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 2023 session begins September 10, 2023.
Fall 2023 Class Registration Opens Monday, August 7.
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: 3 & up
Meets: By arrangement
Instructor(s): OI’s School of Dance
Call 304-242-8807 for more information and to schedule a class.
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. 16
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. 13
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. 13
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. 11
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. 13
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Kimberlee Kafana
$90/$80 OI member
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. 14
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Kathleen Gottus
$90/$80 OI members
Ballet 1.0 & 1.2
Covers basic ballet terms, positions & dancing in rhythm.
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Ages: 6-7
Meets: Saturdays, 9:15-10am
Begins: Sat., Sept. 16
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Cheryl Pompeo
$85/$75 OI members
Ballet 1.1
Covers basic ballet terms, positions & dancing in rhythm.
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Ages: 4-5
Meets: Tuesdays, 5:15-5:45pm
Begins: Tues., Sept. 12
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Kalista J’lyse Kafana
$80/$70 OI members
Ballet 1.3- NEW TIME
Covers basic ballet terms, positions & dancing in rhythm.
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Ages: 5-6
Meets: Tuesdays, 6:15-7pm
Begins: Tues., Sept. 12
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. 16
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. 16
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Cheryl Pompeo
$90/$80 OI members
NEW CLASS! Intro to Ballet for Junior Hight & High School
For students with little or no ballet experience.
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Ages: Based on experience & skill level.
Meets: Thursdays, 6:30-7:30pm
Begins: Thurs., Sept. 14
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Rebecca Moore
$90/$80 OI members
Choreography and Composition
Get in touch with your inner creativity, musicality, and composition. This class will challenge you to learn new dances in an hour as well as allow you to create your own dances and show them to your peers. This class will also create an end of the year recital piece with Miss J’lyse! Let’s move!
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Ages: Students must be in ballet levels 3.3 or 4.0 class
Meets: Thursdays, 7-8pm
Begins: Thurs. Sept. 14
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Kalista J’lyse Kafana
$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. 16
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Kimberlee Kafana
$90/$80 OI members
Variations Class
Any dancer that wants to go to a summer program or dance professionally needs to be prepared to learn variations and learn them in a certain amount of time. This class will allow dancers to learn various classical, neo classical, and contemporary ballet variations and get the chance to dance them in class.
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Ages: Students must be in Advanced Pointe class or by teacher permission.
Meets: Thursdays, 5:30-6:30pm
Begins: Thurs. Sept. 14
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Kalista J’lyse Kafana
$90/$80 OI members
Kmotion
No dance experience required for this high energy class that mixes Latin, hip-hop, pop, and world beats along with easy to follow high energy moves. Must be at least 5 years old. Please wear sneakers and bring a water bottle.
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Ages: 5-9
Meets: Wednesdays, 5-5:30pm
Begins: Wed., Sept. 13
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Heather Henthorne
$80/$70 OI members
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. 12
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Kalista J’lyse Kafana
$90/$80 OI members
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. 16
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. 16
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. 16
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. 16
Duration: 8 Weeks
Instructor(s): Kalista J’lyse Kafana
$90/$80 OI members
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. 16
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. 16
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Kristin Carson
$90/$80 OI members
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. 16
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. 16
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. 16
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Cheryl Pompeo
$90/$80 OI members
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.)
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. 10
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. 10
Duration: Continuous
Instructor(s): Bob Tomlinson
$5 (Pay at the door)
Ballroom Dancing with Peter Lim
Covers the 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)
Begins: Wed., Sept. 13 (Class dates: Sept. 13, Sept. 20, Sept. 27, Oct. 4, Oct. 25 and Nov. 1. No class Oct. 11 and Oct. 18))
Duration: 6 weeks
Instructor(s): Peter Lim
$85/$75 OI members
Intermediate Tap with Rebecca
Concentrates on time steps and combination turns. For dancers with some tap experience but not ready for 4.0.
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Ages: 10-15
Meets: Saturdays, 2:15-3:13pm
Begins: Sat., Sept. 16
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Rebecca Moore
$90/$80 OI members
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. 12
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Kalista J’lyse Kafana
$80/$70 OI members
Tap 1.0 & 1.2
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. 16
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: 7-11
Meets: Saturdays, 3:15-4:15pm
Begins: Sat., Sept. 16
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Rebecca Moore (ages 7-9) & Kalista J’lyse Kafana (ages 10-11)
$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. 16
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Cheryl Pompeo
$90/$80 OI members
Baton- NEW DAY!
Learn the basics and fundamentals of twirling Bring a baton.
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Ages: 6-10
Meets: Mondays, 4-5pm
Begins: Mon., Sept. 11
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Alli Trekal
$90/$80 OI members
Cheering
Cheerleading positions and jumps are introduced.
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Ages: 6-13
Meets: Saturdays, 10-11am
Begins: Sat., Sept. 16
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Madison Taylor
$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.
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Ages: Dependent upon skill level
Meets: Saturdays, 10-11am
Begins: Sat., Sept. 16
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Kimberlee Kafana
$90/$80 OI members
Extreme Acrobatic Artistry 5.0- NEW TIME
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.
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Ages: Dependent upon skill level
Meets: Wednesdays, 6:30-8pm
Begins: Wed., Sept. 13
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. 14
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. 13
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. 13
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, Arianne Wade
$150 (Call 304-242-8807 to request a session.)
Tumbling and Acrobatics 2.5 & 3.5- NEW TIME
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. 13
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. 16
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Kimberlee Kafana
$110/$100 OI members
Four Sundays Workshops
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 include Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop, and Musical Theater. Students gain insight into the world of professional dance while strengthening technique & talents in an intimate studio environment.
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Ages: ages 6 & up
Meets: 4-5pm (ages 6-10) & 5-6pm (ages 11 & up) Sunday, Mar., 3, Mar. 10, Mar. 17 and Mar. 24, 2024
Begins: Sunday, March 3
Duration: 1 hour workshops
Instructor(s): TBA
$150 (includes all four workshops)
Dance and Movement Workshop with Dancing Wheels Company
Instructed by members of the Dancing Wheels Company of Cleveland, Ohio, this workshop uses movement and performance in a unique approach to education and therapy. Individuals who previously found limited access to the arts due to physical, sensory, or developmental disabilities will enjoy inclusive dance and participatory learning with their disabled and non-disabled peers. The result is a freeing, educational and joyous art experience. Open to students with or without physical disabilities.
This program is presented with support from the Rosemary M. Front Charitable Trust.
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Ages: all ages & abilities
Meets: 7-9pm Monday, April 8, 2024
Begins: Mon., April 8, 2024
Duration: 2 hours
Instructor(s): Dancing Wheels Co. of Cleveland
$50