If the new year has you in search of a new activity, fitness opportunity or community, look no further, Houston Ballet Academy is just the place to find all three. While some may not realize, along with youth ballet training, the Academy also offers a robust adult program. “We have classes for all levels,” says Houston Ballet Academy Director Melissa Bowman. “We have classes for people who have never had dance, all the way through dancers who are advanced.”
Open to participants ages 14 and up, Houston Ballet Academy’s adult classes are available to anyone who wants to learn ballet or continue their training with a community of peers. Current class offerings include a multi-week introductory class series for the ballet novice and an array of in-person and virtual drop-in classes ranging from beginner to advanced technique. In addition to the core ballet classes, body conditioning classes are also available to improve strength and alignment. Classes are offered six days a week with morning and evening options to accommodate a variety of schedules and levels.
“It’s not just for people who danced before,” exclaims Bridget Schmal, who first started ballet at Houston Ballet Academy in 2003. A beginner adult student with no prior dance training, Schmal was hooked by the kind instruction, live music and consistent high-quality training as she became familiar with the classes.
Knowledgeable instructors create a welcoming learning environment that is free of judgement. The faculty is comprised of distinguished teachers, including many former and current Houston Ballet Company dancers. “You trust that they know what they’re doing,” says Schmal. “They have your body’s health in mind. They’re not going to make you do stuff that is outside of your ability.” The instructors teach specifically to the students in the room and offer level-appropriate modifications or corrections in a friendly and supportive manner.
Live music also contributes to the inviting atmosphere. “Pianists are kind of the unsung heroes,” explains Schmal. “They all have their own musical personalities.” Live accompanists play for nearly every ballet class, providing beautiful music in a variety of styles that only enhances the experience.
Houston Ballet Academy is committed to providing excellent training at all levels, and the adult program is no exception. “Our teachers really care about the adult community and want them to have the best training,” expresses Bowman. “We really try to tailor it to them and feel that they are an important part of the HBA family.”
Schmal and her peers appreciate the Academy’s willingness to incorporate their suggestions into the programming. One recently resulted in the introduction of an Adult Intensive for dancers who want to take their training to the next level. Including classes that are not on the regular schedule, the Adult Intensive offers dance history, variations and body conditioning classes in addition to ballet technique. This year’s Adult Intensive, scheduled June 1-5, 2021, offers in-person and virtual program options for intermediate to advanced participants.
For Schmal, now an advanced student, ballet plays an important role as a constant in her life. She looks to it not only as a way to stay in shape, but also as an escape mechanism. “You just take class and for that hour and a half you just escape anything that’s going on in your life,” she explains. Especially during tough times, present times included, classes serve as a therapeutic boost.
Whether they come for fitness, stress-relief or simply the love of ballet, Houston Ballet Academy’s adult students joined by dedicated instructors and musicians make up a wonderful community connected by dance. Anyone who is interested in learning the art of ballet is welcome and encouraged to join at any time.
Houston Ballet Academy adult classes are available through MindBody. Explore virtual and in-person adult class schedules and pricing online now.
By Chenay Newton