Open Classes in Baltimore

[Guest emmynj44]

In the fall I'll be going to a college on the outskirts of Baltimore, MD, which has a very good dance program. Unfortunately, I didn't have room in my first semester for a dance class, and I'm not yet good enough to audition for any dance company they'll have at school. In order to keep working on my technique, does anyone know of any ballet studios in the Baltimore/Towson area with (preferably cheap!) classes for older, advanced beginner students? Thanks!

[scoop]

Welcome to the woes of ballet in Baltimore! Most of the studios don't seem to have open classes; instead, you have to sign up for a whole semester at a time. If you can commit to a full semester, the Baltimore Ballet Academy has good adult classes.

 

I think Goucher College (maybe that's where you're going in the fall?) allows walk-ins to their ballet classes, but the times were never good for me so I've never taken there. The Peabody Conservatory downtown (actually, the dance department is part of a division of the conservatory called Peabody Prepatory) has open ballet classes as well during the academic year. I'm taking a summer program there now -- I've had a different teacher each week, so I'm not sure if they're the regular faculty or just hear for the summer.

 

Good luck, and let me know if you find a good class somewhere!

[Guest emmynj44]

Thanks! I am going to Goucher, actually. I was going to track down a dance teacher during fall orientation to see if I could audit a course or something, and now with your input that's a little less scary! Thanks!

[Hans]

I attend Goucher as well, and I really love everything about the school except the dance department. Perhaps you'll be able to find a teacher you like there; I recommend Cathy Ferguson. Auditing a class should not be a problem; however, you will not be allowed to choose which one. There's a placement class at the beginning of the year for everyone who wants to take a dance class. You might try seeing if Towson University allows drop-in students, but I don't know anything about their teachers or their program.

[Guest emmynj44]

Thanks, Hans! I'll see you there!

[Isabeara]

If you dont mind driving about 25 minutes from Goucher, Ballet Theatre of Maryland in Annapolis has a great facutly. The adult classes are open for the most part...they are very flexible and I'm sure paying per class would be fine. The company and school are going into their second year under new directrion, and flourishing. The teachers are wonderful, especially Dianna Cuatto, the new director, and there is a very positive energy overall. I highly recommend looking into it.

[Guest Megari]

Knock, knock from a ballet mom. Ballet Academy of Baltimore is very close to you. Cem Catbas is the director. They may offer a flexible schedule or class card. Good Luck!

[scoop]

Cem is terrific teacher! Last time I took classes there, it's been a year or two now, you had to sign up for a whole semester, no drop-ins allowed. But you might call to see if that's changed.

[jms]

There is an Adult beginner class (drop in) on Saturday mornings 11-12:30 at Towson University and beginning on January 3, 2012 there are excellent adult classes at Ballet Royale in Columbia at all levels www.balletroyale.com

[Redbookish]

This thread is 7 years old, and in the Young Dancers section, which is restricted to postings from dancers 17-22 years of age, and Teacher Moderators of this message board. To prevent further confusion, I'm going to close the thread, and request that posters look at the category in which they're posting and the date of the previous post.