Character
Character Dance Classes in St. Petersburg, FL
Character dance is a key part of ballet training at The Academy of Ballet Arts. This class introduces students to the authentic steps, rhythms, and performance styles of ethnic and cultural dances from around the world. Through character dance, students enhance their musicality, coordination, and stage presence while learning traditional choreography.
What Students Will Learn
- Ethnic Dance Techniques: Explore folk dances from different cultures.
- Rhythm & Musicality: Develop a strong sense of timing and musical interpretation.
- Choreography Memorization: Improve retention and performance skills.
- Performance Experience: Students have the opportunity to perform with the St. Petersburg Folk Ensemble at community events, including the St. Petersburg International Folk Fair.
Class Requirements
- Ballet I-IV dancers must take character dance as part of their training.
- Ballet Fundamentals students may take Character Class on Thursdays from 5:00-5:45 PM.
Why Study Character Dance?
Character dance enhances expressiveness, coordination, and storytelling—skills that benefit all dance styles. It also connects students with the cultural roots of dance, broadening their artistic development.
Class Schedule
Wednesday
| Time | Course | Studio | Instructor |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4:45-5:30 PM | IIA Character | Studio 2 | Suzanne B. Pomerantzeff |
| 5:30-6:30 PM | IA Character | Studio 2 | Suzanne B. Pomerantzeff |
Friday
| Time | Course | Studio | Instructor |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4:30-5:30 PM | IB Character | Studio 2 | Suzanne B. Pomerantzeff |
| 5:30-6:30 PM | IIB Character | Studio 2 | Suzanne B. Pomerantzeff |
Dress Code
Character Dress Code
- Girls: black circular skirt and black character shoes, footed pink tights and leotards of any style in the color assigned to each class level [See Class Descriptions for leotard color.]
- Boys: jazz shoes, plain tight-fitting t-shirt or leotard, tights or biketards, dance belt
- Hair: The discipline of dance requires that long hair for girls and boys in all levels be secured away from the face. For girls, this means in a bun or pinned up in braids. For boys, depending on hair length this means a tight ponytail, braid, or headband. This permits the teacher to see the correct alignment of the spine and neck. Loose hair can cause eye irritation during turns and is a distraction to both student and teacher. Students will not be allowed to take class with their hair down or in loose ponytails.
- All students are required to wear street clothing over their ballet clothes when entering or leaving the studio.
Join The Academy of Ballet Arts Today!
Located in Midtown St. Petersburg, The Academy of Ballet Arts is a non-profit dance studio dedicated to professional dance education. As a member of the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance and Grand Central District, we provide high-quality training in a supportive, community-focused environment.
Sign up today and experience the energy and artistry of character dance!
