Youth Academy

The Youth Academy offers classes for ages 2-14 in ballet, contemporary, jazz, musical theatre and hip hop. Offering the Cecchetti Ballet curriculum and performance opportunities throughout the year, including professional productions with the company. Registration is now open for Fall! Classes are available for Summer, Fall, Winter & Spring sessions.

Experience our accredited instructors at a FREE trial class! Contact Jennifer Forcucci-Marzluf , Youth Academy Coordinator, at 216-397-3757 ext 2 or email to arrange today!

Currently enrolled in the Youth Academy?

CLICK HERE>>

Affordable Tuition

All new students receive their first class FREE!
InIn support of our community, we are proud to offer quality instruction at the most affordable pricing in the area. Tuition is charged monthly for the total number of hours for all classes registered. Siblings receive 5% off monthly tuition. Annual Registration Fee $20.00. Tuition is auto billed to a credit card every month. Click here for full Tuition & Payment Policies.

30 Minutes

$36

/month

45 Minutes

$54

/month

One Hour

$64

/month

1.5 Hours

96

/month

2 Hours

$112

/month

3 Hours

$168

/month

4 Hours

$192

/month

5 Hours

$240

/month

Over 5 hours contact us. Drop-in classes $18.00 per class.

Enrollment is now open for Fall registration through our new system, Studio Director. You will be guided to create an account through Studio Director to register for classes. If you need help registering or have questions, please email here or call 216-397-3757 ext 2.

Preschool Division

The Youth Academy Preschool Division aims to provide an engaging and comprehensive dance program for young children ages 2-5+. Our preschool classes are specially designed to offer a fun and engaging introduction to ballet technique. We emphasize motor development, teamwork, and self-confidence, while fostering a strong foundation and love of dance. Our classroom curriculum focuses on developing posture, coordination, flexibility and beginning dance vocabulary.

Parent & Me Dance (Ages 2-3)

Wed 10:30-11:00am – Ms. Andrea

Creative Ballet (Ages 3-4)

Wed 11:00-11:30am – Ms. Andrea
Thur 4:30-5:00pm – Ms. Andrea
Sat 9:30-10:00am – Ms. Sabrina

Pre Primary Ballet (Ages 5 & up)

Thur 5:00 -5:45pm – Ms. Andrea
Sat 10:00-10:45am – Ms. Sabrina

Youth Academy

The Academy Youth Division is an exciting new program offering the highest quality dance education for aspiring dancers ages 6-14. Through our internationally recognized Cecchetti USA Classical Ballet syllabus, students build a strong foundation in ballet technique, coordination, and performance presence. With certified instructors expertly trained in the Cecchetti Method, students develop essential skills such as balance, poise, strength, flexibility, musicality, and artistry. This training will provide dancers with a strong foundation for all dance styles. The Academy also offers weekly Contemporary, Jazz and Hip Hop classes and other masterclass opportunities throughout the year. In addition to group classes, this program provides opportunities for private coaching and learning variations, allowing students to refine their technique and performance skills further. Throughout the year, students have the chance to showcase their talents in performance opportunities, including with our professional ballet company.

Cecchetti Classical Ballet

Dancers in this Cecchetti Classical Ballet program are required to train as follows.

Primary & Ballet 1 = Minimum 1 hour per week
Ballet 2 = Minimum 2 hours ballet per week
Ballet 3 = Minimum 1.5 hours ballet per week & 1 hour Pre-Pointe
Ballet 4 = Minimum 3 hours ballet per week & 1 hour Pre-Pointe

Ballet 2 and above are encouraged to also take electives in other genres of dance.

Primary Ballet (Ages 6 & up)

Mon 4:30-5:30pm – Ms. Jennifer

Ballet 1 (Ages 7 & up)

Thurs 4:30-5:30pm – Mr. Isaac

Ballet 2 (Ages 9 & up)

Thur 5:45-6:45pm – Mr. Isaac
Ballet 2 and above are encouraged to take their current level and one level above.

Ballet 3 (Ages 10 & up)

Wed 4:30-5:30pm – Ms. Jennifer
Ballet 3 and above are encouraged to take their current level and one level above.

Ballet 4 (Ages 11 & up)

Tues 4:30-5:30pm – Ms. Jennifer

Ballet 4 and above are encouraged to take their current level and one level above.

Pre-Pointe & Pointe 1 (recommendation only)

Tues 6:00-7:00pm – Ms. Jennifer

Waitlist only

More Dance Genres

The Youth Academy also offers weekly classes in Contemporary, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Hip Hop and other masterclass opportunities throughout the year. These classes can be taken in addition to the ballet circulumn or separate as a focus.

Contemporary

(Ages 7 & up) Thur 5:30 -6:30pm – Ms. Lydia
(Ages 9 & up) Thur 6:45 -7:45pm – Ms. Lydia
(Ages 10 & up) Wed 6:00 -7:00pm – Ms. Lydia

Jazz

(Ages 10 & up) Fri 4:30-5:30pm – Mr. Antonio
Recommended taking Musical Theatre also

Hip Hop

(Ages 8 & up) Tues 6:00-7:00pm Chloe

Musical Theatre

(Ages 10 & up) Fri 5:30 -6:30pm – Mr. Antonio
Recommended taking Jazz also

PBT/Strength

(Ages 11 & up) Sun 10:00-11:00am – Ms. Kelly

Pre-Pointe & Pointe 1 (recommendation only)

Tues 6:00-7:00pm – Ms. Jennifer

Frequently asked questions

How are classes offered?

All classes are taught at the Verb, “Ohio Contemporary Ballet” Center for Dance located at 3558 Lee Road in Shaker Heights behind The Dealership.

Do I need to register for class?

Yes, and your first class is FREE! Click here to register online here. Or call 216-397-3757 ext 2 and we can help you.

What dates do you offer classes?

Classes are offered year around with breaks for holidays and between sessions. Our current 23-24 season is as follows:

Summer Session 2: July 13- August 5, 2023
Fall Term: September 5- December 16, 2023
Summer Session 2: July 13- August 5, 2023
Fall Term: September 5- December 16, 2023
Winter/Spring 2024 Term: January 8 – May 18, 2024
Summer 2024 Term: June 3 – July 27, 2024
Fall 2024 Term (tentative): September 3– December 14, 2024

Are there payment plans available?

Tuition is billed monthly and automatically charged to your account by credit card. For specific payment arrangements please contact by email or call 216-397-3757 ext 2.Click here to view our tuition policies here.

Is there a uniform?

Yes, please click here to view our uniform guidelines for all classes.

Where are you located?

Behind The Dealership at 3558 Lee Road in Shaker Heights.

Am I able to watch class?

Parents and other family members are permitted to observe classes during the first-class meeting of each month only. Allowing your child to have the teacher’s full attention creates an ideal learning environment. You will find that your child will retain classroom curriculum better and be less distracted during class time.

If your child has special health needs, please discuss this with your instructor. If you have other questions or concerns regarding our parent observation policy listed here, please discuss it with your instructor or email us here.

Can I make up a class?

There are no refunds and no adjustments made for missed classes, except for long periods of time with arrangements made in advance. Email requests to academy@verbballets.org.

If class is cancelled by Verb Center for Dance or any reason, a make-up class will be scheduled. If we are unable to provide a make-up class, then your account will be credited for the cancelled class.

Clcik here for full Tuition & Payment Policies