Learn more about this program
 

Afro Caribbean

Through complex rhythms, vivid stories, and rich history, students develop dance fundamentals while exploring the artistry of Afro Caribbean traditions. Drawing from modern, contemporary, and Afrocentric dance practices, this class develops core dance principles such as balance and coordination while introducing students to intricate rhythms and vibrant expressivity. Afro Caribbean prepares students for ongoing studies in a wide range of dance forms including modern, contemporary, and African-based styles.

Ballet

Students are introduced to a ballet curriculum that enables them to develop a holistic understanding and mastery of ballet technique in a disciplined yet nurturing environment. Our ballet program emphasizes placement, clarity of line, execution, precision, dynamic movement, musicality, and artistic expression. Our curriculum draws from several renowned methodologies, including the Cuban school, with a contemporary American perspective that draws on current best practices, while emphasizing plasticity and virtuosity to create strong and expressive dancers. As students progress they will be introduced to pre-pointe and eventually train on pointe as long as they exhibit the proper strength and alignment required to work safely in pointe shoes. For the highest levels, there will be a variations and/or ballet repertory component.

Modern Dance & Contemporary

Students will focus on the techniques and styles of modern dance masters José Limón, Martha Graham, and Katherine Dunham throughout their training in the La Academia program. Classes focus on developing core dance principles, such as balance and coordination, while exploring diverse movement concepts. The curriculum includes spinal articulation, floorwork, movement dynamics, use of weight, and complex rhythms, creating students adaptable to the contemporary dance landscape. Contemporary explores a wide array of movement styles of dance artists of the day, focusing on spatial and body awareness, use of body weight, floor work, leaps, turns, efficiency of muscle usage, and at times fusion of genres.

Performance Studies

Performance Studies provides an emphasis on learning and rehearsing repertory in preparation for performance opportunities scheduled throughout the year. Students will receive coaching and mentorship to develop performance skills and readiness.

*Ballet Repertory and Variations

This class is for La Academia upper levels ready to learn the context and choreography of ballet through an established repertory chosen specifically for this purpose. Ballet Repertory and Variations will enhance dancers’ command of their hard-won technical skills, continue refining their pointe work while giving them the opportunity to explore the more artistic aspects of the ballet, including musicality, corps de ballet work, variations and story-telling. They will learn about the culture and history of the genre, contextualizing the technique they have honed throughout their years of training in La Academia ballet curriculum. This class will include a thorough ballet warm-up prior to learning choreography, and is required for Levels 5 & 6 La Academia students that have registered for the full program or Ballet Track.

**Pre-Pointe/Pointe Technique Class (Available in the Encuentros Program)

Ballet pre-pointe/pointe classes will focus on strengthening the muscles of the legs, feet, ankles, and core in order to support their pointe work. Dancers will continue to improve their overall alignment and the control necessary to dance on pointe. When the dancer is ready, they will start working on pointe, facing the barre.

If you have never danced on pointe before, DO NOT buy pointe shoes before the class begins. The instructor will work with each student to make sure they find the appropriate shoe and fit before making this big investment.

*Repertory Workshop

Students will have the opportunity to take master classes from artists in the field in a wide array of genres and styles such as contemporary, hip-hop, improvisation, Latin rhythms, acting, voice, musical theater, and more, curated to support artistry development. Coupled with an emphasis on professional development, this course prepares students for their careers in the larger dance world ahead of them. Students will also have the opportunity to create solo choreography, as well as be exposed to various styles of repertory and receive performance coaching.

Spanish Dance/Flamenco

Spanish Dance forms have been the backbone of The Ballet Hispánico School since its founding in the early 1970’s. Our curriculum covers flamenco, Spanish folk dance, danza estilizada, and escuela bolera, studying the roots and history of the forms alongside the technique and artistry.

*Specialized Studies in Spanish Dance

Students will have the opportunity to deepen their studies in Spanish Dance. Areas of focus may include cante, palmas, flamenco structure, castanets, escuela bolera, Zarzuela repertory, mantón, abanico technique, and more.

**Stretch & Conditioning

Dancers will be guided through stretching and conditioning exercises that support a dancer’s flexibility, strength, and overall fitness. Information about injury prevention and tools to maintain their physical readiness in support of their dance training will be taught throughout the course. Please note equipment may need to be purchased. If so, a list of items needed will be shared with registered students.

*For levels 1 through 6, “*” indicates classes that may or may not perform at the end of year recital.

**For levels 1 through 6, “**” indicates classes that will not perform at the end of year recital.

Registration portal for the 2025-26 school year will open in Spring 2025.

Once registration is open, here's how to enroll:

• Log in or create an account on our Mindbody site.
• Accounts should be under the student name and birthdate.
• For more than one enrollment: Create a separate profile for each student by clicking the dropdown arrow next to your name in the top right corner and follow the steps to “add family member”.

For any questions, please email: school@ballethispanico.org

Information about tuition can be found on our Mindbody site.

To learn more about our Merit Scholarships & Tuition Assistance opportunities, click:
Financial Aid & Scholarship Form
Formulario de Ayuda Financiera

For any questions, please email: SODAccounts@ballethispanico.org

AUTOMATIC PAYMENTS

Want your quarterly payments processed automatically? Sign up for this free service by completing this form and emailing it to SODAccounts@ballethispanico.org for automatic payment scheduling.

ACCOUNT CREDIT

Existing account credits may be applied to student accounts at the time of a new enrollment purchase. Families wishing to use a previous credit from their accounts must do so through the MINDBODY website here. Please contact the School of Dance at school@ballethispanico.org if additional assistance is needed

Ballet Hispánico has a no-refund policy.
For any questions, please email: SODAccounts@ballethispanico.org

Download the School Calendar here 

2024-2025 DRESS CODE

The School of Dance partners with Corps Dancewear for custom, logo-printed dress code items. Logo branding is required for all leotards and male shirts.

If purchasing from CorpsDancewear.com, enter coupon code KD_BH212 at checkout to receive the required logo-branding and a discount! All logo printed items are considered custom and cannot be returned/exchanged. Families are strongly encouraged to review sizing charts for all items available on the Corps Dancewear website before finalizing purchases.