Amherst Ballet welcomes adults dancers at all levels. 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.
Spring break drop-in classes:
There will be drop-in ballet classes on Saturday 4/18, 10-11:30am & Saturday 4/25, 9-10:30am
Please note that class on 4/18 will be taught by a teacher-in-training, and will be offered at a discounted rate
Drop-in classes will not meet on Monday 4/20, Wednesday 4/22, Friday, 4/24, & Monday 4/27
2025-2026 Season Dates
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
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.
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, 3:00-6:00 + 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
Dress Code
Ballet slippers and comfortable clothes for exercise.
