Fall 2026 Classes
Our full training program opens again in September 2026 - this is where technique is built progressively, with structure and intention.
Although classes are held on an academic year calendar (Fall Semester is September through November and Spring Semester is January through May), to gain the most benefit from our classes, students are encouraged to think of these classes as one full academic year that progresses consecutively semester to semester.
Classes are held at City Studio, 8. N. Newstead, STL
We also offer three separate workshop experiences throughout the year. In December, we hold our annual Winter Intensive, which culminates in an end of week performance. In January, we hold a 3 week conditioning workshop to prepare for Spring Semester post-Winter Break. And, in the Summer, we offer a 9-week mini-company experience as we prepare for our annual August Adult Ballet Performance.
You can stay connected-here, on Instagram, Threads and/or Facebook-this is often where the process begins.
CLASS LEVEL DESCRIPTIONS
Absolute
Beginners
This level is designed for the adult ballet dancer who has never had the opportunity to take a ballet class. It is also designed for the adult ballet student who danced as a child, but for whom it's been 10-40 years since they stepped into a studio!
This class begins with Ballet Conditioning necessary for the Adult Ballet Student and moves into learning basic ballet terminology, technique and more.
Beginner 2
This level is designed for the adult ballet dancer who has taken at least 1-2 years of recent Ballet Training.
This level still stresses ample ballet conditioning as a warmup for class, but also lays down the foundations for solid ballet technique. The majority of the year is spent at understanding and perfecting barre work and placement, with some center work as well.
The understanding of proper coordination, musicality and epaulment are born from this class.
Intermediate
This level is designed for the adult ballet dancer who has 2-3+ years of recent ballet training.
This level assumes strong foundational skills and proper understanding of body alignment, necessary strength as well as beginning understanding of musicality, upper body coordination and basic ballet terminology.
This level takes students deeper into their understanding of classical ballet technique by introducing body positions, tempo changes, further coordination of arms with body movement, small jumps and center work.
You must be in this class in order to be considered for pre-pointe/pointe.
Advanced Intermediate
This level is designed for the adult ballet dancer who has at least 3-4+ years of recent and consecutive ballet training.
This class further develops the adult ballet dancer by introducing body weight changes, rapid tempo changes, deep understanding of eye gaze, head, neck and arm coordination, center work and jumps.
You must be in this class in order to take the Choreography Lab Class, unless otherwise discussed with Leigh.
TUITION
FAQs:
1. When is Tuition due?
If you are paying the full tuition amount at one time, tuition is due prior to your first class. If you are paying monthly, tuition is due at the beginning of the month, if paying monthly. If you are paying for a drop-in class, the drop-in fee is due at the beginning of the class for which you are dropping-in. All other payment plan options need to be discussed with Leigh to set-up. Please email her at stlssbm@gmail.com.
2. Are there scholarships or other forms of financial assistance available?
Yes. Due to the generosity of our student body, we often have some scholarship or aid available, including payment plans, trade-in-kind options, etc. If you are interested in learning more about what we may be able to offer you so that you are able to dance with us, please email Leigh at stlssbm@gmail.com.
3. How do I pay tuition?
Currently, tuition is accepted via Venmo, PayPal, Cash or Check. Please email Leigh at stlssbm@gmail.com for that information.
MONDAY NIGHT CLASSES:
MONDAY NIGHT:
CONDITIONING CLASS AND CHARACTER DANCE CLASS
CONDITIONING CLASS: ALL LEVELS WELCOME - NO PRIOR DANCE TRAINING NECESSARY:
Ballet Conditioning is fundamental to the adult ballet dancer as it helps strengthen and develop the muscles necessary for ballet training, especially the intrinsic muscles of the feet, the glutes, hip flexors, calves and upper back. While this class is designed for Adult Dancers, it is a good fitness class for any adult!
TIME: 7:15-8:15PM
TUITION: $25/hour for registered students or $275 for the Full Semester;
$30/hour for drop-in students
CLASS MEETS: 11 CLASSES:
September 14, 21, 28,;
October 5, 12, 19, 26; and
November 2, 9, 16, and 23
CHARACTER DANCE CLASS: INTERMEDIATE+ LEVELS WELCOME (3+ Years of recent dance training necessary)
Character Dance is a necessary part of any serious student of ballet's training. By learning about dances from around the world, students are introduced to new-to-them coordination, music and movement styles. Further learning how these dances have been embedded within classical ballets traditionally and how we can move those stagings into the 21st century is an important and necessary step to updating our traditional ballet practices and understanding. If you have seen Act 2 of the Nutcracker, you have been exposed to character dance in some form. Come learn about Character Dance in studio this year!
