Amherst Ballet
Summer Ballet Classes at Amherst Ballet
Join a Summer of Movement, Music, and Storytelling
At Amherst Ballet, we offer summer workshops that combine quality ballet training with an inclusive, joyful approach to dance. Whether your child is just starting or continuing their journey, our summer programs nurture creativity, focus, and fun in a supportive environment.
Open Summer Classes
Drop-in ballet classes for teens and adults with some prior experience.
Saturdays
- 10:00–11:30 AM
- The Hartsbrook School
Tuesdays
- 6:00–7:30 PM
- White Barn
Cost: $20/class or $180/10-class card
Summer Dance Workshops 2025
Ballet Days Workshop
- Ages 6–10 | August 4–8 | 9:00 AM–4:00 PM | New Studio
Ballet Days blends classical ballet technique with creative exploration and dance history. Mornings focus on technique, stretching, and conditioning. Afternoons introduce famous ballets, storytelling through movement, and student choreography. Dancers of all levels are welcome.
- Cost: Free
- Instructor: Mikayla Archambeau
- What to bring Water and a snack
- What to wear Ballet slippers and comfy clothes (ballet clothes optional)
Back-to-Ballet Intensive
- Ages 11+ | August 11–15 | 9:00 AM–4:00 PM | New Studio
Designed for middle and high school students, this program prepares dancers for the school year with technique classes, repertoire, improvisation, and conditioning. Afternoon sessions include ballet history, music appreciation, and original choreography.
- Cost: $600/week (ample financial aid available)
- Instructor: Mikayla Archambeau & Madeleine Bonn
- What to bring : Water, lunch, and snacks
- What to wear : Standard ballet attire
Ballet Days Workshop
- Ages 6–10 | August 4–8 | 9:00 AM–4:00 PM | New Studio
Ballet Days blends classical ballet technique with creative exploration and dance history. Mornings focus on technique, stretching, and conditioning. Afternoons introduce famous ballets, storytelling through movement, and student choreography. Dancers of all levels are welcome.
- Cost: $600/week (ample financial aid available)
- Instructor: Mikayla Archambeau & Madeleine Bonn
- What to bring : Water, lunch, and snacks
- What to wear : Standard ballet attire
Barre & Bar: Absolute Beginner Workshop
- Adults | August 2 | 2:00–5:00 PM + Social Hour | New Studio
A warm, encouraging space for adults who are new to ballet or returning after time away. We’ll explore posture, alignment, and foundational technique, and stay for refreshments afterward.
- Cost: $60
- Instructor: Mikayla Archambeau
- Max : 20 students
- No one turned away for lack of funds
Meet the Instructors
Mikayla Archambeau – Artistic Director
Mikayla brings a powerful blend of professional experience and compassionate instruction. Trained at Kansas City Ballet and LINES Ballet, she danced in ballets like Giselle and Les Sylphides with the Kansas City Ballet and studied under world-renowned teachers. Her classes are known for technical rigor and emotional expression. Mikayla strives to create an environment that is safe for dancers to push themselves physically and emotionally, and a community that values vulnerability and supporting one another.
Madeleine Bonn
Madeleine performed with José Mateo Ballet Theatre as a principal dancer for 14 years, and has also performed abroad in Romania and Mongolia. She had rigorous training at the San Francisco Ballet School, where she won the Rosalie Helman Merit Award. Madeleine holds a teaching certification through the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum. Her teaching balances strong classical technique with creativity, helping students build confidence and artistry. In addition to teaching ballet, Madeleine is also pursuing a degree in English literature through Oxford University.
Why Amherst Ballet?
Amherst Ballet has served the community for over 50 years. We offer serious ballet training grounded in classical technique, with an emphasis on creativity and inclusion. All are welcome regardless of age, body type, experience, or financial situation. Scholarships are available, and we never turn anyone away for inability to pay. Our instructors bring deep experience and care to their teaching.
Unlike some studios that focus only on performance or only on fun, we do both. Students here build strong technique, explore their creativity, and feel supported.
FAQs
Do I need experience to join a summer class?
No prior experience is required for any of our workshops or open classes. All levels are welcome.
Is there a dress code?
Yes. For enrolled workshops, standard ballet attire is required. For the Alice in Wonderland and adult workshops, comfy clothes and ballet slippers are fine
Is financial aid available?
Yes. We offer ample financial aid and scholarships. No student is turned away for financial reasons.
Where are classes held?
Workshops will take place in our new studio at 65 Sunderland Road. Open classes are held at the White Barn Studio and The Hartsbrook School during July and August.
Can I try a class before registering?
Yes. One free trial class is available for new students.
Get In Touch
Connect with us today and be part of Amherst Ballet’s vibrant dance community.