Dance Classes

Dance Classes

Oglebay Institute’s School of Dance provides students of all ages the opportunity to experience the highest quality of education in the tri-state area. Students learn in a non-competitive environment where the focus is on dance as an art form. Our goal is to promote the personal development of each student physically, intellectually and creatively.

The OI School of Dance offers more classes than any other studio in the area, including traditional dance such as ballet, jazz and pointe – as well as a variety of recreational dance and fitness classes. Workshops and intensives with regionally and nationally acclaimed dancers and choreographers are also offered regularly.

Check-back each session for new offerings.

Fall 2024 session begins September 8, 2024.

Fall 2024 Class Registration Opens 9am Monday, August 5.

Adaptive Dance for Special Needs

DanceAbility: Adaptive Dance for Special Needs
Explore the world of dance with creative movement and exciting music. For preschool students through adults with special needs, who use a wheelchair, are gross motor skill impaired or with limited or no sight. Classes by request and special arrangement.

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Ages: All
Meets: By arrangement
Instructor(s): OI’s School of Dance

Call Cheryl Pompeo at 304-242-8807 for more information and to schedule a class.

Classes for Babies & Toddlers

Baby & Me 1.0
Creative movement & play for babies and adult. Using mats, parachutes & tunnels, work on socialization & motor skills.

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Ages: 1-2 with participating adult
Meets: Saturdays, 9:15-10am
Begins: Sat., Sept. 14
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Kalista J’lyse Kafana

$85/$75 OI members

Baby & Me 1.5 & 2.0
Creative movement & play for babies and adult. Using mats, parachutes & tunnels, work on socialization & motor skills.

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Ages: 1-2 with participating adult
Meets: Wednesdays, 10-10:45am
Begins: Wed., Sept. 11
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Kimberlee Kafana

$85/$75 OI members

Dance Sampler 1.0 & 1.5
Intro to ballet, tumbling and tap. A steppingstone to pre-school when students attend independently.

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Ages: 2-3
Meets: Wednesdays, 5:45-6:15pm
Begins: Wed., Sept. 11
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Cheryl Pompeo

$80/$70 OI members

Dance Sampler 2.0
Intro to ballet, tumbling and tap. A stepping stone to pre-school when students attend independently.

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Ages: 2-3
Meets: Mondays, 5:30-6:15pm
Begins: Mon., Sept. 9
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Cheryl Pompeo

$85/$75 OI members

Dance Sampler 2.2
Intro to ballet, tumbling & tap.

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Ages: 3 1/2 – 4 1/2
Meets: Wednesdays, 11am-12pm
Begins: Wed., Sept. 11
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Kimberlee Kafana

$90/$80 OI member

Petite “Pas de Deux”
Students take class alongside of a parent/caregiver. Creative introduction to movement introducing students to ballet, acrobatics, and the joy of dance.

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Ages: 2-3
Meets: Wednesdays, 9:15-9:45am
Begins: Wed., Sept. 11
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructors(s): Kimberlee Kafana

$80/$70 OI members

Storytime Yoga
Join us for a little mover’s introduction to yoga and centering practices through music, story, and play! This class will include yoga for the grown-ups too, along with opportunities to support your little one in exploring and learning. Plant the seeds of a lifelong love of yoga while you and your little one bond on the mat. Please bring a mat, which you may share.

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Ages: 18 mo. – 4yrs
Meets: Wednesdays, Noon-1pm
Begins: Wed., Sept. 11
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Holly Suter, MA, ERYT500, YACEP

$90/$80 OI members

Ballet Classes

Adult Ballet 1.0 with Kathleen Gottus
Learn to be graceful, tone and lengthen muscles. For adults with no previous training.

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Ages: 18 & up
Meets: Thursdays, 7-8pm
Begins: Thurs., Sept. 12
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Kathleen Gottus

$90/$80 OI members

Ballet 1.0 
Basic ballet terms, positions, & dancing in rhythm.

