Mind. body. balance
Welcome to Louisville Ballet’s health & wellness initiative.
We offer quality training in a variety of dance & fitness styles for adults and teens ages 15+, from the beginner to the professional dancer. All levels of ability are welcome!
let’s move!
- Booking opens 14 days in advance on Mindbody Online or the Mindbody App 📲
(Search for Louisville Ballet to find our class scheduler) Advance booking is required. - We have two studio locations. Some class locations vary. Please check the ROOM ASSIGNMENT before driving to class.
- Waitlisting is available with automated email & text notifications to let you know if a spot opens up in class!
- Early cancellation is available up to 2 hours before class. Late cancel, late arrival, and no showing will forfeit your class credit.
- Attend yoga classes at a discount with our neighbor, YOGAST8! Redeem a discounted class by emailing [email protected] in advance.
- Continue to move with us on the Mind Body Balance – Louisville Facebook Page and follow us on Instagram @mindbodybalancelou for the latest updates.
- Questions? Email us at [email protected]
annouNcements
Save the Date!
Winter Somatic Practice Retreat + Master Classes: January 5– 8, 2026
Variation Workshops on February 1, 8, and 15, 2026
Complementary Collection 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
Classes will transfer from Downtown to St. Matthews on the following dates:
November 23, 2025
January 10, 2026
February 1, 2026
March 1, 21-22, 28-29, 2026
April 19, 2026
Weekly classes will pause over the following periods:
Thanksgiving Break: November 26– 30, 2025
Winter Break: December 21, 2025– January 4, 2026
Winter Somatic Practice Retreat/Master Classes: January 5– 8, 2026
Spring Break 2026: April 5– 11, 2026
Summer Somatic Practice Retreat/Master Classes: July 27– 30, 2026
class schedule
Refer to MINDBODY for the most up to date class schedule. To find our schedule of classes, just search for “Louisville Ballet”.
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. The location varies by weekend. **
Day/Time
Mondays, 5:00 – 6:15 pm
Mondays, 7:00 – 8:15 pm
Tuesdays, 2:45 – 4:00 pm
Tuesdays, 3:00 – 4:15 pm
Tuesdays, 7:00 – 8:15 pm
Tuesdays, 7:30 – 8:45 pm
Tuesdays, 8:15 – 8:45 pm
Wednesdays, 9:00 – 10:00 am
Wednesdays, 10:00 – 11:30 am
Wednesdays, 7:00 – 8:15 pm
Thursdays, 10:00 – 11:30 am
Thursdays, 5:15 – 6:30 pm
Saturdays, 9:00 am – 10:30 am
Saturdays, 11:00 am – 12:15 pm
Saturdays, 11:15 am – 12:30 pm
Sundays, 10:00 am – 11:15 am
Sundays, 11:15 am – 12:15 pm
Sundays, 12:30 – 1:45 pm
Sundays, 2:00 – 3:00 pm
*Louisville Ballet Artist
^Louisville Ballet Artistic Staff
~Former Louisville Ballet Artist
Class
Introductory Ballet 2
Beginning Ballet
Beginning Tap
Introductory Ballet 1
Intermediate Ballet
Musical Theater Jazz
Pointe Strengthening
GYROKINESIS®
Intermediate Ballet
Jazz
Beginning Ballet
Gentle Ballet
Advanced Ballet
Int/Adv Tap
Introductory Ballet 1
Int/Adv Contemporary Modern
Beginning Modern
Introductory Ballet 2
Pilates
Studio Location
St. Matthews
St. Matthews
St. Matthews
St. Matthews
St. Matthews
St. Matthews
St. Matthews
St. Matthews
St. Matthews
St. Matthews
St. Matthews
St. Matthews
**Check Location**
St. Matthews
St. Matthews
**Check Location**
**Check Location**
**Check Location**
**Check Location**
Instructor
Tawnee Thompson ~
Nicholas Bentz*
Gail Benedict
Tawnee Thompson~
Ashley Thursby*
Daniel Scofield*
Ashley Thursby*
Minh-Tuan Nguyen~
Joseph Nygren Cox~
David X. Thurmond~
Joseph Nygren Cox~
Sheila Zeng
Phillip Velinov*
Gail Benedict
Sheila Zeng
Theresa Bautista
Theresa Bautista
Ashley Thursby*
Ashley Thursby*
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
Enter from the main entrance on Main Street.
