Dance Classes
(see also "Classes and Presentations" page)

​​​​​​​

​

Introduction to Ballet 1  begins again, September 14th, 2026!

Mondays, 10:45 - 12:15

​

This class is for total beginners,  although those who took dance before and want to learn basics/experience this approach are welcome.

If you have ever taken a Beginning Ballet class and felt lost and overwhelmed, this might be a good class for you.

If you have tried Ballet before but everything hurt, this might be a good class for you.

​

We will learn basic ballet vocabulary and exercises, focusing on proper biomechanical execution, quality of movement/stillness, and musicality.   

We will learn the sequencing of a ballet class.

​

We will not learn all the barre/center exercises at once.  We will not be doing a full barre/center every class.

 Instead, we will take the time to learn the basic exercises in depth, developing the foundation upon which to build more complex movements and exercises.

​

We will learn some basic anatomy as it relates to bringing ease into our ballet movements. ​

We will explore the movements so that they work for the body executing them.

 

 Individual corrections and support are given.

​

Class will be offered in 5-6 week blocks/series (pay by block/series).

 Each block builds on the one before. By the end of the school year, students who were total beginners should be comfortable taking a regular Beginner class (some students will feel comfortable earlier).

​

September 14th is a single class, $30, and will be followed by a block /series of classes.

​

You must register with me prior to the class.​

For the 5-6 week blocks, class will be limited to 7 students.

Prices: 4 or more students: $25/class.

3 students: $30/class.

 ​

     ***********************************************************************

​High Beginning Ballet

Mondays, 9:00-10:30

(On-going weekly class)

​

High Beginning Ballet began in the fall of 2025 as an Introduction to Ballet class.

Our goal was to learn fundamental alignment, ballet positions and exercises- Goal achieved!

We have progressed to more complex movement sequences/exercises/principles.

​​

In many ways this class is more than a High Beginner class. 

We explore the movements so that they work for the body executing them. Learning the principles behind the movements/exercises allows students to do more than just mimic motions.

This is not a class that is based on automatic-pilot, rote, repetition.

​

Individual corrections and support are given.

​​​

Class will be offered in 5-6 week blocks/series (pay by block/series).

 Each block builds on the one before.

 

August 24th is the first class of our Fall 2026 block.  If you are interested in class but cannot attend until September, contact me anyhow.

​

 You must register with me prior to the class.

Prices: 4 or more students: $25/class.

3 students: $30/class.

​

   ******************************************************************​​​​​

​

                   Classes are held at Amherst Ballet

                   65 Sunderland Road, N. Amherst​

              You must register with me ahead of time.

              Note that these classes do not follow the

                            Amherst Ballet schedule.

​

​

As with all of my work, each session/class pays attention to the individual(s) and their current capabilities, with the intent of helping to guide them into a more ease-filled, aligned, and dynamically balanced way of living in their body.

​

Private lessons are also available.​​​

For information about other classes, see Bodyworkbeyondmassage.com, "Classes and Presentations" page

​​​

​

Contact Karen for more information/to register:

Bodyworkbeyondmassage@yahoo.com

(413) 665 - 4977