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.
| Fall Semester: | Spring Semester: |
| September 4, 2024 – January 11, 2025 | January 21 – May 19 |
Open Ballet for Adults and Teens 16+
The Open Ballet is a mixed level class that welcomes those who are beginning, intermediate or advanced students. It is designed for those looking to improve their ballet technique and will move at a moderate pace. The instructors will use a variety of options and modifications when needed throughout the class. Students are encouraged to work within their own abilities and at their own pace, increasing or decreasing complexity as needed. Please note that this class is not recommended for complete beginners.
Open Beginning Ballet Adults and Teens 16+
Beginning Ballet is designed for adults with some previous ballet training or general dance experience and recommended for those who have a basic knowledge of dance vocabulary. This class will move at a slow pace, focusing on the fundamentals of ballet technique, proper alignment, and will include simple ballet combinations. This class is perfect for those who have taken ballet in their youth and are ready to return. This class is also great for someone who has taken our Ballet 101 and 201 Workshops and are ready to move on. Please note that this class is not recommended for complete beginners.
Open Advanced Ballet for Adults and Teens 16+
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.
Floor Barre is structured around the basic ballet exercises traditionally done standing at the barre, adapting them to be done on the floor, from a seated position as well as laying on your back, side, and stomach. You will be guided through a variation of these exercises. It is designed as a low impact, high intensity class. It will focus on building core strength and stability, developing flexibility, and improving range of motion. Integrated throughout the class will be a variety of stretches that will compliment the exercises. The use of a technique called Tense and Release will target specific areas of the body that are tight and full of tension leading to muscle relaxation, all of which will help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. No previous dance training is required, this class is for everyone. *Items you may want to consider bringing if you have them; a yoga mat, a towel, and an exercise band.
Open Pointe for Adults and Teens 16+
This Open Level Pointe class is designed for those who have previous experience working en pointe. This class will focus on development of pointe technique. The structure of the class will begin with a proper warm-up prior to putting on shoes. Dancers will then be led through a series of strength and conditioning exercises at the barre with an emphasis on proper alignment, as well as center pointe work and across the floor combinations.
Open Beginning Contemporary Dance Adults and Teens 16+
In this class we experience ourselves moving through space in community with the teacher acting as a guide. Our warmup focuses on sensing how the parts of our bodies move and connect. We elicit flow and enjoy different movement textures and dynamics as we stretch and strengthen our muscles and care for our joints. Simple traveling movement phrases enable us to further explore how our bodies commune with space and community and allow us to experience the full pleasure of movement. Pockets of improvisation provide multiple options for experimentation and self-expression.
Open Intermediate Modern Dance Adults and Teens 16+
In this class, we will engage, explore, and experience various modern and contemporary techniques at an intermediate level. With the teacher acting as a guide, participants will learn fundamental exercises and combinations inspired by Horton, Graham, and Limon dance styles. Our combinations focus on engaging our musculature and flexibility while integrating the uniqueness of our own creative expression. We elicit strength, dynamics of movement, expansion, breathwork, and flow as we journey through different textures and qualities of movement vocabulary. Studio combinations include a center warm up, across the floor, traveling combinations, and choregraphed dance phrases to allow participants a full class schedule of invigorating exercises and creative choreography.
Open Introduction to Jazz Dance for Adults
Are you curious about Jazz dance and would like to learn more? Come join us for a fun and energetic introduction to the fundamentals of Classic Jazz Dance.
This 8-week series is specifically designed for Adults who are beginners to Jazz dance. It is taught in an encouraging and supportive environment. You will learn foundational positions and steps along with simple combinations. Explore the use of expression and individual stylization of the body through movement. A variety of different Jazz styles will be incorporated including but not limited to Musical Theater, Street Jazz, and Latin Fusion.
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.
Join us for a multidisciplinary dance and movement class dedicated to exploring various techniques and social dances of the world! Together we will engage our bodies in movement that expresses, connects, and communicates a shared understanding of community and culture that centers dance techniques of the African Diaspora, Latin America, and beyond! This class is community based and encourages all to join who wish to move their bodies in both familiar and new ways. This class will integrate elements of mindfulness and meditation to center self-regulation, relationship building, and connection within our shared space. Let’s dance, connect, share, move, and groove as we learn more about ourselves and the world around us with Peabody at Park!
How to Register
You may register by class, drop-in, or by semester class on our ASAP Connected website.
Semester Pass:
Preparatory Dance’s Semester Pass offers flexibility for Adults and Teens 16+ providing access to all Open Program dance classes; in Ballet, Contemporary, and more, available at both our Downtown and Towson campuses. The pass allows unlimited classes throughout the entire semester. Please note the following exemption, Adult Dance Ensemble is not included in the Semester Pass.
Once purchased, students will be able to sign up for the individual classes they would like to attend week-to-week and that fit their schedule. This is a wonderful option for those who plan on attending multiple classes each week.
Passes expire at the end of the semester in which they are purchased. Beginners and advanced students alike may take advantage of this opportunity. For more information contact Nicole Bealand at [email protected]. All Semester Pass fees are non-refundable.
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.