Class Descriptions and Curriculum

New to Ballet Fundamentals

This class is for novice dancers, those who have never taken a dance class before or who may be returning after many years. Class is our most BASIC and faces the barre. This class focuses on alignment and basic feet position, port de bra, vocabulary and placement principles. Students will also learn class etiquette. Basic strength building, flexibility and body awareness will be a major component of this class. 

Curriculum and Skills

Fundamentals II Ballet

This class is a progression from the New to Fundamentals class. Students in this level have been dancing for at least 1 year. This class takes the novice dancer from facing the barre to turning sideways with one hand at the barre, begins focusing on simple use of port de bras and completing a full barre.  Students will strengthen their understanding of alignment principles, improving full body coordination, and implementing basic transference of weight. Strength building and flexibility will be at the forefront of each exercise to promote a successful progression to the next level. Class etiquette and the use of ballet terminology will be a strong focus in this class. All material covered in lower-level classes included. 

Curriculum and Skills

Beginner I Ballet

This class is a progression from the Fundamentals Il class. Students in this level have been dancing for at least 2 years and understand basic terminology. This class performs barre work with one hand on the barre. Students should know all basic arm and feet positions. This class focuses on incorporating port de bras with leg movements as well as increasing vocabulary at barre and in center and applying technique to movement. Students will work to strengthen technical proficiency by focusing on alignment, strength, and flexibility. All material covered in lower-level classes included. 

Curriculum and Skills

Beginner II Ballet

This class is a progression from the Beginner I class. Students in this level have been dancing for at least 3 years and have a strong understanding and ability to execute the material from Beg 1. The class uses one hand at barre and focuses on refining all port de bras, épaulement while adding more complicated combinations. Applying technique to movement. Students can expect increases in length of combinations and focus on overall strength and flexibility. Students must understand and adhere to ballet etiquette and traffic flow expectations in the classroom. All material covered in lower-level classes included. 

Curriculum and Skills

Advanced Beginner Ballet

This class is a progression from Beginner II classes. Students in this level have attended ballet classes regularly in recent years or throughout adolescence and have at least 4 years of training. A strong knowledge and understanding of ballet terminology, ballet technique alignment principles, and execution of core ballet technique is expected. Focuses on applying technique to movement. Students must understand and adhere to ballet etiquette and traffic flow expectations in the classroom. All material covered in lower-level classes included.

Curriculum and Skills

Intermediate Ballet

This class is for proficient and experienced students with a minimum of 5+ years of training. A deep knowledge and understanding of ballet terminology and alignment principles, as well as the ability to execute core ballet technique is expected. Students must understand and adhere to ballet etiquette and traffic flow expectations in the classroom. This class will work to strengthen and finetune all existing levels of technique and focuses on movement. All material covered in lower-level classes included. 

Curriculum and Skills

Advanced Ballet

This class is a fast-paced class and is the highest level offered and is for the students proficient in the full range of ballet vocabulary. Students should have a minimum of 6+ years of training before entering this level. The Advanced Ballet class moves at a brisk pace and requires a deep understanding of ballet terminology and alignment principles. The ability to execute a full range of ballet vocabulary with technical proficiency and strength is expected. Students must understand and adhere to ballet etiquette and traffic flow expectations in the classroom. This is not for the Intermediate or below level dancer. All material covered in lower-level classes included. 

Curriculum and Skills

Open Level Ballet

This adult ballet class introduces participants to basic barre work, simple stretches, and center exercises, all in an engaging and relaxed atmosphere.  All levels are welcome.

Open Level Modern at SE Campus

This is a Horton-based modern technique class with creative elements.  All levels welcome; at least one year of dance experience is recommended.

Advanced Beginner Modern/Horton Technique

Designed for students with an advanced beginner level in ballet and with some previous modern training. This class also focuses on developing individual artistry and self-expression. Students will gain an understanding of modern dance vocabulary rooted in a variety of techniques such as Horton, Graham, and Limon. Students will gain agility, strength, coordination, and flexibility in addition to an increased understanding of body awareness and technical skill level. Emphasis of class is on musicality and long movement phrases.

