Dance Studios

Schauer School of the Arts dance classes are held at two locations:

• SCHAUER MAIN BUILDING: 147 N. Rural Street, Hartford   map

• CREATIVE ARTS STUDIOS:  30 S. Johnson Street, Hartford  map

 Fall 2026 Dance Schedule

Since January 2007, the Schauer School of Arts (SSA) has offered dance instruction that focuses on building students’ abilities through developing a strong technical foundation and encourages creativity and self-expression through dance. We offer classes in Ballet, Contemporary, Irish, and Tap for ages 3+.

Our Purpose

• To provide experienced and knowledgeable instructors who love to teach

• To help students develop a strong technical foundation and grow as artists

• To ensure a nurturing and supportive environment for students

Studio Only Ballet

These introductory ballet classes are perfect for young students to stay active in the morning, opposite to half-day school, or a flexible daytime schedule for homeschool and stay-at-home families. These classes focus on building ballet technique and skills without the added performance requirements of our evening Performance Ballet program. Each level continues to learn the fundamental steps, technique, vocabulary, musicality, ballet etiquette, and classroom skills. The class will include center barre (Elementary Ballet begins using the ballet barre) and movements across the floor. Every level builds off the last as students review and continue to build upon the steps previously learned. Classes are offered in short 5-week sessions, perfect for your dancer to try ballet without the financial commitment of a year-long class. These classes include Move with Me, Pre-School Ballet, Beginner Ballet, Elementary Ballet and Adult Open Ballet (evening offerings only). See class schedule on page 4 for more information.

Studio Only Ballet are classes in our ballet program that do not participate in the Land of Sweets or Spring Showcase. There are three categories of Studio Only Ballet classes: Daytime Ballet, Adult Ballet, and Ballet Workout classes.

Daytime Ballet Classes

Daytime Ballet classes include Preschool Ballet, Beginner Ballet, Elementary Ballet, and Move With Me (offered in the afternoon).

These introductory ballet classes are perfect for young students to stay active in the morning, opposite to half-day school, or a flexible daytime schedule for homeschool and stay-at-home families. These classes focus on building ballet technique and skills without the added performance requirements of our evening Performance Ballet program. Each level continues to learn the fundamental steps, technique, vocabulary, musicality, ballet etiquette, and classroom skills. The class will include center barre (Elementary Ballet begins using the ballet barre) and movements across the floor. Every level builds off the last as students review and continue to build upon the steps previously learned. Classes are offered in short 5-week sessions, perfect for your dancer to try ballet without the financial commitment of a year-long class.

The last class of Session 2 will be a private family recital held in Pikes Peak at the Schauer Arts Center building during normal class time (excluding Move with Me). Students will stretch and warm up, have an observable class, and perform choreography that had been learned in class. Students will receive a simple SSA costume to wear on performance day.

Daytime Ballet Private Family Recital @ Pikes Peak
Fall Session 2: November 18, 2026 (at normal class time)
Spring Session 2: April 21, 2027 (at normal class time)

Adult Ballet Classes (16+)

Adult Ballet classes are the perfect opportunity for students 16+ or adults at all experience levels. Our Adult Ballet offerings include Open/Adult Ballet, Dance Fitness, and Progressing Ballet Technique (see Ballet Workout Classes section). In Open/Adult Ballet, students will learn and develop ballet steps, technique, vocabulary, musicality, and ballet etiquette at barre and in center. Dance Fitness is a ballet-inspired class that incorporates many aspects of dance and exercise into a high-energy class and works on developing a choreographed piece. Open/Adult Ballet and Dance Fitness are offered in short 5-week sessions, perfect to try class without the financial commitment of a year-long class.

Ballet Workout Classes

Ballet Workout classes include Pre-Pointe, Strength & Conditioning, Ballet Technique, Progressing Ballet Technique, and Dance Fitness (see Adult Ballet section). These classes each focus on progressing areas of your body to better yourself as a dancer. In Pre-Pointe, placement is required to take this class that strengthens the feet, ankles, legs, and body to prepare for Pointe. In Strength & Conditioning, students do whole-body conditioning. Ballet Technique is for advanced ballet students to work on developing more specific technique and determining how they can implement it to best support their current needs. Progressing Ballet Technique will follow a whole-body exercise to strengthen muscle memory in the correct placement through the use of tools. Each of these classes provides benefits to dancers' strength, flexibility, and technique as they continue to apply growing skills in their weekly dance classes.

Performance Ballet | Land of Sweets

For the second year in a row, our entire Performance Ballet program will prepare our Land of Sweets story ballet performance to start off the holiday season at the Schauer Center. This year, students will perform for two public audiences and one school-group-only audience. All Performance Ballet tuition includes studio class tuition and performance participation fees for the Land of Sweets. Performance participation fees include the following: digital individual and class photo images, digital copy of a performance video, cast shirt, two complimentary tickets for a public performance, and costume fees. Students enrolled in evening ballet classes are assumed to be performing in the Land of Sweets. Students not participating in the Land of Sweets performance must be identified by Friday, September 26, 2026. Discounts for not participating in the performance will not be given.

Additional Rehearsals
Specific Schedule will be shared after registration
Saturday, November 7 | 9:00 am–12:00 pm
Saturday, November 21 | 9:00 am–12:00 pm
Monday, November 23 | 5:00–9:00 pm
Wednesday-Friday, December 2–4 | 4:30 – 9:30 pm
No regular class November 23–December 5 | Regular class December 7–10

Performances
Public Performance | Saturday, December 5, 2026 at 2:00 pm
Public Performance with the Performance Irish Troupe | Saturday, December 5, 2026 at 6:00 pm
Schooltime Matinee Performance | Monday, December 7, 2026 at 10:00 am
Location: Schauer Arts Center | Ruth A. Knoll Theater

Informational Family meetings:
Virtually: Thursday, September 10 | 5:30–6:30 pm
The Dance Team shares important class and rehearsal information with students and families.

Upcoming Dance Performances

Friday, August 14, 2026 | 7:15 pm
Milwaukee Irish Fest | Children's Stage