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Ages: 4-5
Meets: Tuesdays, 5:15-5:45pm
Begins: Tues., Sept. 10
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Rebecca Moore

$80/$70 OI members

Ballet 2.0
Basic ballet terms, positions, & dancing in rhythm.

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Ages: 6-7
Meets: Saturdays, 9:15-10am
Begins: Sat., Sept. 14
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Cheryl Pompeo

$85/$75 OI members

Ballet 1.2
Covers basic ballet terms, positions & dancing in rhythm.

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Ages: 5-6
Meets: Tuesdays, 6:15-7pm
Begins: Tues., Sept. 10
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Cheryl Pompeo

$85/$75 OI members

Ballet 3.0 – 3.3
For students with some previous ballet experience.

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Ages: Based on experience & skill level
Meets: Saturdays, 1:15-2:15pm
Begins: Sat., Sept. 14
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Kimberlee Kafana (3.0), Cheryl Pompeo (3.1), Kristin Carson (3.2), Kathleen Gottus (3.3)

$90/$80 OI members

Ballet 4.0
Turnout, extension, turns, leaps, terminology & body placement.

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Ages: Based on experience & skill level.
Meets: Saturdays, 2:15-3:15pm
Begins: Sat., Sept. 14
Duration: 8 weeks 
Instructor(s): Cheryl Pompeo

$90/$80 OI members

 Intro to Ballet for Junior High & High School
For students with little or no ballet experience.

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Ages: Based on experience & skill level.
Meets: Thursdays, 6-7pm
Begins: Thurs., Sept. 12
Duration: 8 weeks 
Instructor(s): Rebecca Moore

$90/$80 OI members

Cirqué de Ballet
Improve flexibility, balance, and strength. Acrobatics and tumbling with “Gumby Kids” contortion skills. Ballet is the foundation to continue the beauty and grace needed. Must be enrolled in 1:15 Saturday Ballet to take this class.

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Ages: 6 & up
Meets: Saturdays, 2:15-3:15pm
Begins: Sat., Sept. 14
Duration: 8 weeks 
Instructor(s): Kimberlee Kafana

$90/$80 OI members

Pre-Professional 1
Come take a closer look at ballet training with two master teachers, both former professional ballet dancers. Learn to count music, the basic positions of the body, ballet terminology, and steps. Build a strong foundation of technique that forms the basis for all dance training with teachers who have studied firsthand with ballet masters from the Mariinsky Theater, Paris Opera Ballet, New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theater, The Royal Ballet and more. Small class size guarantees personalized attention. Students perform in an in-studio demonstration of choreography learned at the close of each session. Enrollment on an 8-week session basis. (Limit 15)

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Ages: 10 & up or with a teacher recommendation
Meets: Sundays, Noon-1pm
Begins: Sun., Sept. 8
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Mr. Christopher Bandy – former member of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, American Repertory Ballet, and Dance Alloy and Ms. Alexandra Kochis – former member of Boston Ballet and Principal dancer with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre

$200 (flat rate)

Pre-Professional 2
For the older and more advanced student. Hone your technique with two master teachers, both former professional ballet dancers. Delve deeper into the intricacies of classical ballet. Learn to execute the more advanced steps in the classical lexicon. Personalized coaching in classical variations and the opportunity to have new choreography created on you. Several performing opportunities exist within each unique 8-week session. Train one-on-one with teachers who have studied firsthand with ballet masters from the Mariinsky Theater, Paris Opera Ballet, New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theater, The Royal Ballet, and more. Former alumnae of the program have gone on to get professional jobs with companies such as Orlando Ballet and Rochester City Ballet, pursued higher education in dance at such prestigious institutions as The Juilliard School & Alvin Ailey (both in NYC), Point Park University, West Virginia University, or went on to jobs in the cruise, theater, and acting world. (Limit 15)

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Ages: minimum of 12 or with a teacher recommendation. Must have some proficiency dancing en pointe.
Meets: Sundays, 1-3pm
Begins: Sun., Sept. 8
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Mr. Christopher Bandy – former member of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, American Repertory Ballet, and Dance Alloy and Ms. Alexandra Kochis – former member of Boston Ballet and Principal dancer with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre

$400 (flat rate)

Fitness Classes

Ballet Barre Conditioning 
A ballet-based class to increase strength, flexibility, and balance. This class will use ballet terminology, and the ballet barre. Beginners welcome. No experience necessary.

