At Amherst Ballet, we train dancers of all ages, backgrounds, body types, and levels of experience, and offer a comprehensive dance education that draws both from traditional and contemporary schools. We strive to create an environment that nurtures each student’s creativity, talents, and well-being, while at the same time giving them the tools and training to become world-class artists. Our goal for each student is not necessarily the pursuit of “perfection,” but rather the achievement of fearlessness, joy, and confidence in her or his unique abilities. 

Amherst Ballet is committed to teaching pure classical ballet technique, uncluttered by stylistic mannerisms or outdated methods, while fostering self-confidence and joy in self-expression. Our diverse faculty of teachers draws from Vaganova method, Balanchine technique, RAD, Bournonville, and ABT Schools to give students the widest possible palette of artistry and technical dexterity. Our curriculum is designed to offer students a rich, well-rounded education that will include: Creative Movement, Classical Ballet Technique, Pointework, Pre-Pointe, Pas de Deux, Music Comprehension/Appreciation, Contemporary/Modern Dance, Hip Hop, and Nutrition Education.  

Ballet classes will follow a structured classical ballet syllabus agreed upon by the faculty, that will cater closely to the students’ technical and physical needs, as well as enabling their continued progression. It is important for the acquisition of skills and overall accomplishment that students commit to training at the specified frequency. Students unable to fulfill this commitment will not be turned away, but their acceptance is with the understanding that they may need to spend more than one season in each level. Students are expected to attend 80% of classes to participate in the end of season concert unless otherwise arranged with the Artistic Director. 

Amherst Ballet recognizes that students have different areas of interest and levels of commitment to dance. We are happy to enroll dancers who wish to study ballet intensely as well as those who wish to have dance as just one aspect of their lives. The number of weekly hours the dancer dedicates to dance may affect his/her performance opportunities at Amherst Ballet.