwork and more complicated trick steps.

This high-energy class is designed specifically for boys who want to build power, agility, and technique. Students will focus on dynamic jumps, clean turns, and athletic movement while developing coordination, strength, and confidence. Perfect for both beginners and experienced dancers, this class offers a supportive, encouraging environment where boys can sharpen their skills and grow in confidence—no prior dance experience needed!

Progressing Ballet Technique™ is a revolutionary program for ballet teachers and students by training muscle memory to achieve the best in ballet training. At the Wilmington Conservatory of Fine Arts, we are thrilled to be the only dance studio in the region to offer a fully certified PBT program since 2017 and two certified instructors. Progressing Ballet Technique is a program developed by Marie Walton-Mahon to help students advance in all dance forms by training muscle memory via focusing on stability, weight placement and alignment. Our PBT classes at WCFA are designed to cater to our Level 4 – Company Students.

At the Wilmington Conservatory, modern classes are taught by Lesa Broadhead, and focus on the beginning and intermediate levels of the Lester Horton Technique, strengthening and stretching the human body to prepare the dancer’s instrument to be expressive, and possess the ability to adapt to a variety of other dance styles. A typical modern class will explore warming up the body by incorporating roll downs, lunges, movement studies, and progressions across the floor, exploring low, medium, and high levels of space. Bella Lewitzky, a former Horton Dancer, said in Dance Perspectives (Autumn 1967), that “Lester developed a technique which tested the capacity of the body to move from the cultures, architecture, and artifacts of Africa, Asia, and Native Americans.”

This specialized class is designed for company-level dancers to develop the skills and artistry of partnering in both classical and contemporary styles. Dancers will work on weight sharing, lifts, balance, trust, and coordination through guided exercises and choreographed sequences. Classical partnering focuses on traditional ballet techniques such as promenades, supported turns, and assisted jumps, while contemporary partnering explores grounded movement, improvisation, and expressive connection. This class fosters teamwork, confidence, and stage readiness for pas de deux and ensemble work in performance settings.

Pointe technique resulted from a desire for female dancers to appear weightless and sylph-like during the early 1800’s ballets. Pointe technique is part of Classical Ballet that concerns pointe work, in which a ballet dancer supports all body weight on the tips of fully extended feet within pointe shoes. Pointe work is performed while wearing pointe shoes, which employ structural reinforcing to distribute the dancer’s weight load throughout the foot, thus reducing the load on the toes enough to enable the dancer to support all body weight on fully vertical feet. To go “En Pointe”, requires extensive training and practice to develop the strength and technique for pointe work. Typically, dance teachers consider factors such as age, experience, strength and alignment when deciding whether to allow a dancer to begin pointe work. For the health and safety of a dancer and as a prerequisite for pointe training at the Wilmington Conservatory of Fine Arts, students prepare by taking Pre-Pointe classes and exercises for a minimum of one to two years before going “En Pointe”.

Classical Ballet is a style of dance known the world over for its rigorous technique, flowing and precise movements, lithe aesthetics, and ethereal qualities. This style is not only characterized by tradition but employs techniques and tools (pointe shoes, tutus, etc.) which have been handed down over the centuries. Classical Ballet encompasses many stylistic variations that relate to the origin of their development: the French School, the Vaganova (Russian) method, the Cecchetti (Italian) method, the Bournonville method, the Balanchine (American) method, and the Royal Academy of Dance (English) method. At the Wilmington Conservatory of Fine Arts, we offer numerous levels of classical ballet instruction, from beginner to company level. Our renown instructors guide our dancers not only in their technique but in the training and exercise needed to develop their ballet skills in a safe and fun environment. Out of respect for ballet’s origins, vocabulary is taught in French and dancers are expected to maintain proper studio etiquette.

In our lower division dance classes, we provide a friendly, nurturing environment where each student can advance and grow. At this level, we emphasize classical training and proper classroom etiquette. Students will learn proper terminology, musicality, and technical skill while developing a love and appreciation for the art of dance. Lower Division Dance Classes that are offered include ballet, jazz, tap, acro/tumbling. With opportunities to add on art, theatre, and music classes. All lower division students will perform in our yearly December & June productions.