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Ages: 18 & up
Meets: Mondays, 5:30-6:30pm
Begins: Mon., Sept. 9
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor: Rebecca Moore

$90/$80 OI members

Chair Yoga 
The use of a chair provides support and stability to traditional movement, breathing, and postures. No experience is necessary. This class is a great place to start if you want to begin gently increase balance and mobility.

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Ages: 18 & up
Meets: Wednesdays, 1pm-2pm
Begins: Wed., Sept. 11
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Holly Suter, MA, ERYT500, YACEP

$90/$80 OI members

Hip Hop Classes

Hip Hop 4.0 
For advanced jazz students only with focus on all elements of hip hop dancing. Class involves a series of fast, sharp actions and breakdance floor work.

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Ages: Based on experience & skill level
Meets: Tuesdays, 6:15-7:15pm
Begins: Tues., Sept. 10
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Kerrigan Moses

$90/$80 OI members

Jazz Classes

Jazz 1.0 
Learn jazz technique of Luigi and Matt Mattox.

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Ages: Based on experience & skill level.
Meets: Saturdays, 10-10:45am
Begins: Sat., Sept. 14
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Kalista J’Lyse Kafana

$85/$75 OI members

Jazz 2.0 & 3.0 
Learn jazz technique of Luigi and Matt Mattox. 

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Ages: Based on experience & skill level.
Meets: Saturdays, 2:15-3:15pm
Begins: Sat., Sept. 14
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Kalista J’lyse Kafana

$90/$80 OI members

Jazz 3.5
Learn jazz technique, turns and jumps to the latest in modern music.

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Ages: Based on experience & skill level
Meets: Saturdays, 3:15-4:15pm
Begins: Sat., Sept. 14
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructors(s): Cheryl Pompeo

$90/$80 OI members

Jazz 4.0
Learn jazz technique, turns & jumps to the latest in modern music.

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Ages: Based on experience & skill level
Meets: Saturdays, 11am-12pm
Begins: Sat., Sept. 14
Duration: 8 Weeks
Instructor(s): Cheryl Pompeo

$90/$80 OI members

Jazz 5.0 Extreme
Learn performance jazz technique, turns, & jumps to the latest in modern music.

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Ages: Based on experience & skill level.
Meets: Saturdays, 11am-12pm
Begins: Sat., Sept. 14
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Kalista J’lyse Kafana

$90/$80 OI members

Lyrical Dance

Lyrical Dance 1.0 & 2.5
Interpretive, expressive movements set to modern music.

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Ages: Based on experience & skill level.
Meets: Saturdays, 11am-12pm
Begins: Sat., Sept. 14
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Kimberlee Kafana

$90/$80 OI members

Lyrical Dance 3.0 & 4.0
Interpretive, expressive movements set to modern music.

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Ages: Based on experience & skill level
Meets: Saturdays 3:15-4:15pm
Begins: Sat., Sept. 14
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Kristin Carson

$90/$80 OI members

Music Classes

Pointe Classes

Beginner Pointe
Must have at least 3 years ballet experience.

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Ages: Based on experience & skill level
Meets: Saturdays, 12-1pm
Begins: Sat., Sept. 14
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Kimberlee Kafana

$90/$80 OI members

Intermediate Pointe
Must have at least 3 years ballet experience.

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Ages: Based on experience & skill level
Meets: Saturdays, 12-1pm
Begins: Sat., Sept. 14
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Kristin Carson

$90/$80 OI members

Advanced Pointe
For students who have completed Beginner & Intermediate Pointe.

