Classes: Adults & Older Teens

Amherst Ballet welcomes adults dancers of all ages and at all levels. Read about our approach to ballet here. If you are new to ballet or returning to ballet after a break, feel free to reach out to us to figure out the best way to get started. In addition to drop-in classes and enrolled class series, we also offer private lessons for adults & older teens.

Drop-in Classes

No registration is required for drop-in classes – just show up! All drop-in classes are $20/class (or you can buy a class card of 10 classes for $180), unless noted otherwise.

Amherst Ballet is committed to providing quality dance education to all students, regardless of their financial circumstances. Scholarships are available for adult dancers. For more information, see our Tuition & Scholarships page, or reach out to us at info@amherstballet.org.

Absolute beginner ballet	Monday, 6:30-8:00 p.m. This class is for brand new adult dancers. While offered on a drop-in basis, we encourage you to attend all classes, as the curriculum is progressive.
Beginner/Advanced beginner ballet	Wednesday, 8:00-9:30 a.m. Dancers in this class are typically adult beginners or are returning to ballet after a break from dancing, sometimes after many years
Intermediate ballet	Thursday, 7:30-9:00 p.m. This class is intended for adult dancers with a solid foundation in ballet technique (2-3 years or more of consistent classes).
Mixed level ballet	Saturday, 10:00-11:30 a.m. We often enjoy a wide variety of levels in this class, so come prepared to cheer each other on through everything from foundational review to new challenges.
Conditioning	Saturday, 1:00-2:00 p.m. Conditioning welcomes students in Level III and up, including adult students of all levels, to work on building strength, flexibility, and balance. If you have taken class already on Saturday, conditioning is free! Otherwise, each class costs $10, payable by cash, check, PayPal, or Venmo.
Contemporary	Wednesday, 4:30-6:00 p.m. Recommended for ages 12 and up, including adult students. We will blend technique with somatic practices, improvisation, composition, and spatial phrase work.
Contemporary Repertoire	Wednesday, 6:00-7:00 p.m. Students attending contemporary class at 4:30 are invited to stay for an hour of learning contemporary repertoire, with no additional fee. You must have attended contemporary class immediately before attending contemporary repertoire, as no warm up will be offered.

Which class should I take?
If you would like placement advice for any adult class, please reach out to us at info@amherstballet.org.

Introduction to Ballet Series with Karen Michaels

Monday, 9:00-10:30 a.m. – High beginner
Monday, 10:45-12:15 p.m. – Introduction to Ballet

This class series is designed for total beginners/those who have never taken a dance class. Also welcome are students who have not taken ballet in many years or who want to go over the basic building blocks of ballet.

Students will learn the beginning basics of ballet technique- basic ballet positions, vocabulary,  class exercises – with an emphasis on healthy bio-mechanical alignment and musicality, as well as typical ballet class sequencing; and will be encouraged to explore how their bodies can be comfortable within the framework of the structure of ballet technique.

Karen Michaels is the owner of Bodywork Beyond Massage