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.

Tuesday
Advanced Ballet – Downtown campus,  6:30pm-7:45pm with Nicole Bealand

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 – Towson campus, 7:15pm-8:30pm with Gail Melfi
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.

Adult Dance Ensemble – Downtown campus, 7:45pm-9:00pm with Nicole Bealand
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.
 
*New this Spring: Open Introduction to Jazz Dance – Downtown campus, 6:00pm-7:15pm, January 24 – March 13 with Nicole Bealand

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.

*New this Spring: Open Introduction to Contemporary Dance – Downtown campus, 6:00pm-7:15pm, March 20 – May 15 with Nicole Bealand
 
This 8-week series is specifically designed for Adults who are beginners to Contemporary dance. It is taught in an encouraging and supportive environment. You will learn the basic principles and elements of Contemporary dance along with simple combinations. You will discover how to use the body’s energy and gravity through space to create dynamic movement, which may include improvisation and floorwork.

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.

*New this Spring: Open Floor Barre and Stretch –  Downtown Campus, 7:30-8:45pm, January 24 – May 13 with Nicole Bealand
 
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!

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.

Thursday
Open Ballet – Towson Campus,  7:30pm-8:45pm with Gail Melfi

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.

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.