faculty
A native of Fremont, Ohio, Leigh Anne Albrechta trained at The Fremont Ballet School, Ballet Theatre of Toledo, and later graduated from The Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts. She joined Charlotte Ballet for two years as a trainee and apprentice, earning the opportunity to work with Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, Patricia McBride, Mark Diamond, and Dwight Rhoden. In 2009, Leigh Anne joined Louisville Ballet as a trainee and was hired as a Company Artist the following season. She has enjoyed performing a range of classical and contemporary roles, including Juliet in Adam Hougland’s Romeo + Juliet, Valencienne in Ronald Hynd‘s The Merry Widow, the Sugar Plum Fairy, Rose, and Marie in Val Caniparoli’s The Brown-Forman Nutcracker, featured roles in Andrea Schermoly’s Limbic and Rite of Spring, and principal roles in George Balanchine’s Serenade, Emeralds, and Kammermusik No.2. Leigh Anne has danced with Moving Arts Company and Choreographic Residency of Marin during her summers. She is grateful for the support and generosity of the Louisville community.
Nicholas Bentz was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, and continued his education at Butler University, receiving a BS in Dance Pedagogy. After graduating, he danced for two years in the Louisville Ballet Studio Company. Following his time in Louisville, he danced for two seasons with Indianapolis Ballet. He became a Company Artist at Louisville Ballet in 2024.
Daniel Scofield joined Louisville Ballet as a Company Artist in 2022 and has performed roles and works including Romeo in Alun Jones’ Romeo & Juliet, The Nutcracker and Sugar Plum Cavalier in Val Caniparoli’s The Brown-Forman Nutcracker, an Ugly Stepsister in Alun Jones’ Cinderella, Andrea Schermoly’s Appalachian Spring, Ching Ching Wong’s 502 and Grass Is Green, Adam Hougland’s Broken Totem and Cold Virtues, and Anne Jung’s #fourwithsix.
A Louisville native, Daniel began his performing arts training primarily in musical theatre, later focusing more heavily on dance. Daniel graduated Cum Laude from Butler University in 2021, earning a B.S. in Dance/Arts Administration and a Minor in Business. Repertoire performed at Butler included Paul Taylor’s Piazzolla Caldera, Gerald Arpino’s Light Rain, Patrick de Bana’s Falling Sky, The Firebird, and The Sleeping Beauty.
As a faculty member of The Louisville Ballet School, Daniel has taught in almost every program, including the Summer Intensive and Louisville Ballet Youth Ensemble. He has created original works for Louisville Ballet (Soma, 2024), for The Louisville Ballet School, and has choreographed multiple local musical theatre productions. When he isn’t dancing or teaching, Daniel loves to hang out with his pets, family, and friends and enjoy the outdoors.
Ashley grew up in Richmond, Missouri, and began formal dance training at age nine on full scholarship with the Kansas City Ballet School. She later studied Ballet and Journalism at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, where she was mentored by Violette Verdy, Cynthia Gregory, and other esteemed artists. Since joining Louisville Ballet in 2008, her notable roles have included the Ballerina in Twyla Tharp’s In the Upper Room, a soloist in George Balanchine’s Rubies, Myrtha in Giselle, Swanhilda in Coppélia, and the Sugar Plum Fairy in Val Caniparoli’s The Brown-Forman Nutcracker. A passionate advocate for the arts, she is currently the co-curator of Louisville Ballet’s 75th Anniversary Exhibit and a 2024 History Inspires Fellow, researching dance archives at the Filson Historical Society. Ashley also collaborates with community partners and leads The Louisville Ballet School’s mind. body. balance. Adult Dance + Fitness program.
