We offer quality training in a variety of dance & fitness styles from the beginner to the professional dancer. All levels of ability are welcome!
Available Class Styles:
-
Ballet
-
Pilates
-
GYROKINESIS®
-
Modern
-
Jazz
-
Tap
-
Pointe Strengthening
Booking Policies:
-
Booking opens 14 days in advance on Mindbody Online or the Mindbody App 📲
Search for 'Louisville Ballet' to find our class scheduler on the Mindbody platform. -
Advance booking and payment is required.
-
Waitlisting is available with automated email & text notifications.
-
Early cancellation is available up to 2 hours before class.
-
Late cancel, late arrival, and no showing will forfeit your class credit.
-
We have two studio locations. Please check the room assignment as listed on Mindbody before driving to class.
Questions? Email Adult Division Program Manager,
Ashley Thursby, at athursby@louisvilleballet.org
ADULT DIVISION
LATEST NEWS
Upcoming Events:
-
Variation Workshops on February 1, 8, and 15, 2026
-
Spring Dance Festival Rehearsals: March – May 2026
-
Spring Dance Festival Performance: May 9, 2026
-
Adult Intensive: May 25 – 30, 2026
-
Summer Somatic Practice Retreat + Master Classes: July 27– 30, 2026
Notice of St. Matthews Location Transfer:
-
February 1, 2026
-
March 1, 21-29, 2026
-
April 19, 2026
Studio Closures:
-
Spring Break: April 5– 11, 2026
-
May 25–30, 2026
-
July 27– 30, 2026
ADULT DIVISION
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Individual classes start at just $18 per visit, with multi-class packages also available.
Refer to Mindbody for the most up-to-date class schedule. Search for “Louisville Ballet” on Mindbody Online or the Mindbody App.
Please note that we have TWO studio locations! Studio assignments are listed under the room listing on the MINDBODY App.
**For our classes marked with a double asterisk, please double check the room assignment before driving to class. **
Day/Time | Class | Studio Location | Instructor |
|---|---|---|---|
Mondays, 5:00 – 6:15 pm | Introductory Ballet 2 | St. Matthews | Tawnee Thompson ~ |
Mondays, 7:00 – 8:15 pm | Beginning Ballet | St. Matthews | Nicholas Bentz* |
Tuesdays, 3:15 – 4:30 pm | Beginning Tap | St. Matthews | Gail Benedict |
Tuesdays, 3:00 – 4:15 pm | Introductory Ballet 1 | St. Matthews | Tawnee Thompson~ |
Tuesdays, 7:00 – 8:15 pm | Intermediate Ballet | St. Matthews | Ashley Thursby* |
Tuesdays, 7:30 – 8:45 pm | Musical Theater Jazz | St. Matthews | Daniel Scofield* |
Tuesdays, 8:15 – 8:45 pm | Pointe Strengthening | St. Matthews | Ashley Thursby* |
Wednesdays, 9:00 – 10:00 am | GYROKINESIS® | St. Matthews | Minh-Tuan Nguyen~ |
Wednesdays, 10:00 – 11:30 am | Intermediate Ballet | St. Matthews | Joseph Nygren Cox~ |
Wednesdays, 7:00 – 8:15 pm | Jazz | St. Matthews | David X. Thurmond~ |
Thursdays, 10:00 – 11:30 am | Beginning Ballet | St. Matthews | Joseph Nygren Cox~ |
Thursdays, 5:15 – 6:30 pm | Gentle Ballet | St. Matthews | Sheila Zeng |
Saturdays, 9:00 am – 10:30 am | Advanced Ballet | **Check Location** | Phillip Velinov* |
Saturdays, 11:00 am – 12:15 pm | Int/Adv Tap | St. Matthews | Gail Benedict |
Saturdays, 11:15 am – 12:30 pm | Introductory Ballet 1 | St. Matthews | Sheila Zeng |
Sundays, 10:00 am – 11:15 am | Int/Adv Contemporary Modern | **Check Location** | Theresa Bautista |
Sundays, 11:15 am – 12:15 pm | Beginning Modern | **Check Location** | Theresa Bautista |
Sundays, 12:30 – 1:45 pm | Introductory Ballet 2 | **Check Location** | Ashley Thursby* |
Sundays, 2:00 – 3:00 pm | Pilates | **Check Location** | Ashley Thursby* |
*Current Louisville Ballet Artists
~ Former Louisville Ballet Artist
Ready to join the movement?
ADULT DIVISION
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
Introductory Ballet 1 0 – 6 months of training Start Here! Intro 1 is designed for the absolute beginner. Clients with little to no ballet experience are expected to attend Intro 1 for approximately 16 weeks before moving to Intro 2.
Intermediate Ballet 3 – 5 years of training Intermediate is targeted towards dancers with technical proficiency and a thorough understanding of the vocabulary. Intermediate level classes will move at a much quicker pace, offering complex combinations both at the barre and in the center. At this level dancers should begin to explore and develop their artistry, musicality and épaulement.
