Open Door Studios

We're excited to announce the return of Ms. Jamie Clifton on Thursday mornings 💚

After receiving the California Alliance for Arts Education’s 2000 Emerging Young Artist Award, she joined the American Repertory Ballet in New Jersey where she spent two seasons.

Jamie accompanied Nai Ni Chen Dance Company on their 2002 China Tour and has been a guest artist with L.A. Chamber Dance/Raiford Rogers Modern Ballet.

She danced for seven years with BalletMet Columbus where she received the 2008 Violetta Boft Award. She finished out her career as a principal dancer with Charlotte Ballet where she spent her last 8 seasons.

Ever feel like your technique is missing a layer of strength? That deep, core-driven power that turns movement from pretty to powerful? ✨

That’s the Horton Technique. It’s the secret weapon for building a rock-solid center, incredible flexibility, and the kind of clean, dynamic lines that command the stage.

In this 90-minute deep dive, you will:
💥 Forge Iron Core Strength
💥 Expand Your Dynamic Range
💥 Master Foundational Horton Studies
💥 Connect with a Legacy of Modern Dance

Class meets every Thursday throughout the season! We can't wait to see you then 💚

Wednesday Daytime Drop-ins are BACK! Join Ms. Jacque every Wednesday for conditioning and stay for ballet technique 💚

Our drop-in classes are generally open to dancers ages 14+ (with previous dance experience).

If you haven't already, please contact our front desk today to get your dancer registered in their weekly dance class(es) 💚

Stay tuned in the coming days for sneak peak clues on what the theme of this season's end of year production will be!

New Class Alert! 🚨

We heard you, and we’ve added a Monday Pre-Ballet I class starting next week! 💫

This class is designed for dancers ages 4-6 who are ready to begin or build on their ballet basics in a fun, encouraging environment.

If you have a dancer who is ready for a touch more structure and loves the idea of learning real ballet technique, this is the perfect fit!

Our Pre-Ballet program builds on a set curriculum each week, helping little ones develop focus, memory, and a love for dance.

Contact our front desk today or visit our website to get registered 💚

Photo: Daniel Wiley Photography

Join Jacqueline White on Mondays for a supplemental training opportunity for dancers, ages 12 and older, who have demonstrated mastery of skills required by our lower levels and who want to focus more on serious ballet training.

Dancers will improve musicality and artistry while building on the foundations of alignment, correct use of rotation, strength and placement. Includes pointe and/or pre-pointe and PBT. Dancers who are not en pointe will be evaluated throughout the year.

At least 4 years of previous ballet experience required. This class is eligible for ABT exams and end of year concert participation. This class kicks off on August 24th!

Register today by visiting our website or by contacting our front desk today via phone or email 💚

🚨 NEW OFFERING 🚨

Wednesdays are now for individualized technique and variation coaching specifically designed for dancers preparing for YAGP and IBC. Each session is tailored to the dancer's unique technical needs, artistry, and competition goals, providing a personalized alternative to traditional private coaching while building the skills and confidence needed for peak performance.

Tuesdays: PBT, Ballet Technique, Pointe
Thursdays: Ballet Technique, Pointe, Contemporary

This program is directed by Johanna Butow with ODS faculty and guest faculty from world renowned companies and conservatories. Dancers will have the opportunity to perform and be seen by artistic directors, company directors, school directors, choreographers, and other respected leaders in the dance community. These valuable exposure opportunities can help dancers build professional connections, receive meaningful feedback, and open doors to scholarships, trainee programs, company positions, and future artistic opportunities.

Students can also drop-in to:
- Mondays - Ballet Technique (6:15-7:45pm) with Johanna
- Wednesdays - PBT (12-1pm) with Jacque
- Saturdays - Ballet Technique (10:00-11:30am) & Pointe (11:30-12:30pm) with Jacque
Cost: $20 per class

The final camp of the Summer is just around the corner!! Our staff is ready to pounce, leap, and roar with your Zoo animal campers next week.

Costumes and stuffed animals are encouraged to add to the magic of our final summer camp offering. This camp is Full-Day but also has a Half-Day option (9am-1pm) for Half the cost!

Register today by visiting our website, link in bio, or by contacting our front desk today 💚

Monday/Wednesday
9:00-10:00am Progressing Ballet Technique (Jr & Sr) - Kim

10:00-11:30am (Sr) Ballet - Kim
11:30-12:00pm (Sr) Pointe/Variations - Kim

10:00-11:00am (Jr) Contemporary/Improv -Camerin
11:00-12:00pm (Jr) Choreo - Camerin

12:00-12:30pm Lunch

12:30-2:00pm (Sr) Contemporary/Improv - Camerin
2:00-3:00pm (Sr) Choreo - Camerin

12:30-2:00pm (Jr) Ballet - Kim
2:00-3:00pm (Jr) Choreo - Kim

Tuesday/Thursday
9:00-10:00am Horton warm-up (Jr & Sr) Kyle

10:00-11:00am (Sr) Modern technique II - Emily
11:00-12:00pm (Sr) Choreo - Emily

10:00-11:00am (Jr) Jazz - Kyle
11:00-12:00pm (Jr) Choreo - Kyle

12:00-12:30 Lunch

12:30-1:30pm (Sr) Jazz - Kyle
1:30-3:00pm (Sr) Choreo - Kyle

12:30-1:30pm (Jr) Modern Technique II - Emily
1:30-3:00pm (Jr) Choreo - Emily

Friday
9:00-10:00am (Jr & Sr) Progressing Ballet Technique - Kim

10:00-11:30am (Sr) Ballet - Kim
11:30-12:00pm (Sr) Pointe/Variations - Kim

10:00-11:00am (Jr) Contemporary/Improv -Camerin
11:00-12:00pm (Jr) Rehearse - Camerin

12:00-12:30 Lunch

12:30-2:00pm Rehearse - Kyle/Emily
2:00-2:30pm - Showing Run Through
2:30-3:00pm Showing

Beginning Modern is a Limon-inspired class with emphasis on connectivity of different body parts.

The dancer will utilize natural forces of gravity and weight to explore suspension and release, breath, and flow.

A series of warm-up, across-the-floor, and center floor exercises will strengthen the dancer's core and increase balance and confidence in moving through space. Using the body's natural rhythms, the dancer will practice fluid transitions to create an overall more expressive performance.

Join us today and next week to get introduced to this renowned style of modern dance. Register today by visiting our website, link in bio, or by contacting our front desk 💚