TIME: 8:15pm-9:15pm
TUITION: $25/hour for registered students or $275 for the Full Semester;
$30/hour for drop-in students
CLASS MEETS: 11 CLASSES:
September 14, 21, 28,;
October 5, 12, 19, 26; and
November 2, 9, 16, and 23
TUESDAY NIGHT CLASS:
TUESDAY NIGHT:
ABSOLUTE BEGINNER CLASS & BEGINNER 2 CLASS
ABSOLUTE BEGINNER CLASS-
SEE CLASS DESCRIPTION ABOVE FOR MORE
TIME: 6:30PM-8:00PM
TUITION: $37/90 minute class for registered students or $407 for the Full Semester;
$30/90 minute class for drop-in students
CLASS MEETS: 11 CLASSES:
September 8, 15, 22, 29;
October 6, 13, 20, 27; and
November 3, 10, 17
BEGINNER 2 CLASS-
SEE CLASS DESCRIPTION ABOVE FOR MORE
TIME: 8:00PM-9:30PM
TUITION: $37/90 minute class for registered students or $407 for the Full Semester;
$30/90 minute class for drop-in students
CLASS MEETS: 11 CLASSES:
September 8, 15, 22, 29;
October 6, 13, 20, 27; and
November 3, 10, 17
WEDNESDAY, SUNDAY (ZOOM ONLY) & THURSDAY NIGHT CLASSES:
WEDNESDAY NIGHT:
INTERMEDIATE BALLET CLASS
INTERMEDIATE CLASS-
SEE CLASS DESCRIPTION ABOVE FOR MORE
TIME: 7:00PM-9:00PM
TUITION: $50/120 minute class for registered students or $550 for the Full Semester;
$60/120 minute class for drop-in students
WEDNESDAY CLASS MEETS: 11 CLASSES:
September 9, 16, 23, 30;
October 7, 14, 21, 28; and
November 4, 11, 18
SUNDAY MORNING (ZOOM ONLY):
INTERMEDIATE BALLET CLASS
INTERMEDIATE CLASS-
SEE CLASS DESCRIPTION ABOVE FOR MORE
TIME: 10:00AM-NOON
TUITION: $50/120 minute class for registered students or $550 for the Full Semester;
$60/120 minute class for drop-in students
SUNDAY CLASS MEETS: 11 CLASSES:
September 13, 20, 27;
October 4, 11, 18, 25; and
November 1, 8, 15, 22
THURSDAY NIGHT:
ADVANCED INTERMEDIATE BALLET CLASS
ADVANCED NTERMEDIATE CLASS-
SEE CLASS DESCRIPTION ABOVE FOR MORE
TIME: 6:30PM-8:00PM
TUITION: $37/90 minute class for registered students or $370 for the Full Semester;
$45/90 minute class for drop-in students
THURSDAY CLASS MEETS: 10 CLASSES:
September 10, 17, 24 ;
October 1, 15, 22, 29 (please note: no class on 10/8); and
November 5, 12, 19
THURSDAY NIGHT:
CHOREOGRAPHY LAB
CHOREOGRPHY LAB-
Choreography Lab is for Advanced Intermediate Students (4+ years of recent and consecutive ballet training), unless otherwise discussed with Leigh. This is a Choreography Class to dive into the World of Classical Repertoire, Variations and Corps Work, as well as new works in Classical Ballet and/or Contemporary Ballet and/or Character Dance.
TIME: 8:00PM-9:30PM
TUITION: $37/90 minute class for registered students or $370 for the Full Semester;
$45/90 minute class for drop-in students
THURSDAY CLASS MEETS: 10 CLASSES:
September 10, 17, 24 ;
October 1, 15, 22, 29 (please note: no class on 10/8); and
November 5, 12, 19
7:00pm-8:30pm: BALLET WARM-UP TECHNIQUE CLASS
8:30pm-10:00pm: LARGE GROUP CHOREOGRAPHY
TUITION:
All Thursday Night Classes are based on a $25/hour per student rate for PERFORMING STUDENTS.
For any non-performing student who would like to drop in on class, the class rate is $30/hour per student. Thursday night drop-ins, therefore would be $45/90 minute class.
JUNE CLASSES/CHOREOGRAPHY SESSIONS WILL BE HELD:
June 11, 18, 25
TUITION FOR JUNE: $225
JULY CLASSES/CHOREOGRAPHY SESSIONS WILL BE HELD:
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
TUITION FOR JULY: $375
AUGUST CLASSES/CHOREOGRAPHY IN-STUDIO SESSIONS WILL BE HELD:
August 6, 13
TUITION FOR AUGUST: $150
TUITION FOR ALL THREE MONTHS: $750
CLASS INFORMATION:
GENERAL CLASS INFORMATION:
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Classes with low enrollment may be dropped from the schedule after two weeks;
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If Leigh is ill and must cancel class, she will do her very best to schedule a makeup, get a substitute teacher, teach by Zoom or allow a makeup in another class, and in case of extended illness, Leigh will remit refunds if she cannot do any of the above; however, refunds will not be given if a student misses class and/ or in case of inclement weather;
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Class Attire ranges from leotard/fitted shirt and tights (classical ballet wear) and ballet skirt (optional) to leggings and shirts. As long as Leigh can see your leg lines and there are not pieces of clothing impeding your movement, it is allowed;
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Ballet Flats are a must for all dancers;
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If you are taking Character Class, Character Shoes (Low Heel) are required unless otherwise discussed with Leigh;
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Please do not wear jewelry, especially if it's jewelry that can be snagged on clothing or hair, to class;
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Please refrain from wearing heavily-scented perfumes or lotions, as some dancers may be allergic to such; and
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Please always wear hair pulled back and secured well from face.