Register Now For Fall 2010 Classes

Our fall session gets underway in August. We are accepting new and returning students through the middle of February. Download the brochure and registration form now. Scholarships are also available by filling out and returning the form below no later than August 16.

BalletMemphisSchool_Registration.pdf

BalletMemphisSchool_FinancialAid.pdf

Philosophy

In the first years of ballet study, when every step and position is new, we begin by building on the natural movements and rhythms of childhood play, such as bending, stretching, walking, jumping, swaying and spinning. Under the guidance of our instructors, students learn new positions and movements–repeating and refining them until each becomes part of the body's muscle memory. The benefits of being a dancer extend beyond the mastery of steps and positions. Classical ballet training also develops:

• Beautifully sculpted, strong, articulate and flexible bodies
• An appreciation for the arts–both as a performer and as an audience member
• The joy of expressing oneself through movement
• Commitment
• Determination
• Patience
• Attention to detail
• Self-discipline
• The ability to set and achieve goals in the quest for excellence

Progress is not defined by the accomplishments of one class or even one year of study. Our goal is to enable each student to reach his or her highest potential, according to his or her own chronology of progress.

Instruction is individualized to best encourage and facilitate each student's development. Advancement through our levels is based on technical accomplishment, artistic development, emotional maturity, classroom interaction, personal work ethic and readiness for the challenges at the next level.

Ballet Memphis School Overview

Ballet Memphis School has three divisions: Discover Dance, in which our youngest students explore creative movement and develop basic childhood movements and rhythms through imaginative play; Discover Ballet, in which beginners of all ages are introduced to the fundamentals of ballet technique in preparation for further study; and six graded levels of ballet study, in which the classical ballet syllabus is taught and perfected.

The school also offers supplementary classes in modern dance, adult ballet and STOTT PILATES® mat and equipment classes.

Our studios also are home to Ballet Memphis, one of the nation's most respected professional dance companies. Monday through Friday our 19 professional dancers and trainees begin their day with morning technique class using the same exercises that students begin learning in Discover Ballet, followed by five to six hours of rehearsal to prepare for upcoming performances.

Students, parents and visitors are always welcome to observe the dancers through our studio's floor-to-ceiling windows. Come early, stay after class or drop in anytime to watch these inspiring dancers at work.

Class Observation

During the last week of each semester, the school hosts parents' observation week. If out-of-town relatives visit anytime during the school year, they are welcome to observe class.

Junior Company

Dancers in Ballet 7 & 8 may audition for the junior company, the nonprofessional performing wing of Ballet Memphis. Junior company members often perform corps roles in Ballet Memphis mainstage productions, and they present their own performances each fall and spring.

The Nutcracker

Students in Ballet 4 and above may audition for Ballet Memphis' annual production of the Nutcracker. Watch for posted announcements.

Tickets

As a special thank you for being part of the Ballet Memphis School, each registered student (ages 3-18) is entitled to two free $20 tickets for each mainstage performance in the semester in which they are enrolled.

Additionally, school families will receive a 20 percent discount on all mainstage ticket purchases. Discounts do not apply to Connections performances.

We thank ArtsMemphis and the Tennessee Arts Commission for their generous support of our Educational Enrichment programs.