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Ages: Based on experience & skill level
Meets: Saturdays, 12-1pm
Begins: Sat., Sept. 14
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Cheryl Pompeo

$90/$80 OI members

Private Dance Classes

Private Dance Lessons
Lessons in ballet, tap, jazz, various others as requested.

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Ages: All
Meets: By arrangement
Begins: By arrangement
Duration: 8 – 1/2 hour sessions
Instructor(s): OI School of Dance

$150 (Call 304-242-8807 to request a session.)

Recreational Dance Classes

Introduction to Square Dancing
Exercise the mind as well as the body as you are introduced to the basics of Modern Western Square Dance. No partner needed.

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Ages: 13 & up
Meets: Sundays, 5-6pm
Begins: Sun., Sept. 8
Duration: Continuous
Instructor(s): Bob Tomlinson

$5 (Pay at the door)

Advanced Square Dancing
For dancers who have completed the introductory level, continue your whole body exercise using your mind as well as your body. Participants will be introduced to the “Mainstream” calls of Modern Western Square Dance. No partner needed.

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Ages: 13 & up
Meets: Sundays, 6-7pm
Begins: Sun., Sept. 8
Duration: Continuous
Instructor(s): Bob Tomlinson

$5 (Pay at the door)

Ballroom Dancing with Peter Lim
For singles, as well as couples. Fox trot, waltz, cha cha, swing, and rumba. Partner not necessary, but recommended. Held at the Stifel Fine Arts Center.

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Ages: 18 & up
Meets: Wednesdays, 6-7pm (Level 1), 7-8pm (Levels 2&3)
Begins: Wed., Sept. 11
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Peter Lim

$90/$80 OI members

Clogging
OI welcomes back Mr. JJ Murrin to teach clogging, a vibrant and energetic form of Appalachian Dance, that has captivated audiences for generations. Rooted in the rich tapestry of Appalachian culture, clogging combines percussive footwork with lively, rhythmic movements, creating a mesmerizing display of artistry and athleticism. Beginners welcome. No partner required.

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Ages: 11 & up
Meets: Thursdays, 5:30-6:30pm
Begins: Thurs., Sept. 12
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): JJ Murrin

$90/$80 OI members

Tap

Tap 1.0 & 1.1 
For children with little or no previous training.

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Ages: 3-4
Meets: Tuesdays, 5:45-6:15pm
Begins: Tues., Sept. 10
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Rebecca Moore

$80/$70 OI members

Tap 2.0
For children with little or no previous training.

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Ages: Based on experience & skill level
Meets: Saturdays, 8:30-9:15am
Begins: Sat., Sept. 14
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Cheryl Pompeo

$85/$75 OI members

Tap 2.5 and 3.5
For children with some tap experience. Rhythm and time steps will be covered.

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Ages: 7-12
Meets: Saturdays, 3:15-4:15pm
Begins: Sat., Sept. 14
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Rebecca Moore (ages 7-9) & Kalista J’lyse Kafana (ages 10-12)

$90/$80 OI members

Intermediate Tap with Rebecca
Concentrates on time steps & combination turns. For dancers with some tap experience, but who are not ready for 4.0.

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Ages: 10-15
Meets: Saturdays, 2:15-3:15pm
Begins: Sat., Sept. 14
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Rebecca Moore

$90/$80 OI members

Tap 4.0
Concentrates on time steps & combination turns.

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Ages: Based on experience & skill level.
Meets: Saturdays, 10-11am
Begins: Sat., Sept. 14
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Cheryl Pompeo

$90/$80 OI members

Tumbling Classes

Boys’ Strength, Conditioning and Tumbling
Students in this class will focus on these areas of gymnastics. Basic skills through more challenging gymnastic passes will be worked on. Students will move through different stations based on different levels of abilities.