Skills – flat backs, laterals, primitive squats, leg swings , elementary balance, swing and release work, seated basic Horton floor work and Horton movement progressions across the floor, prances, triplets, side falls, Egyptian walks, stag turns, and more.

Floor Barre/Conditioning

Floor Barre/Conditioning Class is designed to bring overall body awareness by using the floor barre method and incorporating ballet barre technique. The entire class is on the floor and moves through all ballet steps on your back, side or stomach. This class gives a detailed introduction to students of the unique mind and muscle connection, trains you to articulate your entire body, with an emphasis on using core strength, and by elongating your muscles working from the inside out. This class enhances your alignment, balance, core, muscle stamina and flexibility. Everything learned in this class will strengthen your technique in other classes. This class is and open for all levels. No previous experience necessary. Please bring your own yoga mat.

Performance Workshops

TWSB Adult Performance Workshops are offered as an opportunity for more advanced students to take class room work to the stage and work with TWSB’s leading faculty. Students will experience the process of rehearsals and stagecraft while developing specific skills necessary to successfully execute a public performance. It also helps to build self-confidence, discipline, to learn proper stage etiquette, and methods of evaluating one’s work. Performance Workshops are a supplement to the regular schedule of technique classes and is the highest level of work in one’s training.

Workshops

Workshops provide focused attention for students in a particular level, style, or area of technique and additional options from the ongoing open class schedule to train with TWSB faculty, Company dancers, and artistic leaders. Workshops vary in length but are typically held in one to eight-week sessions.

CONTEMPORARY WINTER INTENSIVE

• Dates:
  January 2 & 3: 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
  January 4 & 5: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
  
• Location: Main Building – 3515 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC
• Tuition: $350
• Age: 17+
• Level: Intermediate/Advanced contemporary dancer
• Instructors:
  Kevin Malone, Gabriel Mata, Felipe Oyarzun, Maya Harr-Siebenlist
• Registration opens and the schedule will be released on Friday, November 15.

This contemporary winter intensive is designed for collegiate-level dancers, intermediate to advanced adult students, and pre-professionals, fostering an immersive training environment that elevates both skill and artistry. Pushing traditional boundaries, this intensive offers dancers a unique incubator for creative exploration and exposure to training approaches beyond the usual curriculum. Dancers will be split into two groups, enabling more focused training and tailored support.

The program will culminate in a showing, where participants can share the progress and creative work developed throughout the intensive. Through this program, we aim to fulfill our mission to provide the highest caliber of dance training, approaching dancers holistically and equipping them to thrive in today’s diverse dance landscape.

No membership discounts or proration will be applied to this Intensive. 

Register Now

“MISSING STEPS” BALLET WORKSHOP with TAMÁS KRIZSA  

   Details:

Have you ever felt like you were missing some steps in your classical ballet repertoire? Steps that you have not had the time to learn fully or perfect? AP is offering a one-time opportunity to take a special Workshop that focuses on just that, “Missing Steps” in classical ballet taught by Tamás Krizsa.

This Workshop is ideal for the advanced beginner/intermediate dancer and is intended to bridge the knowledge gap between these two levels. The goal for participants is to build a solid understanding before encountering more challenging steps in upper level classes, and as a result, be able to advance to higher level classes. There will be no warm up in this class and so participants must take a class before or warm up on their own.

Class format will consist of working on barre steps; center work with an emphasis on turns, and steps that often get overlooked; jumps with an emphasis on battus, and connecting steps and grand allegros.* Steps will be broken down on how they to properly execute them, and also give exercises on how to strengthen in order to make them all achievable. Furthermore, recommendations will be given for substitute steps that one may encounter in higher level steps that are not yet achievable, thus giving one a pathway for accomplishing them one day. This will allow all participants to be an active in learning higher level steps.

*Steps will be taught and broken down, such as: flic flac, balancoire, attitude and arabesque turns, entrechat quatre, royale, brise, gargouillade, to mention only a few.

