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 true beginner to the professional dancer. All levels of ability are welcome!

Let’s move!

  • Scheduling opens 2 weeks in advance for every class. Advance booking is required. No drop-ins.
  • Book early to save your spot on Mindbody Online or the Mindbody App 📲 (Search for Louisville Ballet to find our class scheduler)
  • A minimum of 3 clients is needed to hold a class.
  • The booking & cancellation window closes 2 hours before class.
  • Cancelling after the 2 hour window will forfeit your class credit.
  • Waitlisting is available with automated email & text notifications to let you know if a spot opens up in class!
  • Come under dressed in dance attire with a pre-filled water bottle.
  • Arrive at least 5 minutes before your scheduled class to check in. Late arrivals may not be accommodated and will forfeit the class visit.
  • Questions? Email us at school@louisvilleballet.org

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 East Main Street classes, please double check the room assignment before driving to class in the event of a class transfer to the St. Matthews Studios**

Day Class Time Studio Location Instructor
Mondays Introductory Ballet 2 5:00 – 6:15 pm St. Matthews Tawnee Thompson~
Mondays Beginning Ballet 7:00 – 8:15 pm St. Matthews Nicholas Bentz*
Tuesdays Introductory Ballet 1 3:00 – 4:15 pm St. Matthews Tawnee Thompson~
Tuesdays Intermediate Ballet 7:00 – 8:15 pm St. Matthews Sheila Zeng
Tuesdays Pointe Strengthening 8:15 – 8:45 pm St. Matthews Sheila Zeng
Wednesdays Intermediate Ballet 10:00 – 11:30 am St. Matthews Joseph Nygren Cox~
Wednesdays Jazz (All Levels) 6:45 – 8:00 pm St. Matthews David X. Thurmond~
Thursdays Advanced Ballet 10:00 – 11:30 am St. Matthews Joseph Nygren Cox~
Thursdays Gentle Ballet 4:45 – 6:00 pm St. Matthews Sheila Zeng
Thursdays Tap (All Levels) 6:45 – 8:15 pm St. Matthews Gail Benedict
Fridays Musical Theatre Jazz (All Levels) 6:30 – 7:45 pm St. Matthews Daniel Scofield*
Saturdays Advanced Ballet 9:00 am – 10:30 am ** East Main Street ** Phillip Velinov*
Saturdays Introductory Ballet 1 11:00 am – 12:15 pm St. Matthews Sheila Zeng
Sundays Int/Adv Contemporary Modern 10:00 am – 11:15 am ** East Main Street ** Theresa Bautista
Sundays Beginning Modern 11:15 am – 12:15 pm ** East Main Street ** Theresa Bautista
Sundays Introductory Ballet 2 12:30 – 1:45 pm ** East Main Street ** Ashley Thursby*
Sundays Rotating Somatic Practice 2:00 – 3:00 pm ** East Main Street ** Rotating Instructor

*Louisville Ballet Artist
^Louisville Ballet Artistic Staff
~Former Louisville Ballet Artist

Rotating Somatic Practices Schedule:

  • GYROKINESIS® classes with Minh-Tuan Nguyen*, GYROKINESIS® Trainer on the first Sunday of the month
  • Tai chi with Lloyd Kelly on the second Sunday of the month
  • Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement® classes with Dorothy Henning, Certified Feldenkrais® Practitioner on the third Sunday of the month
  • Yoga with Leigh Anne Albrecta* on the fourth Sunday of the month
  • Pilates with Ashley Thursby* on the fifth Sunday of the month

Scheduled transfers to St. Matthews Studios included:

  • Sunday, November 24, 2024
  • Sunday, January 26, 2025
  • Saturday, February 22, 2025
  • Sunday, February 23, 2025
  • Saturday, March 1, 2025
  • Sunday, March 2, 2025
  • Sunday, March 9, 2024

announcements

  • St. Matthews Location Transfers:
    • November 24, 2024
    • February 22-23, 2025
    • January 26, 2025
    • March 1-2 & 9, 2025
  • Weekly classes will pause over the following periods:
    • Summer Master Class Week: July 22-25, 2024
    • Winter Master Class Week:
      January 2-5, 2025
  • Variations Workshops: February 9 & 16, 2025
  • Attend yoga classes at a discount with our neighbor, YOGAST8! Redeem a discounted class by emailing holler@yogast8.com 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.

