Open Division
We believe movement is for everyone. Our Open Division offers thoughtful, high-quality instruction for people of all ages, experience levels, and aspirations. While our program is rooted in the rich traditions of classical ballet, we also celebrate the unique artistry, history, and gifts of many movement disciplines. Together, these practices offer meaningful opportunities to cultivate strength, confidence, creativity, connection, and joy in a welcoming community where every participant is encouraged to continue growing throughout life.
Open Level Class Descriptions
Adult & Teen Ballet Technique
Ages 13+
with Elizabeth Castañeda, Lauren Duchene, and Tsal’gyür Starbuck
Our Open Division offers authentic, high-quality dance education for teens and adults of all experience levels—from absolute beginners discovering ballet for the first time to experienced dancers seeking to refine their technique and artistry. Rooted in the traditions of classical ballet while informed by contemporary movement science, our classes cultivate strength, musicality, coordination, artistry, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for dance in a welcoming and supportive environment. Whether your goal is recreational enjoyment, personal enrichment, improved fitness, preparation for pointe work, or serious pre-professional training, dancers are encouraged to progress at their own pace while experiencing the beauty, discipline, and joy of movement. The Open Division includes classical ballet, pre-pointe and pointe, conditioning, tap, musical theater, and a variety of specialty classes designed to support healthy, sustainable movement and artistic growth.
*Please Note: Open Division Adult & Teen (Ages 13+) Ballet Technique classes count toward Nutcracker participation requirements.
Dress Code: Open Division Adult & Teen Ballet Dress Code
Adult & Teen Ballet Pre-Pointe & Pointe
Ages 13+
with Elizabeth Castañeda, Lauren Duchene, and Tsal’gyür Starbuck
For those dancing ballet technique 3x/week, they may be eligible to dance on pointe. Pointe work is one of classical ballet’s most beautiful and inspiring traditions, requiring a strong technical foundation, thoughtful preparation, and careful progression. Our Pre-Pointe & Pointe classes develop the strength, alignment, balance, and movement mechanics necessary for safe, successful pointe work while nurturing the artistry, musicality, and elegance that make dancing en pointe so distinctive. Placement is based on each dancer’s individual readiness rather than age or years of study, ensuring that every student is prepared to embrace this remarkable milestone with confidence, skill, and respect for both the tradition and their long-term physical well-being.
*Please Note: Open Division Adult & Teen (Ages 13+) Ballet Technique classes count toward Nutcracker participation requirements.
Dress Code: Open Division Adult & Teen Ballet Dress Code
Classical Spanish
Ages 11+
with Elizabeth Castañeda
This class introduces dancers to the rich traditions of Classical Spanish Dance, drawing from Character-style Spanish dance, Escuela Bolera (Classical Spanish), and flamenco. Dancers develop the distinctive movement qualities of these forms, including expressive use of the arms and upper body, spiraling through the back, rhythmic precision, and a powerful sense of presence. An introduction to traditional heelwork builds coordination, musicality, and clarity of rhythm, while an emphasis on artistry, projection, and dynamic expression encourages dancers to perform with confidence and individuality.
Dress Code: Leotard, tights, ballet class leotard attire with black character circle skirt and black Spanish character shoes (required) for girls/women. Boys/men: ballet attire with men’s black Spanish character shoes. (We do have some character shoes dancers can borrow until they get their own.)
Conditioning & Applied Anatomy
Adults & Teens (13+)
Juniors L3-4 & Seniors L5-6
with Roxanna Cohen
Physical Therapy–Informed Conditioning & Applied Anatomy develops the strength, stability, mobility, coordination, and body awareness essential for healthy, sustainable movement and dance training. Led primarily by board-certified physical therapist Roxanna Cohen, the class integrates physical therapy principles, Pilates, and dance-specific conditioning to support healthy alignment, injury prevention, and efficient movement mechanics. Open to Open Division dancers, Junior and Senior Division Levels 3+, and members of the community seeking a deeper understanding of healthy movement, this class offers a rare opportunity to learn from one of the region’s leading movement specialists while building technical clarity and long-term physical resilience.
Dress Code: Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely and comfortably. Athletic wear, yoga attire, leggings, sweatpants, shorts, and T-shirts are all appropriate.
Musical Theater
Ages 9+
with Elizabeth Castañeda
Musical Theater Dance is rooted in the iconic jazz style of Bob Fosse while drawing inspiration from a wide range of Broadway musicals and theatrical dance traditions. Dancers build strong jazz technique alongside the artistry of performance, developing musicality, stage presence, character, and storytelling through movement. With an emphasis on expressive performance, theatricality, confidence, and dynamic musical interpretation, this class invites dancers to explore the unique relationship between movement, character, and story—celebrating the creativity, exuberance, and joy of musical theater.
Dress Code: Clothes you can move in… Leotard, tights, leggings, t-shirt. Socks or jazz shoes.
Rhythm & Roots: The Parent-Child Dance Jam
All Ages and Levels
with Chantou Lam
Connect, create, and groove together in this good-energy, multi-genre dance experience!
This unique experience brings family members together to explore the joy of movement. Participants can bond and stay active while journeying through different dance eras and styles. No previous dance experience is required—just bring energy and an open mind! Designed for adults and younger family members to participate in pairs or groups.
Genres of Exploration:
- Old School Hip Hop: Focus on classic party moves, foundational grooves, and a little bit of breaking and popping.
- New School Hip Hop: Explore current choreography, fluid footwork, and modern styles tapping into polyrhythms.
- Funk: Learn to get down to infectious rhythm, blues, and soul beats.
- Contemporary: Express movement through fluid transitions, floor work, and balance exercises.
- Composition: Collaboratively develop short routines using guided creative prompts and improvisation.
.Dress Code: Comfortable athletic wear and clean-soled sneakers are recommended
Strong & Steady: Functional Fitness for Life
All Adults and Abilities Welcome
with Annie Aguilar, D.C.
This thoughtfully structured movement class is designed for older adults and individuals with varying physical abilities who want to build a foundation of functional strength for lifelong well-being.
- Increase your mobility and flexibility.
- Steady your balance and strengthen your muscles.
- Practice mindful body awareness and deep breathing.
- Feel supported with community, connection, and vitality.Increase your mobility and flexibility. Steady your balance and strengthen your muscles.
Dress Code: Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely and comfortably. Athletic wear, yoga attire, leggings, sweatpants, shorts, and T-shirts are all appropriate.
Tap
Open Level – Ages 9+
with Becky Browning
This fun and supportive class introduces and strengthens tap fundamentals while exploring rhythm, musicality, coordination, and performance quality through a musical theater style approach. Dancers of all experience levels are welcome as students build confidence, learn dynamic combinations, and develop stage presence through choreography. Perfect for anyone who loves movement, music, and storytelling through dance!