Dance & Fitness Classes (Kids/Teens/Adults)

The classes described below all operate on the class card system.
Through the use of a class card, one card can be used at any or all of the Community School dance, dance fitness and yoga classes. This provides the flexibility to customize your dance or fitness schedule. Pre-register by calling the Schools Office (512.476.9051, etx. 126) or simply sign up before your first class - either way, START TODAY!

Kid's Classes in the BCS

• BCS Kid's Zone - Dance & Fitness classes for kids age 8-12

Teen/Adult Dance Classes in the BCS

• Ballet
• Contemporary/Modern
• Hip Hop
• Inter/Advanced Hula
• Jazz
• Musical Theatre
• Tap

Teen/Adult Fitness Classes in the BCS

• Arms & Abs
• Ballet Fit
• Ballet Fit Basic
• Broadway Fit
• Feldenkrais®
• Yoga

Want to see the fall schedule of classes? Click here.

TEEN/ADULT DANCE CLASSES

The beginning ballet class introduces basic ballet vocabulary and steps in a progression from barre to center work that builds an understanding of rudimentary ballet technique. Once the basics are mastered, a one or two year process, the student can move into the elementary class which involves more center work. The intermediate class has a fairly complete vocabulary with the emphasis on developing technical strength and movement quality that continues into the advanced class.

Classes are taught by Ballet Austin's acclaimed faculty, who are available to assess a student's level in class and make appropriate level recommendations.

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CONTEMPORARY/MODERN
Modern dance, or contemporary dance, is a vital dance form that is increasingly incorporated into ballet choreography. The body is fully integrated in modern dance often utilizing internal rhythms and movement concepts such as “fall and recovery” and “contract and release”. With technique less restrictive than classical ballet, modern is the perfect jumping off point for self-expression.

Maria Antonieta Bravo teaches modern at Ballet Austin. Toni is originally from Mexico City and holds a Master's Degree in Theatre History and Criticism, with a minor in Dance Pedagogy. She began teaching for Ballet Austin in 1990.

Cheryl Chaddick taught modern dance in San Francisco from 1983 until moving to Austin late last year. In the Bay Area she was on the faculties of the University of California, Berkeley; San Francisco School of Theater and Arts; Alonzo King's Pre-Professional Summer Program; and Summer Lee Rhatigan's San Francisco Conservatory of Dance.

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Boo's hip hop class focuses on choreography, floor work, and "tricks" with up-beat pop and hip hop music.  Simple break dance moves, incorporating both East and West Coast styles, create a Third Coast style that anyone can learn and take from the class to the club. Come take a class and work on original choreography with Boo; basic break, pop & lock and freestyle moves using the music of today’s hottest artists: Drake, Birdman, Lil Wayne, M.I.A., Kanye West, Pitbull, Wale, Talib Kweli, Kid Cudi--just to name a few.

STREET JAZZ

Street Jazz combines the best of Hip Hop and West Coast Jazz into a fun, fast-paced class focused on intricate choreography and intense attitude. Think of your favorite dance sequence from a popular music video and that is street jazz. Choreographers like Bobby Newberry, Blake McGrath, Anthony Garza, and many more practice this hard hitting style in such L.A. based studios such as Millennium and Edge. The class will work on introducing intermediate jazz technique into a more pop music and pedestrian setting, focusing on performance, rhythm, and style. A good grasp of jazz technique is recommended. Inter/Advanced. Taught by Chris Swaim.

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If you've already taken Beginner Hula Classes, this is the class for you! Beginner Hula is offered as a 6-week Course Offering (STARTING SUMMER, 2009). Click here for more information about Beginning and Continuing Hula.

Pa’u skirts strongly recommended. Barefoot.

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JAZZ

Jazz dance is taught by Danny Herman, Rocker Verastique, Boo Ruiz and Suzanne Taylor. Broadway veterans, Danny and Rocker's Broadway Jazz class starts with a warm-up that stretches and tones the body. This class develops proper body alignment, flexibility, balance and strength. Exercises follow that isolate the different parts of the body and develop increasingly complex coordination of the arms, head and legs. Longer combinations that emphasize expressiveness in lyrical and dynamic Broadway styles are given in the center and across the floor. Suzanne and Boo each offer a West Coast Jazz class that is a technically based, high powered and dynamic with an emphasis on a variety of styles including contemporary and lyrical.

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• MUSICAL THEATRE TRIPLE THREAT                                 
  This class allows Danny, Rocker and music director, Billy Wolfe to work with aspiring musical theatre performers on all aspects of audition and performance skills for the stage. Classes offered for children, teens and adults.
• TAP                                                                            Utilizing his years of experience, Danny Herman constructs a Broadway style tap class that combines barre work, progressive rhythm sequences and simple choreography that expands and develops into more complex tap dance sequences.

• THEATRE DANCE                                                 
  Danny and Rocker start this class with a warm-up that stretches and tones the body. Proper body alignment, flexibility, balance and strength are emphasized in this Broadway style class. Center combinations will contain repertoire from Broadway shows, past and present.