This class builds strength, flexibility, and coordination while introducing acrobatic skills that can help complement dance training. Dancers will work on fundamentals such as balance, conditioning, limbering, and safe progressions into skills like handstands, cartwheels, walkovers, and variations. At the intermediate level, students will refine technique, increase control, and begin combining skills into sequences. Focus is placed on proper alignment, safety, and artistry.

Students will train in ballet technique, pointe/pre-pointe/variations, partnering, contemporary, modern, jazz, tap, precision, Progressing Ballet Technique/strength training, injury prevention, anatomy, and dance history.

WCFA’s technique weeks are designed to equip, educate, strengthen and prepare the dancer. This rigorous schedule is packed with challenging and informative classes taught by excellent guest artists Dayna Fox, Cooper Everson, Addison Hand, Cheryl Cutlip, and Sarah Matzke, and WCFA faculty. Students will train in ballet technique, pointe/pre-pointe/variations, partnering, contemporary, modern, jazz, tap, precision, Progressing Ballet Technique/strength training, injury prevention, anatomy, and dance history.

WCFA’s technique weeks are designed to equip, educate, strengthen and prepare the dancer. This rigorous schedule is packed with challenging and informative classes taught by excellent guest artists Dayna Fox, Cooper Everson, Addison Hand, Cheryl Cutlip, and Sarah Matzke, and WCFA faculty. Students will train in ballet technique, pointe/pre-pointe/variations, partnering, contemporary, modern, jazz, tap, precision, Progressing Ballet Technique/strength training, injury prevention, anatomy, and dance history.

WCFA’s technique weeks are designed to equip, educate, strengthen and prepare the dancer. This rigorous schedule is packed with challenging and informative classes taught by excellent guest artists Dayna Fox, Cooper Everson, Addison Hand, Cheryl Cutlip, and Sarah Matzke, and WCFA faculty. Students will train in ballet technique, pointe/pre-pointe/variations, partnering, contemporary, modern, jazz, tap, precision, Progressing Ballet Technique/strength training, injury prevention, anatomy, and dance history.

Designed for ages 3-10, our summer camps offer a fun and creative way for kids to explore the arts. With flexible week-by-week options, you can choose the schedule that works best for your family. Spaces are limited, so be sure to register your camper today! No prior experience is needed. Campers will be separated into proper age groups for most of the day. Campers will have the opportunity to dance, sing, make music, play, and explore their artistic side through pastels, paintings, and sketches. They’ll also enjoy tumbling, stretching, and a variety of other exciting activities. Led by our Conservatory staff and special guest teachers, this camp promises to be an unforgettable summer experience filled with creativity, movement, and fun!

Designed for ages 3-10, our summer camps offer a fun and creative way for kids to explore the arts. With flexible week-by-week options, you can choose the schedule that works best for your family. Spaces are limited, so be sure to register your camper today! No prior experience is needed. Campers will be separated into proper age groups for most of the day. Campers will have the opportunity to dance, sing, make music, play, and explore their artistic side through pastels, paintings, and sketches. They’ll also enjoy tumbling, stretching, and a variety of other exciting activities. Led by our Conservatory staff and special guest teachers, this camp promises to be an unforgettable summer experience filled with creativity, movement, and fun!

Designed for ages 3-10, our summer camps offer a fun and creative way for kids to explore the arts. With flexible week-by-week options, you can choose the schedule that works best for your family. Spaces are limited, so be sure to register your camper today! No prior experience is needed. Campers will be separated into proper age groups for most of the day. Campers will have the opportunity to dance, sing, make music, play, and explore their artistic side through pastels, paintings, and sketches. They’ll also enjoy tumbling, stretching, and a variety of other exciting activities. Led by our Conservatory staff and special guest teachers, this camp promises to be an unforgettable summer experience filled with creativity, movement, and fun!

Designed for ages 3-10, our summer camps offer a fun and creative way for kids to explore the arts. With flexible week-by-week options, you can choose the schedule that works best for your family. Spaces are limited, so be sure to register your camper today! No prior experience is needed. Campers will be separated into proper age groups for most of the day. Campers will have the opportunity to dance, sing, make music, play, and explore their artistic side through pastels, paintings, and sketches. They’ll also enjoy tumbling, stretching, and a variety of other exciting activities. Led by our Conservatory staff and special guest teachers, this camp promises to be an unforgettable summer experience filled with creativity, movement, and fun!