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Ages: 5 & up
Meets: Thursdays, 7-8pm
Begins: Thurs. Sept. 12
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Coach Matt Cummins

$90/$80 OI members

Extreme Acrobatic Artistry 3.5 & 4.5
Enrollment in this class is with permission of instructor. Designed for the senior advanced dancer who has studied all disciplines of acrobatics, ballet, lyrical, and contemporary dance. Those disciplines with elements of extreme flexibility, artistry, and partner skills will be enhanced through performance storytelling. This class will be based on the progressions and levels of the Acrobatic Arts Program.

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Ages: Dependent upon skill level
Meets: Saturdays, 10-11am
Begins: Sat., Sept. 14
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Kimberlee Kafana

$90/$80 OI members

Extreme Acrobatic Artistry 5.0
Enrollment in this class is with permission of instructor. Designed for the senior advanced dancer who has studied all disciplines of acrobatics, ballet, lyrical, and contemporary dance. Those disciplines with elements of extreme flexibility, artistry, and partner skills will be enhanced through performance storytelling. This class will be based on the progressions and levels of the Acrobatic Arts Program.

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Ages: Dependent upon skill level
Meets: Wednesdays, 6:30-8pm
Begins: Wed., Sept. 11
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Kimberlee Kafana

$110/$100 OI members

Gumby Kids Gymnastics 2.0 & 3.0
For children who have taken sessions and are aware of basic acrobatic skills with emphasis on increasing flexibility tricks and improving proper form and technique. Taught to the needs of each child’s ability.

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Ages: mixed ages, boys and girls, dependent on skill level
Meets: Thursdays, 5:30-6:30pm
Begins: Thurs., Sept. 12
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Kimberlee Kafana

$90/$80 OI members

Jumps and Turns 1.0 
Work on proper dance and gymnastics jumps and turns technique.

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Ages: 9-13
Meets: Wednesday, 4:30-5:30pm
Begins: Wed., Sept. 11
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Maria Wood

$90/$80 OI members

Jumps and Turns 2.0
Continue to develop more advanced gymnastics jumps and turns technique.

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Ages: 10 & up
Meets: Wednesdays, 8-9pm
Begins: Wed., Sept. 11
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Maria Wood

$90/$80 OI members

Private Instruction in Tumbling
One-on-one instruction in tumbling. For children with little or no previous training.

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Ages: all
Meets: by arrangement
Duration: 8 – 1/2 hour sessions
Instructor(s): Kimberlee Kafana, Maria Wood

$150 (Call 304-242-8807 to request a session.)

Tumbling and Acrobatics 2.5 & 3.5
Develop through the proper progressions to achieve specific skills, such as cartwheels, walkovers, roundoffs, back handsprings, and splits.

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Ages: Mixed ages, taught to needs of each child’s ability
Meets: Wednesdays, 5:30-6:30pm
Begins: Wed., Sept. 11
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Kimberlee Kafana

$90/$80 OI members

Tumbling and Acrobatics 4.0 & 5.0
Enrollment in this class is with permission of instructor. Students are mastering and turning basic skills and elements into more advanced skills. This is a concert class that will be performing in June.

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Ages: Dependent upon skill level
Meets: Saturdays, 8:30-10am
Begins: Sat., Sept. 14
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Kimberlee Kafana

$110/$100 OI members

Workshops

Four Sundays 
Intensive dance workshops with master teachers and renowned professional dancers & choreographers. This unique opportunity allows for concentrated study with nationally and internationally traveled instructors over a four-week period. Types of dance covered may include Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop, Musical Theater and Contemporary. Students gain insight into the world of professional dance while strengthening technique & talents in an intimate studio environment.

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Ages: 6 and up
Meets: 4-5pm (ages 6-10) & 5-6pm (ages 11 & up) Sunday, Mar., 2, Mar. 9, Mar.16 and Mar.23
Begins: Sun., Mar. 2
Duration: 1 hour workshops
Instructor(s): TBA

$150 (Includes all 4 workshops.)