What can you expect an open class?

“Expect to sweat, for sure. I think people are surprised by that sometimes.

Expect to actually learn how to dance. Some people come in and expect a barre class. They say ‘Oh my gosh, this is way more technical than I thought.’ This isn’t just about moving your body, its about learning how to move it properly and execute things correctly.“

Feeling a little nervous about an open ballet class? You aren’t alone!

“People get so intimidated with dancing. Even people who are willing to come here – it’s a huge thing for an adult who has never danced before to say ‘I want to move my body and try to dance.’

Dance is scary because you can fall over and lose your balance or be off the music and everyone will see, versus a squat where there is essentially only one way to do it. I think people get super self conscious so seeing the adults who get themselves through the door begin to open up over the course of a few classes is really cool. Getting them to laugh at themselves and then jump into it is amazing to experience.“

If you’ve never taken a ballet class but always wanted to…

“Just go for it! You have to attack the steps. Even the most simple steps that we break down and spend two or four counts holding. I see a lot of people in the center very tentatively step up to a position and thats when they fall over or get off the music. You just have to jump into it! It’s fine if you fall over – there is no test. We go across the floor a million times so you have the opportunity to get it right the next time and make it better.“

Why does Sophie love taking class?

“I was in an academy then a pre-professional situation where I was always competing to be better so open classes are a nice change of pace. When you’re in an open dance class you don’t have to be good, you don’t have to be your best. I love getting in there and sweating, feeling the music and enjoying myself. To me, ballet has this crazy way of making you feel so unnaturally awkward but beautiful at the same time because you aren’t doing anything that’s natural for your body. But, there is this grace you feel when performing the steps and listening to the music.”

What do I wear?

Any comfortable workout attire is acceptable in the Open Division. There is no official dress code for these classes. You will need to utilize proper footwear. Ballet slippers are required for ballet classes – pink, black or white, leather or canvas. Modern classes are danced barefoot.  Tap shoes are required for tap classes, jazz shoes in any style for Jazz and Power Dance. Hip Hop students can wear clean street sneakers or jazz sneakers.