Amherst Ballet welcomes adults dancers 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 and enrolled classes for adults, we also offer private lessons.
All classes meet at our new studio at 65 Sunderland Road, Amherst
Season Starts on September 15, 2025
Season Ends on June 13, 2026
Amherst ballet will be closed on the following dates:
Thanksgiving Break – November 24-29
Winter Break – December 15-January 5
February Break – February 16-22
April Break – April 20-26
Memorial Day – May 23-25
Scholarship Program
Amherst Ballet is committed to providing quality dance education to all students, regardless of their financial circumstances. We offer trust-based scholarships to students who request them. Our scholarship program is funded by generous donors and supporters who believe in our mission.
If you are interested, please reach out to us at info@amherstballet.org.
Drop-in Classes
Beginner/Advanced beginner
Wednesday 8:00-9:20 a.m.
Saturday 10:00-11:30 a.m.
$20/class (or you can buy a class card of 10 classes for $180)
Dancers in this class are typically adult beginners or are returning to ballet after a break from dancing, sometimes after many years.
Advanced
**Please note that Monday night advanced class will shift time until after the spring show, and will be held 6:30-7:45pm, at a discounted price of $15/class. Please reach out to info@amherstballet.org with any questions.
Monday 7:00-8:30 p.m.
$20/class (or you can buy a class card of 10 classes for $180)
This class is for adult dancers with a strong foundation in ballet.
Conditioning
Saturday 1:00-2:00 p.m.
If you have taken class already on Saturday, conditioning is free! Otherwise, each class costs $10, payable by cash, check, PayPal, or Venmo.
Conditioning welcomes students in Level III and up, including adult students, to work on building strength, flexibility, and balance.
Modern Dance
Wednesday 4:30-6:00 p.m.
Friday 9:00-10:30 a.m.
$20/class (or you can buy a class card of 10 classes for $180)
Recommended for ages 13 and up, including adult students. We will blend contemporary techniques with somatic practices, improvisation, composition, and spatial phrase work. Email info@amherstballet.org to register for Modern classes.
Which class should I take?
If you would like placement advice for any adult class, please reach out to us at info@amherstballet.org.
Absolute beginner ballet for teens and adults
Monday & Wednesday, 6:00-7:30pm; 5-week session running from 6/29-7/29
Tuition: $180
This 5-week session, meeting for two classes each week, will provide an essential foundation for new dancers and the grounding to participate in ongoing classes and workshops. A minimum class size of 5 students is necessary for this class to run.
Recommended for beginner teens and adults of all ages. Contact info@amherstballet.org with questions. Read more about our approach to ballet here.
Introduction to Ballet Series with Karen Michaels:
Begins Monday September 22, 9:00-10:30
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.
Instructor: Karen Michaels – Bodywork Beyond Massage, Owner
Barre & bar: Ballet fundamentals workshops
Quarterly on Saturdays, 4:00-6:ish + social hour, at the new studio
We focus on ballet foundations for adult dancers who want to go deeper into technique: things you may never have learned if you are an adult beginner, or may have lost track of if you learned them a long time ago. Appropriate for beginner dancers who have taken several classes through advanced dancers. Come for the workshop and stay to hang out and enjoy delicious snacks, mocktails, and cocktails. Max 20 students.
Suggested donation $60; no one will be turned away for lack of funds
Contact info@amherstballet.org to sign up or to ask questions.
Instructor: Mikayla Archambeau
Special edition Barre & Bar! July 12, 3:00-6:00ishpm
This special edition of our quarterly Barre & Bar series is for beginner adult men, and will focus on skills and vocabulary to support men’s healthy participation in ballet. Led by company dancer Brokk Toggerson, the session includes a full introductory ballet class with ample time for questions and discussion. Hang out and enjoy refreshments after the class!
Appropriate for absolute beginners. Max 20 students; suggested donation $60; no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Contact info@amherstballet.org with questions. Registration available soon!
Dress Code
Ballet slippers and comfortable clothes for exercise.