Pilates All levels welcome Pilates helps to connect your body through core stability. Strong abdominal, back, and pelvic muscles are essential for high impact activities such as dance, especially if you have hypermobility. Pilates matwork strengthens the deepest muscular groups to prevent injuries. Uniform development of the mind and body can help to reduce stress while connecting you to your breath.
Introductory Ballet 2 6 months – 1 year of training Intro 2 is recommended for clients with less than one year of ballet training, retaining some basic understanding of dance vocabulary. Intro 2 is a great place for clients who may have taken a break from their ballet studies. Jump back in to refresh the brain and body!
Advanced Ballet 5+ years of training Advanced classes are intended for dancers with extensive training. Pre-professional and professional dancers welcome!
Modern Two levels available Modern takes a pragmatic approach of training the body, with an emphasis in Kinesiology and how these movements could be applied to ballet or be its own vocabulary of choreographic tools. This class is a great starting point for any novice dance enthusiast, or a veteran of other dance styles.
Beginning Ballet 1 – 3 years of training Beginning is structured for clients who have an elementary understanding of the foundations of ballet. These concepts are incorporated into a full ballet class with exercises at the barre, in the center, and moving across the floor. This level will focus on continuing to fine-tune the basic positions, posture and alignment, while introducing more advanced steps both at the barre and in the center. Exercises will focus on increasing speed and complexity, coordination of arm and leg movements, and increased strength in the lower body.
Pointe Strengthening By instructor approval. Pointe Strengthening class will begin with standing calf and hip exercises, progress through a ballet barre that focuses on strengthening the feet and ankles, and later in the semester will include some time spent in center practice. Clients without pointe shoes will rise to 3/4 pointe as a way to strengthen their demi pointe work for other classes. Clients who have been screened and approved for pointe work will wear their pointe shoes for class.
Tap Two levels available The Beginning Level class will be a low impact approach to tap. Open to both new and tappers and those interested in refining their fundamental technical skills. This class will accommodate students with movement restrictions or chronic injuries.
Gentle Ballet All levels welcome Gentle ballet is meant for anyone who is wanting to focus on building strength and balance through ballet movement at a slower pace, focusing on elements of stability and confidence in their movement to help with daily life. This will be great for those working through injury, wanting to focus on balance and stability, and gentle stretching and mobility work. It is also a great way to get a second class per week for our Introductory Ballet 1 level dancers!
GYROKINESIS® All levels welcome The Gyrokinesis Method is a movement method that addresses the entire body, opening energy pathways, stimulating the nervous system, increasing range of motion and creating functional strength through rhythmic, flowing movement sequences.
Jazz & Musical Theater All levels welcome Build endurance, strength, and coordination in a class that emphasizes your individual dance improvement and fitness. Develop new dance skills in a fast-paced, fun-filled class with the latest moves from the world of popular and theatrical dance. No prior experience necessary. Great for all levels!
ADULT DIVISION
PRICING AND PACKAGES
Explore all the options to find the best fit for your movement goals by reviewing our pricing and policies for our weekly class offerings:
Payment Policies:
-
Advanced payment is required via Mindbody Online or the Mindbody App.
-
Cancellations may be made up to 2 hours before a class reservation to retain the class credit.
-
No refunds are offered for any classes cancelled, no-showed, expired, or attended.
-
Gift Cards are available via Louisville Ballet’s on Mindbody Online for any dollar amount for the purchase of classes and workshops. Gift Cards have no expiration & are non-refundable.
-
Class rates are subject to change at any time.
Discounts:
New clients may book their first class at reduced rate of $5.00. Additional discounted rates are available for parents with a student enrolled at The Louisville Ballet School, senior citizens, active military, professional actor/singer/dancer with an active contract, college students with a valid student ID, and clients of YOGAST8. Please inquire by emailing school@louisvilleballet.org to explore our discount options.
All clients of The Louisville Ballet School's Adult Division are invited to attend yoga classes at a discount with our neighbor, Yogast8!
Redeem your discounted class at Yogast8 by emailing hollder@yogast8.com.
GUIDELINES FOR CLASS ATTIRE
In general, class participants should wear fitted athletic or dance attire for any class. Gentlemen should wear dance belts or athletic supporters at all times.
BALLET Ballet shoes are required for all levels. Canvas, leather, full sole, or split sole of any color are welcome. Jazz shoes are also acceptable.
MODERN We recommend being barefoot for modern classes. Socks may be worn as long as they have not been exposed to fabric softener as fabric softener can cause slick spots on studio floors. We also ask that modern participants please refrain from using lotion prior to class as modern incorporates floor work and can spread slick spots on the studio floors.
SOMATIC OFFERINGS Bare feet are best for Pilates, Yoga, Gyrokinesis, and Integrated Movement classes.
TAP Non-heeled, full sole, tap shoes are recommended over split sole or tap shoes with a high heel. We recommend wearing thin cotton socks with tap shoes.
