Dance Classes
& Camps
Children's Ballet Theater and Tennessee Ballet Theater in East Memphis offers students ages 2.5 to 18 years and adults the unique beautiful traditions of Russian and French classical ballet with uplifting instructors as well as classes in pointe, modern, jazz, musical theater, contemporary, lyrical, tap, and vocal training and performance. Classes are located in East Memphis. Director Mary Van Dyke is a former professional ballerina, and it is her greatest joy to offer children, teens and adults the very best training with instructors that are kind, uplifting and always speak encouragingly to children and teens. Memphis Youth Musical Theater and Tennessee Ballet Theater are the resident companies. The highly acclaimed Clara & Nutcracker is presented with the Tennessee Ballet Theater annually at the Cannon Center, and features children and teens in most of the corps and lead roles, including the role of Clara.
Pre - Teens & Teens
The school offers teens, pre-teens, and college students pre-professional style ballet, pointe, jazz, lyrical, modern dance, tap, and musical theater with exceptional and caring dance teachers. Students are trained in syllabus technique based in the French classical training and the beautiful Russian Vaganova style. This style develops graceful port de bras arms and posture, and strength for high jumps and multiple turns. Students will learn choreography for our annual Clara & the Nutcracker at the Cannon Center and the year-end spring production. Parents cannot believe the improvement at year's end in posture, poise, and graceful athleticism. Teens also have performing opportunities with our professional Tennessee Ballet Theater company. Visit our Nutcracker page to see footage from past shows.
Pre- Ballet
We offer classes that will spark your child’s imagination and creativity. Former ballerina Mary Van Dyke has created a special syllabus designed specifically for each age group. Each class includes ballet, creative movement, and fun with ballet props. Students will also learn dances set to classical ballet music including favorites such as the "Sugar Plum Fairy Dance". Each year the syllabus is changed to insure that students returning to their same age group have new material.
Contemporary Dance - Jazz Dance &
Modern Dance
Young kids as well as teens really enjoy learning this style of dance which is mostly set to modern day pop, rock and alternative music. Contemporary dance became popular in recent years with the advent of top-rated shows such as “So You Think You Can Dance”. Students also love jazz dance and modern dance which could include any vein of music including today’s coolest music. This style of dance can include lyrical, modern or jazz.