The Peabody Preparatory is proud to offer our Open Program for Adults and Teens 16+. Our mission is to provide high-quality instruction for those who seek a place to learn dance,
reconnect with their dance past, or continue their dance journey.
Whether you are a beginner and new to dance, or a seasoned professional, we welcome all ages and abilities. We offer a variety of classes at a range of levels including Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, and more. We aim to inspire and motivate dancers in an encouraging and supportive environment.
Performance opportunities are also available for the experienced dancer with our Adult Dance Ensemble. Adult dancers will have the chance to perform in studio recitals, the Spring Showcase, Peabody Plus Recitals, and possibly the Preparatory’s full length stage production at the end of the year.
For more information, please contact our Adult Dance Program Coordinator, Nicole Bealand at [email protected]. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns, we are happy to assist you.
We have a wide range of classes, there is something for everyone. Please see our full schedule listed below.
Monday
Open Ballet – Downtown campus, 7:30pm-8:45pm with Kristen Faraclas
Open Ballet is designed for those looking to improve their ballet technique and artistry. Classes include exercises at the barre, in the center, and across the floor. This is a mixed level class. Students are encouraged to work at their own pace, utilizing modifications to increase or decrease complexity as needed.
Advanced Ballet is designed for intermediate to advanced students with a strong background and experience in ballet. The class will move at a quicker pace, focusing on intricate ballet technique, and will incorporate a greater complexity of movement and more challenging combinations. Pointe work may be incorporated at the discretion of the instructor.
Beginners Ballet is designed for those with little or no previous ballet training. This class will move at a slower pace, focusing on the fundamentals of ballet technique, and will include simple ballet combinations.
The Adult Dance Ensemble is by audition only and is open to those who are 18 years and older. It will give the experienced dancer an exciting opportunity to learn and perform a wide range of dance repertory. Dancers will be exposed to a variety of styles including Ballet, Contemporary, and Jazz. Dancers will learn classical and traditional choreography as well as new and original pieces. Dancers will work together as a corps de ballet and ensemble but will also have the chance to learn certain variations and solos. There will be a focus on performance preparation concentrating on expression and presence, musicality, and staging.
Wednesday
Ballet for EveryBody – Downtown campus, 5:30pm-6:45pm with Lisa Green-Cudek
Ballet for EveryBody approaches ballet as an immersive mind/body practice. Accept yourself as you are while striving toward greater ease, efficiency, and expansiveness of movement. Enjoy the beauty of ballet as you experience mental and physical flow and musical expressiveness within the supportive community of our class. This is an inclusive class. People of different abilities and levels of experience are all welcome.
Have you ever been curious about Ballet, but didn’t know where to start? Have you ever thought about taking a Ballet class, but felt intimidated? This workshop is for you! Come join us for an introduction to the fundamentals of Classical Ballet.
This 8-Week workshop is specifically designed for adults. It is taught in an encouraging and supportive environment. During this workshop you will learn a brief history of Ballet, structure of a class, technical terminology, and foundational positions and steps along with simple Ballet combinations. Informational handouts will be given for reference and to help guide you through the workshop.This is a progressive dance series in which you are fully enrolled. There is no Drop-in available. Each week we will gradually introduce new concepts and build from the previous class. By the end of this workshop, you will have the knowledge, experience, and confidence to join one of our other Adult Ballet classes.
The Drop-In feature is an option for this class. Although, it is encouraged to participate in the whole series, as it will be progressive and we will build from each previous class.
The Drop-In feature is an option for this class. Although, it is encouraged to participate in the whole series, as it will be progressive and we will build from each previous class.
Jazz Dance is designed for those who love to move rhythmically to music and have some fun. The classes are built on the foundation of classical jazz focusing on technique, body positions, footwork, and expressive style. Other styles of movement that will be explored include musical theater, Latin fusion, and street jazz. Every class will begin with a warm-up series, across-the-floor exercises, and end with a choreographed combination. This is a mixed level class. Dancers are encouraged to work within their own movement capacity.
Thursday
Open Beginners Ballet – Towson Campus, November 2 – December 14 7:30pm-8:45pm with Gail Melfi
Open Beginners Ballet is designed for those with little or no previous ballet training. This class will move at a slower pace, focusing on the fundamentals of ballet technique, and will include simple ballet combinations.
Open Modern Dance – Downtown Campus, November 2 – December 14 5:00-6:15pm with Kelly Hirina
Using principles of weight, momentum, and energetic connection into space, we will explore movement that is virtuosic and dynamic. Influences of classical technique are fused with contemporary and improvisational movement practices while we explore floor work, inversions, weight shifting, and partnering. This class is open to adults at all levels and dance experience. We will energetically move between solo explorations and set phrase work. Participants are encouraged to investigate their own decision making process in interpreting, executing, and ultimately transforming the movement material.
Saturday
Contemporary/Modern Technique – Downtown Campus, October 7 – November 18 with Colette Krogol and Matt Reeves
Using principles of weight, momentum, and energetic connection into space, we will explore movement that is virtuosic and dynamic. Influences of classical technique are fused with contemporary and improvisational movement practices while we explore floor work, inversions, weight shifting, and partnering. This class is open to adults at all levels and dance experience. We will energetically move between solo explorations and set phrase work. Participants are encouraged to investigate their own decision making process in interpreting, executing, and ultimately transforming the movement material.
To register and enroll, there are many options
• Register to enroll for the full semester. This is a great option for those who know the class they would like to focus on, and have the schedule to commit each week.
• We realize many of you have busy schedules. We suggest using our Drop-In option. This is an excellent option for those who cannot commit to the full semester. This allows you the flexibility to take a class when your schedule permits. You may sign up for as many classes as you would like for $24 per class. All drop-in fees are non-refundable.
• You may also consider the Semester Pass, which allows you unlimited classes throughout the whole semester for only $480. This is a wonderful option for those who will take multiple classes each week.
Curious about our classes? New students are encouraged to sign up for our Trial Class. This allows students to try one class with us free of charge.
Dance Attire for Adults and Teens
Students provide their own dance attire. The following are our recommended guidelines.
Ballet: Any color leotard and tights, OR fitted athletic top and opaque leggings or tights. All students are expected to wear ballet slippers. Ballet skirts and dance warm-ups are permitted.
Contemporary: Fitted athletic top or leotard, footless tights, leggings or dance pants.
Jazz: Any athletic top or leotard, leggings, or dance pants. Proper jazz shoes are preferred, but clean soft soled shoes are permitted.