MUSICAL THEATER JAZZ Jazz shoes are preferred. Character shoes are welcome for certain Musical Theater styles! We recommend bringing both types of shoes if you have them already.
JAZZ Jazz shoes or dance sneakers are preferred.
ADULT DIVISION
SPECIALTY WORKSHOPS
Join us outside of our weekly class schedule for our specialty workshops, scheduled throughout the year.
Winter Somatic Practice Retreat in Feldenkrais and Ballet Master Class
January 5-8, 2026 | St. Matthews Location
Somatic Practice Retreat: Feldenkrais 5:15 pm
Introductory-Advanced Ballet Master Class 6:30 pm
We are thrilled to welcome back Feldenkrais Practitioner Dorothy Henning for our Winter Somatic Practice Retreat. This offering is for anyone interested in slowing down and fine tuning their movement practice, and will be a wonderful compliment for those staying for ballet afterwards. No prior movement experience necessary.
Get back to the barre in 2026 for our Winter Master Class in Ballet with Adult Division Program Manager and Company Artist Ashley Thursby and Louisville Ballet Company Artist Daniel Scofield. Ashley's Master Class is designed for the Introductory/Beginner level client in the program and will build on technical fundamentals throughout the session. This level will be held at St. Matthews in Studio 3, and welcomes all newbies to the studio! Daniel's Master Class is designed for the Intermediate/Advanced level client in the program and will include a class that builds throughout the session with focus on dynamic movement. This level will be held at St. Matthews in Studio 2.
Variations Workshops
February 1-15, 2026 | Location Varies
Sundays, 3:15 - 4:15 pm
Join us for our third annual Variations Workshop! This offering will give participants time to break down the learning process of a classical variation while building stamina toward running the entire variation by the third session. Please note the studio location varies:
-
February 1, 2026 - St. Matthews Location
-
February 8, 2026 - Main Street Location
-
February 15, 2026 - Main Street Location
ADULT DIVISION
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITY
Spring Dance Festival: Matinee Medley
Saturday, May 9, 2026 | 1:00 PM
The Brown Theatre
#JoinTheMovement with Louisville Ballet Company Artist, Ashley Thursby to rehearse on select Sundays this spring! Rehearsals will culminate with a performance at The Brown Theatre as part of The Louisville Ballet School’s Spring Dance Festival Matinee Medley.
Requirements:
-
This offering is best suited for clients who feel comfortable in a beginning ballet level and above.
-
Registered clients must take at least 2 class offerings per week during the rehearsal and performance period.
This is to further your commitment to movement technique as you prepare for the performance.
Rehearsal Schedule:
-
March 1, 2026 3:15-4:45 pm
-
**March 8, 2026 3:15-4:45 pm**
-
March 15, 2026 3:15-4:45 pm
-
April 19, 2026 3:15-4:45 pm
-
April 26, 2026 3:15-4:15 pm
-
May 3, 2026 3:15-4:15 pm
**Indicates rehearsal is held at the St. Matthews location.
Fee: $175.00
Register by February 27, 2026.
ADULT DIVISION
INTENSIVE (18+)
Adult Intensive
May 25-30, 2026
Downtown Location
Join us for our seventh annual Adult Intensive as a way to enhance your work within the mind. body. balance. program and offer up more performance opportunities to showcase your growth as creatives! The Adult Intensive is open to ages 18+ and will suit the beginner-advanced dancer. Participants will have the option to choose a Half Day or Full Day program option. Daily classes include Ballet Technique, Pointe Strengthening, Jump Strengthening, Modern, Jazz, GYROKINESIS®, Yoga and Variations that will be part of an in-studio showcase for Full Program participants.
Financial Commitment:
-
Reserve your spot with a $50 registration deposit and register through April 1.
-
Pay in full by February 14 and save 20%.
-
Late registration available starting April 2. Late registration will remain open as space remains.
Complete this form by March 31 to be considered for financial assistance.
Register by April 1, 2026.
ADULT DIVISION
PRIVATE LESSONS (18+)
Available Upon Request, Beginning May 2026
Coming soon!
Supplement your drop-in class schedule with one-on-one instruction to move technique forward. Dive deeper and focus on individualized goals. Private lessons will be offered in 60 minutes sessions, with the option to reserve a 4-session series.
Private Lesson packages include instructor fee, studio rental, and are payable to The Louisville Ballet School prior to the scheduled lesson.
No refunds are offered for any Private Lessons cancelled, no-showed, expired, or attended.
Single Lesson
$100.00
4-Session Bundle
$360.00
Please allow up to 10 business days to receive scheduling options.
ADULT DIVISION
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
Stay in the know with our monthly newsletter archives. Subscribe here!
St. Matthews Location
The Louisville Ballet School
4121 Shelbyville Road, Suite 201
Louisville, KY 40207
We are located on the second floor.
Downtown Location
Louisville Ballet
315 East Main Street
Louisville, KY 40202
Please enter from Main Street.
**Downtown classes are subject to location changes**
