Here at Country Roads, all of our classes are built out from our Classical Ballet curriculum, based in the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus. From their first Pre-Ballet class to their final Pointe class, students are encouraged to be creative, imaginative, and embrace their inner beauty.  

Imaginative Duties

Students in Pre-Ballet through Ballet III classes (check with Christa), engage in a fun interactive theme every year which allows them to get through longer classes and unlock the creativity in their hearts. Each year a new puppet or figure is introduced to the studio as an imaginative instructor for children. This character leaves a Secret Word on the door of the studio each week, a reminder of the technique or step students are learning that day. 

​But characters are not the only way Country Roads help students become better ballerinas. Older students remember a long decorated rod which young ballerinas are asked to imagine inserting inside themselves, to make them taller, stronger, and stand up straighter. Strategies like these are a long standing tradition at Country Roads, and are a wonderful connector between past, present, and future students. ​

Pointe Work

Pointe work begins at approximately age eleven, depending on a student's strength and readiness. Pointe classes take place after the Advanced Ballet class in about 45 minute segments and for Pre-Pointe students after their Ballet classes in 15 minute segments (get a better phrasing/time spacing for this).  Country Roads does not rush students into pointe work, carefully evaluating each student for readiness in strength and technique.  Attention is paid to teaching the girls how to care for their feet and how to be safe on pointe.

Meg, our Pointe teacher, helps some students practice their attitude on Pointe. 

Date and Time of Classes

Pre-Ballet (Pre-School/Kindergarten)- Monday's from 4:30 to 5

Beginning Ballet (1st and 2nd grade)- Monday's from 5:00 to 6:00

Advanced Beginning Ballet (3rd and 4th grade)- Tuesday's from 4:30 to 5:30

Intermediate Ballet (5th and 6th grade)- Tuesday's from 5:30 to 6:30

Advanced Ballet (7th grade and up, by invitation)- Monday's from 6:00 to 7:15

Pointe (7th grade and up, by invitation)- Monday's from 7:15 to 7:45

Instructors

Pre-Ballet and Beginning Ballet- Christa Gersh

Advanced Beginning and Intermediate Ballet- Laura Volkland

​Advanced Ballet & Pointe- Meg A. McMenamin