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.

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

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.

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	Monday, 7:00-8:30 p.m. This class is for adult dancers with a strong foundation in ballet.
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, 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.
Modern	Wednesday, 4:30-6:00 p.m. Recommended for ages 12 and up, including adult students. We will blend contemporary techniques with somatic practices, improvisation, composition, and spatial phrase work.

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 & Adults

Monday, 6:30-8:00 p.m. and Wednesday, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
5-week session: June 29-July 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

Monday, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

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

Barre & bar: Ballet fundamentals workshops

Quarterly on Saturdays, 3:00-6:ish p.m. + social hour; next session is August 1, 2026
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.

Special edition Barre & Bar! New Date & Time Coming Soon
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.

Dress Code

Ballet slippers and comfortable clothes for exercise.