If you live in Washington County and are interested in ballet or dance, you are in luck.

Elizabeth’s Academy of Classical Ballet, located at the City Center in Ainsworth,  offers classes for children as young as three years old up to adults. Elizabeth Billups, a former professional dancer and choreographer, who teaches Vaganova Russian Method Classical Ballet, is the director. Classes began on Monday, September 12th, and are held in the afternoons and evenings throughout the week. The classes will run through May, culminating in a December performance of The Nutcracker: a magical ballet performance with a little bit of everything, including battles, romance, a land of sweets, stylish outfits, wonderful music, and much more. 

The classes makeup ranges from hobbyists to semi-professionals, and those interested in becoming career dancers.

Bar and center work, combinations across the floor, turns and jumps, classical choreography, and vocabulary all constitute the lesson plan. Ballet is taught in French, so dancers will get to study and understand that as well. Billups would also work hard to place any new dancer in the appropriate class in order to avoid anxiety and apprehension.

From the dancer’s side, Billups told KCII News that, “It does help if students practice at home. Certainly ask questions during class. To [also] come with an attitude of not being afraid to make mistakes; to try something new.”

She mentions that her goal for this year, especially since it will be their second year performing the Nutcracker, is to make it bigger and better. She is looking for extras and points out that being an extra does not require taking regular classes. She is looking for more male performers in particular.

If you want to join, watch, or try a class for the first time, visit their website at www.elizabethsacademyofclassicalballet.com. Visit Elizabeth’s Academy of Classical Ballet on Facebook or call the studio at 319-548-0236.