• MUSICAL THEATRE PERFORMANCE WORKSHOPSTwice a year performance workshops are offered in the BCS as a Coarse Offering. Performance workshop participants have the opportunity to learn classic choreography from master instructors who have worked on Broadway in musicals such as A CHORUS LINE, FOSSE, CHICAGO and many, many more.
  Click Here for more information about the next performance workshop to be offered.

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TEEN/ADULT FITNESS CLASSES

BALLET FIT

Greg Easley, who first introduced the Ballet Fit format into the Butler Community School's roster of classes, utilized his extensive background in classical ballet to design a class that would focus on fitness and fun, while being true to it ballet roots. Ballet Fit incorporates a variety of ballet-inspired movements to improve flexibility and balance, and also strengthen, lengthen and tone muscles. By integrating classic ballet movements with additional exercises such as crunches and push-ups, Ballet Fit will promote overall toning, help reduce weight, increase muscle strength and flexibility, improve coordination and posture and firm target areas. Great music to encourage and motivate you! This is a class for dancers and non-dancers alike. No previous ballet experience is required. Taught by Greg Easley and Carla Wright.

BALLET FIT BASIC

People of all ages and physical conditions benefit from exercise and physical activity. Utilizing principals set forth by the National Institute on Aging, Ballet Fit Basic is specifically designed to engage seniors at a wide range of fitness levels. The class is also ideal for adults of any age who have not been involved in regular exercise or for those with chronic conditions or who may be recovering from injury. Ballet Fit Basic incorporates stretching and simple positions of ballet as a form of low intensity/low impact exercise. The class will improve flexibility, balance, and strength, using fun music from decades past. Adaptations within the class offer participants the ability to take the class while standing or seated in a chair. Get fit and stay fit while connecting with new friends in a fun and upbeat environment. Taught by Brittany Harpole Certified Pilates Instructor.

BROADWAY FIT

Broadway Fit is taught by Danny and Rocker.  The focus of this class is to have fun and burn calories... all to a Broadway beat!  All the elements of Danny and Rocker's jazz class are here, but packed into a fast-paced, hour-long class!

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ARMS & ABS

Everyone wants shapely, toned arms and firm abs. This class spends 45 minutes focusing only on arms and abs. Exercises designed to tighten up the core muscles will be integrated along with strength moves to tone the arms and shoulders. Taught by Brittany Harpole, Certified Pilates Instructor.

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Feldenkrais®, or Awareness Through Movement®, concerns itself with the learning of movement. It explores the quality and effectiveness of new movements, and challenges the brain to relearn existing movement skills. In effect, it is reprogramming the brain to optimize movement on a neurological level. Unlike strengthening and stretching exercises, Feldenkrais® provides participants with necessary kinesthetic information so that they can become more aware of their own movements and learn to eliminate unnecessary strain and effort.

A Butler Community School Feldenkrais® student has this to say, “Imagine TAI CHI practiced lying quietly on a mat.” Participants leave a class with a feeling of more natural and organic movement, have a greater range of motion with less effort, and experience a sense of relaxation physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. Participants can increase awareness and change their patterns of movement in just one hour. The result is that they are able to complete everyday tasks with more comfort, efficiency, and integrity.

While there are many alternative health care and exercise options, it is often difficult to find a certified Feldenkrais® practitioner. Lisa del Rosario, instructor at Ballet Austin’s Butler Community School, is a Guild Certified Feldenkrais PractitionerCM.

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YOGA

• HATHA
  Hatha yoga incorporates physical postures (asana) and conscious breathing (pranayama) to help generate a sense of well-being for the participant. Hatha challenges the body and the mind. During a class, students bring their bodies into properly aligned postures with mindful breath and focus. Holding these postures encourages strength, increased flexibility, balance, and mental clarity.  All levels welcome. This class is taught by Yoga Alliance Certified Teacher and Ballet Austin Company member, Michelle Thompson.

• GOOD MORNING VINYASA          
  Vinyasa is an evolving variation of the Hatha yoga tradition. The Vinyasa practice links sequences of Hatha yoga postures with very little rest between them.  These energizing Vinyasa sequences help students achieve greater strength, flexibility, balance, and focus. This class is a powerful tool for students who want to join movement and breath, develop internal awareness, and build endurance. All levels welcome. This class is taught by Yoga Alliance Certified Teacher and Ballet Austin Company member, Michelle Thompson.

• VINYASA HAPPY HOUR
  Get ready for the weekend with this playful Vinyasa Yoga class! Let go of your week as you use your breath to transform your body and mind through thoughtful sequences of asanas. This class is suitable for all levels. Taught by Zakiyyah Kareem, Certified Yoga Instructor.

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For all class information, please contact:

Vicki Parsons, Managing Director of Schools

Phone - 512.476.9051 ext. 126
E-mail - vicki.parsons@balletaustin.org
Fax - 512.472.3073

PILATES PROGRAM

COURSE OFFERINGS

BUTLER COMMUNITY SCHOOL CALENDAR