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.
Youth Academy
Currently enrolled in the Youth Academy?
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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:
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
Do I need a water bottle?
YES! Having water on hand is encouraged during every class you take with us. Instructors will give the dancers water breaks during class.
Youth Academy Faculty

Dr. Margaret Carlson

Richard Dickinson, MFA

Jennifer Garlando

Jennifer Forcucci-Marzluf

Andrea McCormick

Antonio Morillo

Kelly Korfhage

Isaac Hileman

Lydia Marzluf

Chloe Marzluf