Early registration is recommended due to class size limit of 25. Pre-registration is required and will close by 5 pm on January 4.

SOLD OUT

CONTEMPORARY PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP

with FELIPE OYARZUN

  Details:

• January 17-March 28, 2025,  with culminating performances June 5-8
• Fridays, 7:15-8:45 pm
• 11 weeks
• $198
• Cathedral Commons Studio:3308 Wisconsin Ave. NW
• Open to all levels
• Registration opens on Mindbody on November 15 and will close by noon on January 16. Early registration is highly recommended.

Join performer, choreographer, and AP faculty member Felipe Oyarzun for his Spring Contemporary Performance Workshop! This 11-week workshop is open to all levels, tailored for both classically trained and modern dancers. Be part of a collaborative creative journey, culminating in a new work to be performed at the AP Concert 2025 in June at the Main Building. Strengthen your technique, explore new movement possibilities, and deepen your self-expression.

Felipe Oyarzun Bio

Register Now

MODERN PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP with GABRIEL MATA  

  Details: 

• September 9, 2024 – December 16, 2024(No class on 10/14, 11/11, 11/25) 
• Mondays at 7:30PM-9:00PM  
• 13 weeks 
• $230 
• Cathedral Commons (3308 Wisconsin Ave. NW) 
• Pre-registration is required and will close by noon on the first day of class.    

Come join performer, choreographer and AP faculty, Gabriel Mata, in his Fall Modern Performance Workshop. Be a part of the creative and collaborative process of creating a new work. There will be a short warm up leading into rehearsal for 1.5 hours/session.  

Learning to take up space, utilize leaps and spatial patterns, and partnering are part of the elements in this Modern Performance Workshop. We will collectively develop the work while also offering chances to experience varying movement qualities and forms. There will be an informal In Studio showing of this dance on the last day of class, December 16, and final performance on June 5-8.  

Gabriel Mata bio 

How to Register:

Login to your MindBody Online student account > Click “Workshops.” > Click “Enroll Now.”

For more information about workshops, contact jfrontdesk@washingtonballet.org

Master Classes

Master classes are specialized sessions led by a renowned dancer or choreographer, offering students the chance to learn techniques and gain insights from an expert with extensive industry experience.

Unlock Your Potential
with Master Classes by Artistic Director Edwaard Liang

Intermediate/Advanced Level Ballet Master Class

Saturday October 12th, 3:00PM – 4:30PM
Followed by an optional Q&A, 4:30PM – 5:30PM

Register Now

Beginner Level Ballet Master Class

Saturday October 19th, 3:00PM – 4:30PM
Followed by an optional Q&A, 4:30PM – 5:30PM
Registration opens 3 weeks before the event.

Register Now

Cost: $50 per class.
TWSB Student/Alumni and Donor discounts do apply. $45 per class for Student/Artist/+65 membership holders

Location: Cathedral Commons Studio @ 3308 Wisconsin Ave. NW

Advance registration on Mindbody is required and begins 3 weeks prior to the event. 

Register & Purchase Classes

Log-in/Create Account for Mindbody

Advanced registration is required for ALL classes/workshops.
Please note that weekend classes fill up very quickly.

You may log into your Mindbody account to cancel your registration up to 30 minutes prior to class start. All no-shows & cancellations after that time will be charged as if you had attended.

Pricing updates will go into effect Jan 1, 2025!

Purchase Classes

Class Pricing – Now through Dec 31, 2024. Stock up now!

• Single class credit $20 / $15 at THEARC
• 5-class credit package $95
• 10-class credit package $180

Class Pricing – As of Jan 1, 2025

• Single class credit $24 / $19 at THEARC
• 5-class credit package $110 – Save at $22/class 
• 10-class credit package $210 – Save at $21/class 

Class credits and packages expire one year from purchase

Discounts

*Only one discount will apply at a time.*

Donor Discount
Receive 15% off of Adult class credits when you donate $250+ to TWB. This donation is tax-deductible and helps supports all facets of TWB. Once you become a donor, create a Mindbody account and email jfrontdesk@washingtonballet.org to request the Donor Membership. The Donor Membership on Mindbody allows you to purchase class credits at a 15% discount. Please provide your name and giving level, then allow 2 business days for processing.