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

Leigh Anne Albrechta*

Theresa Bautista

Gail Benedict

 

Nicholas Bentz*

Dorothy Henning

Lloyd Kelly

Minh-Tuan Nguyen

Joseph Nygren-Cox

Daniel Scofield*

Tawnee Thompson

David X. Thurmond

Ashley Thursby*

Phillip Velinov*

Brienne Wiltsie*

Sheila Zeng

*Louisville Ballet Artist
^Louisville Ballet Artistic Staff
~Former Louisville Ballet Artist

 

accompanists

Javier Cendejas

Ethan McCollum

 

 

*PHOTO HOLD*

 

 

Justin Gray

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!

Gentle Ballet

Mixed Level
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!

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

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.

Yoga

A Vinyasa yoga practice that connects individual poses with the breath in a series of flowing sequences of movement.

 

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. 

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.

Feldenkrais
You move by an image of yourself that is constantly developing and changing in your brain.

Your thoughts, movement habits, sensations, and awareness create a constant feedback loop that changes your self-image and translates into your movement possibilities in each moment. This is called neuroplasticity. In Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement® you dive through this somatic portal to learn about your body in movement and yourself. Each lesson in Awareness Through Movement is organized around the improvement of a different aspect of human movement. Through verbally guided attention, you are led through a sequence of mindful movements. You are most often lying down, sometimes sitting or standing. In these classes, you will explore yourself in movement, and your body in space, gravity and balance. You will learn how to navigate your rapport with the ground. You will discover your habits and how they limit your self-image and therefore your movement, and you will be surprised how new possibilities appear leaving old habits with less control over you and your movement. Excellent for dancers, athletes, and for everyone, to feel better in all your activities! Move better and feel better!

An Awareness Through Movement lesson is a meeting with yourself. The improvement comes not from the movement itself, but from how you listen to yourself and tend to yourself as you move. You may be pleasantly surprised as these improvements often spread to other aspects of your life!

Tai Chi

The class is appropriate for first timers, beginners at all levels, or more experienced practitioners. Exercises are suitable for participants of any fitness level or age. Emphasis will be on basic Tai Chi principles. Calming of the mind, stress reduction,

body strengthening, and increased flexibility. Exercise to improve balance, proprioception, fall prevention, and meta-aerobics.
A short sequence, the “Eight Combination Form”, will be taught. Do not worry about remembering it; the only thing you have to remember is to show up. Also, do remember our class motto: “No Pain, No Pain”. You will feel better after doing Tai Chi—energized and relaxed.

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: $30.00 (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)

parent package 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.)

discounted 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 school@louisvilleballet.org with your purchase and class booking requests with at least 72 hours 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+

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.

performance opportunity – Spring Collection

2025 Information Coming Soon!

The Louisville Ballet School’s Spring Dance Festival
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Brown Theatre

#JoinTheMovement with a Louisville Ballet Artist on Sundays from 3:15 – 4:15 pm starting March 9, 2025 and running through May 4, 2025. Rehearsals will culminate with a performance at The Brown Theatre on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 1:00 PM as part of The Louisville Ballet School’s Spring Dance Festival!

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 at the Brown Theatre during the week of May 5, 2025.
  • Capacity is limited to 12 performers.

Rehearsal Schedule:

  • Sunday, March 9, 2025 (St. Matthews)
  • Sundays, March 16-May 4, 2024 (Downtown Studios)
  • No rehearsal on Sunday, April 20, 2025

Production Week Schedule:

  • Stage Rehearsal Date TBA
  • Saturday, May 10th for Spring Collection Performance (Brown Theatre)

Registration:

  • Register online with $175 Spring Collection fee
  • Final payments are due March 1, 2025.

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

2025 Info Coming Soon!
Louisville Ballet Studios
315 East Main Street

We are thrilled to launch our sixth 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, Feldenkrais, Yoga and Variations that will be part of an in-studio showcase for Full Program participants.

Click to view a sample schedule.

registration & tuition fees

Reserve your spot with a $50 registration deposit and register through April 1. Late registration available starting April 2. 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, 2024.

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, 2024)

connect

Facebook Page: Mind Body Balance- Louisville
Facebook Group: Client Connection
Instagram: @mindbodybalancelou
Monthly Newsletter: Subscribe here!
2024-2025 Client Handbook

questions

Ashley Thursby
mind. body. balance. Program Manager
athursby@louisvilleballet.org

Tara Gardner Perry
Registration & Enrollment Manager
tgardner@louisvilleballet.org
502-583-3150 x 245