Born in Bulgaria’s capital, Phillip began training at the National Ballet School in Sofia, later transferring to the Alabama School of Fine Arts on a full scholarship. Following graduation, he joined the Alabama Ballet and won the first full performing arts scholarship in the 150-year history of Birmingham-Southern College, completing B.A. in Dance with honors. Rumen Rashev, Dame Sonia Arova, Thor Sutowsky, Mira Popovich, Eldar Aliev, Vladilen Simeonov, Irina Kolpakova, Bruce Simpson, Alun Jones, and Helen Starr have all played an instrumental role in shaping Phillip as an artist. He was a soloist with Ballet Internationale (Indianapolis) prior to joining the Louisville Ballet as a principal dancer in 2006. He also performed as a guest artist with Kathryn Posin’s Dance Company in NYC in 2014 (Voices of Bulgaria and America). Phillip received diplomas at the 1998 and 2002 Varna International Ballet Competitions and won the 1998 Birmingham Fine Arts Society Award for Excellence in Dance. Repertoire highlights spanning three continents include a broad spectrum of roles: Albrecht (Giselle), Siegfried and Rothbart (Swan Lake), The Golden Slave (Scheherazade); the Nutcracker, Cavalier, and Drosselmeyer (Val Caniparoli’s The Brown-Forman Nutcracker); Chief of Thieves (A 1001 Nights), Benvolio and Tybalt (Romeo & Juliet), Nana the dog (Peter Pan), Basilio, Espada, Gamache, and Lorenzo (Don Quixote), Carabosse (Sleeping Beauty), Doctor Coppélius (Coppélia); Puck (A Midsummer Night’s Dream); Balanchine’s Agon, Kammermusik No.2, Theme and Variations, and Square Dance; the Red Man in Lila York’s Celts; Twyla Tharp’s “That’s Life” (Nine Sinatra Songs), Adam Hougland’s Ten Beautiful Objects, Petrouchka, and Cold Virtues, and Andrea Schermoly’s Appalachian Spring, among others. Phillip also served as a founding teacher of the Male Division of the Clara Noise Ballet Academy in Indianapolis, and most recently assisted in staging A 1001 Nights at the Sofia National Ballet. He is happy to call Louisville home with his wife and colleague Natalia and their two children.
Brienne Wiltsie grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and danced professionally with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s company for two seasons after training in both their high school and graduate training programs. Favorite memories of performing in her hometown include Grand Pas Classique and Twyla Tharp’s Nine Sinatra Songs. Her love of being on stage then brought Brienne to Louisville, where she enjoyed performing with Louisville Ballet for two seasons (2009- 2011).
This year marks the beginning of Brienne’s 15th year teaching at The Louisville Ballet School (2011-present). She feels incredibly fortunate to work with the Pre-Professional students and the Louisville Ballet Youth Ensemble. In addition to teaching ballet, Brienne is also a certified Pilates instructor.
Brienne returned as a Company Artist during the 2018-2019 Season under the artistic direction of Robert Curran. She has treasured every minute of being able to perform in both classical and new works and is especially grateful for the opportunity to take on the role of Odette in Robert Curran’s Swan Lake and Swanhilde in his Coppélia, Russian Girl in George Balanchine’s Serenade, and the principal lady in Jerome Robbins’ In G Major. Brienne has also been honored to perform as the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Rose in Val Caniparoli’s The Brown-Forman Nutcracker.
accompanists
Javier Cendejas
Justin Gray
Ethan McCollum
Douglas Schultz
classes offered
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.
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!
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.
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.
Advanced Ballet
5+ years of training
Advanced classes are intended for dancers with extensive training. Pre-professional and professional dancers welcome!
Modern
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.
Jazz
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!
Tap
This class is open to both new students wanting to learn fundamentals of tap and experienced tappers who wish to improve their musicality and enjoy the challenge of exploring diverse styles of American tap dance as utilized in today’s Broadway choreography. This class offers a 60-minute warm-up and instruction at the beginning/intermediate level followed by 30 minutes of advanced level instruction. All levels are welcome to stay for the duration with the option to exit after the 60-minute mark.
GYROKINESIS®
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.
Pilates
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.
Gentle Ballet
Mixed levels
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!
Pointe Strengthening
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.
class packages
In an ongoing effort to provide our clients with more affordable, quality dance training and fitness classes, we have created class packages to fit a variety of needs. Packages may be applied towards any weekly class offering (unless otherwise noted). Advanced booking is required for all classes, at least 2 hours prior to the start of class. Clients are able to book and purchase a any of our class package options by visiting Mindbody Online or using the Mindbody App up to 14 days prior to any scheduled class. Cancellations may be made up to 2 hours before a class reservation.
- Single Visit: $18.00 (30-day expiration)
- 4 Class Package: $60.00 (60-day expiration)
- 10 Class Package: $140.00 (120-day expiration)
- Month Unlimited Package: $130.00 (30-day expiration)
dicounted rates
Discounts are not available in the Mindbody Online Store. To redeem any of our discount rates, please enter the most up to date billing information in your Mindbody Online account (use a web browser, not the app) and contact the School Registrar by emailing [email protected] with your purchase and class booking requests with at least 72-hour notice. Cancellations may be made up to 2 hours before a class begins, using Mindbody Online or the Mindbody App.