DONATE NOW

TWSB Alum & Enrolled Student rate for IN-STUDIO Classes
Students who graduated* from our Upper Division or Professional Training Programs or are currently enrolled in these programs may receive a 25% discount on Adult class credits. Create a Mindbody account and email jfrontdesk@washingtonballet.org to request this membership. Please provide your name, campus and either year of graduation or current level. Please allow 2 business days for processing.
_{*graduation means ending your high-school years with the Upper Division, generally enrolled in the highest levels (7 or 8), or have finished their professional training in the Trainee Program.} 

AGE 65+/STUDENT/ARTIST rate for IN-STUDIO Classes – Now through Dec 31, 2024

• 5-class credit package $85
• 10-class credit package $160

AGE 65+/STUDENT/ARTIST rate for IN-STUDIO Classes – As of Jan 1, 2025

• 5-class credit package $100
• 10-class credit package $190

You must be approved via the below application to purchase these cards. Once approved for a membership, you will be able to purchase class cards at the discounted rate. All class cards expire 12 months from date of purchase. Student/Artist memberships must be renewed yearly, 65+ memberships do not expire. 

Who qualifies for the TWSB Age 65+/Student/Artist Rate?

Adult Private Lessons

Private Lessons

Private lessons are one-on-one instruction between a current TWSB Adult faculty member and a current TWSB Adult student typically for one hour. TWSB can also accommodate semi-private lessons for up to, but not more than two students. We are only booking 1-time private lessons, no recurring bookings at this time. Due to limited studio availability, not all requests may be accommodated. TWSB’s weekly class schedule and curriculum is designed to train students at a level that is appropriate for their ability. Private lessons are purely supplemental and in no way required.

These private lessons may occur at our Cathedral Commons location, 3308 Wisconsin Ave or our Main Building 3515 Wisconsin Ave, NW.

Requesting a Private Lesson

To request a private lesson, please complete this form: Private Lessons Form. TWSB will place the student(s) with an appropriate faculty member.

Availability for private lessons is subject to change dependent on the needs of the School and Company. All scheduling will be conducted on a first come, first serve basis. Requests for private lessons should be made, at minimum, 1 week in advance of the requested lesson date/time.

Payment & Fees

Private lessons, when conducted one-on-one, cost $120 per hour. Semi-private lessons cost $85 per hour, per student. All payments will be processed at the time of booking via Mindbody Online. You must have a card on file, in Mindbody, before booking. Only credit card payments are accepted for private lessons. Any membership discounts you have for class credits do not apply for private lessons.

If a faculty member is setting or creating choreography, additional choreographic fees may apply as determined by the faculty member/choreographer. Any fees charged above the private lesson fee will be communicated directly from the choreographer.

Cancellation/Rescheduling Policy

All cancellation and rescheduling requests must be made 24 hours before the start time of the scheduled lesson. Full payment will be processed for cancellation or rescheduling requests made less than 24 hours in advance. No exceptions will be made. To cancel or reschedule a lesson, email the Assistant Manager. If canceling or rescheduling a lesson within 24 hours of the lesson start time, email the Assistant Manager and call the location of the lesson.

Rescheduled lessons will only be accommodated through the end of the subsequent month.

In the event of TWSB closures due to inclement weather, private lessons are canceled, you will be contacted to reschedule private lessons.

Late Policy

Students should arrive 10-15 minutes early for private lessons. If running late, please call the front desk at the location of the private lesson to share your estimated arrival time. Full payment for the lesson will be processed regardless of arrival time. If no phone call is received, faculty will only remain at the studio 15 minutes after the lesson start time.

If you have any questions, please email Jfrontdesk@washingtonballet.org.