Discover Our Programs
Children's Division
18 months - 7 years old
Dance with Me Ages 18 months and up
Dance class specifically designed for students 18 months and up to take alongside a guardian. Help your little one explore the wonders of dance and music.
Creative Movement Ages 3-5
Creative Movement introduces elements of dance with a professional instructor in a studio environment. Based on creativity, musicality, and imagination, students gain awareness of elements of dance before entering the Pre-Ballet program. Classes meet once weekly.
PreBallet Ages 5-7
Designed to introduce the fundamentals of Ballet. Students learn the ballet positions along with basic technique and age appropriate steps. Students may take this alone or with PreJazz
PreJazz Ages 5-7
Designed to introduce the fundamentals of jazz dance and dance class etiquette. Students may take this alone or with PreBallet.
Pre-Professional Division
7 years old and up
Ballet I - IV+ and Pointe
Beginning with Level I, students learn classical ballet technique with an awareness of alignment and discipline, enabling them to progress to higher levels. Mastery of skills is assessed by the instructor and determines class placement for future years. Please see Classes and Schedule for age guidelines and class requirements–the number of classes your student takes will have a significant impact on the speed of their progression, and will affect how long they spend in a given level.
Modern I - III and Contemporary IV+
Modern I through III and Contemporary IV+ correspond to the student’s ballet level placement. In these classes, students will learn to use gravity and momentum as movement tools, develop their use of the spine and head, explore how to use the floor to ground themselves, and practice transitioning to and from the floor smoothly. Many students enjoy the relative freedom of modern classes, which supplement ballet training in a wonderful way.
Jazz I - IV+
Jazz I through IV+ corresponds to the student’s ballet level placement. In these classes, students develop musicality and different movement dynamics while continuing to strengthen their technique. Older levels will learn various jazz styles, and incorporate more contemporary movement. Many students enjoy the high energy movement and music of jazz classes, which supplement ballet training in a wonderful way.
Strength and Conditioning
Strength & Conditioning has incredible benefits for young dancers, both for health reasons and for the tremendous impact it can have on their dancing. This class is designed to improve alignment and posture, develop their sense of coordination and stability, and increase power for the dynamic and explosive movements of dance. Participants will learn about proper technique and will build strength to protect their bodies through a full range of mobility. When paired with other dance classes, Strength & Conditioning helps dancers move with confidence, grace, and a full sense of artistry.
Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT)
This program is ideal for dancers and athletes, offering a proactive approach to injury prevention and rehabilitation, while fostering improved posture, optimal placement, and a robust core. PBT is open to Ballet I and up.
Open Division
Teenagers and Adults
We offer drop-in classes for teen and adult dancers of all levels - whether you are completely new to dance, returning to it after dancing as a child, or a retired professional looking to continue enjoying movement, we can help you find the right class. Please see our Open Division page for the schedule and more information.
DanceAbility
Ages 4 to Adult
DanceAbility gives dancers with different abilities (ages 4 through adult) an opportunity to learn and explore the world of dance. This first-of-its-kind program in the area was designed by physical therapists and Mareck Center for Dance instructors to meet the dancers’ unique needs and abilities. Students are encouraged and guided in movement and receive positive reinforcement. Classes provide a safe and supportive environment where students can grow and develop their skills. At the end of each semester, students present a showcase to share with friends and family what they have learned.
Our Instructors: Classes are led by a combination of special educators and dance instructors, as well as occupational, physical, and speech therapists.
Class Levels: Currently we offer beginning and intermediate classes for children. We also have a class specifically for adults.
Skills Development: In class students develop skills they can use every day including:
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Motor skills, coordination, and balance
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Participation and sociability
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Ability to focus and follow directions
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Pride in their skills
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Confidence, self-esteem, and independence
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Ability to interact with others
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Sense of direction and combinations of movement
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Verbalization
Safety: Parents can feel safe leaving their children in an environment where they are guided by qualified professionals with a one-to-one student-teacher ratio. Parents are also welcome to stay and watch through the studio’s glass observation window.
How to Participate: At this time, space in the DanceAbility program is limited. For more information, please contact us at DanceAbility25@gmail.com
Junior Ensemble
*audition required
By audition only, Junior Ensemble aims to provide our Ballet II and up students with performance opportunities in a supportive atmosphere. They will have the opportunity to learn repertoire, and have new pieces created for them. Every year, our Junior Ensemble students attend ballet competitions such as Youth America Grand Prix and Étoile Dance Competition. Please email us at info@columbiaballet.org for more information.
Youth Ensemble
*audition required
By audition only, Youth Ensemble aims to provide our intermediate and advanced students with performance and choreographic opportunities in a professional atmosphere. They will have the opportunity to learn repertoire, and have new pieces created for them by professional dancers and by their peers. Every year, our Youth Ensemble students attend ballet competitions such as Youth America Grand Prix and Étoile Dance Competition. Please email us at info@columbiaballet.org for more information.
Individual Coaching
We offer individual coaching for ballet, pre-pointe, pointe, modern, jazz, and solo coaching. Please email info@columbiaballet.org with your coaching request, preferred days and times, and if you have a preferred instructor.