- $15 Professional Rate Actor/Singer/Dancer*
- $15 College Student*, Military*, and Seniors**
- $15 YOGAST8 Client
*with valid identification
**Ages 60+
parent packages discount
Parents of students enrolled in The Louisville Ballet School for a Fall or Spring semester will be sent a promo code at the beginning of the semester to use in the Mindbody Online Store to redeem class packages at a special discounted rate. (Please note: promo codes cannot be used with the Mindbody App.)
guidelines for class attire
In general, class participants should wear fitted athletic or dance attire for any mind. body. balance. 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.
general information
- No cancellations after the 2 hour window has closed.
- No refunds are offered for classes cancelled, expired, or attended.
- Advanced contactless payment is required via Mindbody Online or the Mindbody App.
- Gift Cards are available via Louisville Ballet’s Online Store 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.
- Louisville Ballet studios are available for auditions and rehearsals. For studio rental requests, please fill out our online form.
louisville ballet ticket discount
Clients in the mind. body. balance. program with an active class package are entitled to a ticket discount for Louisville Ballet’s main stage productions. Clients may redeem 25% off single tickets, limited to one ticket per main stage production. All discount tickets must be redeemed by calling (502) 583-2623 to reach the Louisville Ballet Box Office, prior to the week of the performance. Certain restrictions may apply and late redemption will not be permitted.
somatic practices retreat
January 2026 Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement® with Dorothy Henning (St. Matthews)
July 2026 TBA (Downtown)
Performance opportunities
Spring Dance Festival: Complementary Collection
May 9, 2026
The Brown Theatre
#JoinTheMovement with Louisville Ballet Company Artist, Ashley Thursby, on Sundays from 3:15 – 4:45 pm starting March 1, 2026. Rehearsals will culminate with a performance at The Brown Theatre on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 1:00 PM as part of The Louisville Ballet School’s Spring Dance Festival Complementary Collection!
Things to know:
- This offering is best suited for clients who feel comfortable in a beginning ballet and above setting, although we welcome all levels of dancers.
- Registered clients must take at least 2 mbb offerings per week during the rehearsal and performance period. This is to further your commitment to movement technique as you prepare for the performance.
- One stage rehearsal on Monday, May 4, 2026 (call time TBA).
- Complimentary Collection Performance is on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 1:00 PM
- Capacity is limited to 12 performers.
- Register online with $175 Spring Collection fee.
Rehearsal Schedule:
- 3/1 3:15-4:45pm DOWNTOWN (90min)
- 3/8 3:15-4:45pm ST MATT (90min)
- 3/15 3:15-4:45pm DOWNTOWN (90min)
- 3/22 No rehearsal
- 3/29 No rehearsal
- 4/5 No rehearsal
- 4/12 No rehearsal
- 4/19 3:15-4:45pm DOWNTOWN (90min)
- 4/26 3:15-4:15pm DOWNTOWN (60min)
- 5/3 3:15-4:15pm DOWNTOWN (60min)
Final payments are due February 27, 2026.
All fees are non-refundable. No deductions or refunds will be made for absence or withdrawal, voluntary or involuntary, unless for medical reasons with documentation from your doctor.
Adult intensive
May 25 – 30, 2026
Louisville Ballet Studios
315 East Main Street
Save the date 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.
registration & tuition fees
Reserve your spot with a $50 registration deposit and register through April 1st. Late registration available starting April 2nd. Late registration will remain open as space remains.
- Full Day Program: $550
- Half Day Program: $300
- Late Registration Full Day Program: $600 (After April 1)
- Late Registration Half Day Program: $350 (After April 1)
Final payments are due May 15, 2026.
All fees are non-refundable. No deductions or refunds will be made for absence or withdrawal, voluntary or involuntary, unless for medical reasons with documentation from your doctor.
Register via the Enrollments tab on Mindbody Online.
Need Financial Assistance? Click here to review our Scholarship Application. (Closes March 31, 2026)
connect
Facebook Page: Mind Body Balance- Louisville
Facebook Group: Client Connection
Instagram: @mindbodybalancelou
Monthly Newsletter: Subscribe here!
2025-2026 Client Handbook
questions
Ashley Thursby
mind. body. balance. Program Manager
[email protected]
Tara Gardner Perry
Registration & Enrollment Manager
[email protected]
502-583-3150 x 245
monthly newsletter
Stay in the know with our Monthly Newsletter archives!
November 2025
October 2025
September 2025
August 2025
July 2025
June 2025
May 2025
April 2025
March 2025
February 2025
January 2025
December 2024