If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve heard of The Ballet Method™, but you’re not quite sure what it is or whether it might be a good fit! Keep reading to learn more about our program and how it’s transforming the way dance studios approach their ballet classes. The Ballet Method™ is a curriculum and teacher training program, with modules and resources that can be used a la carte or all together. It’s for instructors who want to deepen their understanding of pedagogy, streamline their approach to teaching ballet, and expand their … [Read more...]

Ballet has earned a reputation for being the foundation of all styles of dance—and rightly so!  Its technical base, terminology, and movement qualities influence nearly every facet of dance education.  That means teaching ballet comes with great responsibility; it requires teachers to continually grow their skills in the classroom so their students can learn correctly and confidently. Whether you are an experienced dance professional, a university-trained graduate, or a brand new teacher, translating your knowledge of ballet into real-life … [Read more...]

When professional ballet dancers are asked to explain how they got started, they can often recall one particular teacher who made a difference and got them hooked on dance. Ask any dedicated instructor or studio owner and you’ll find that they want to be that inspiration for the next generation of students. Use our list to look at your instructors as a parent or potential student might and make sure they’re hearing – and seeing – evidence that your teachers are the right choice! 1. Their PASSION is evident. A great teacher loves ballet and … [Read more...]

You may have heard that Ashburn Academy of Dance and The Ballet Method are affiliated with the More Than Just Great Dancing® network of dance studios. But what does that mean? The program, designed by Misty Lown, a successful studio owner, sets high expectations for how dance studios operate – from scheduling classes to hiring teachers, to teaching techniques and even philosophies on music, movement and costumes. Studios who subscribe to the program receive support from a team of mentors and attend conferences to further their education and … [Read more...]

Evaluating your dance program isn’t always easy. Sometimes it takes a wake-up moment, like a judge’s stinging observation, to inspire change. But wouldn’t it feel so much better to build in teacher training, to brush up on skills regularly and keep ballet technique on point so evaluations – from yourself or others – help you get better and better? We’ve developed four questions that can help studio owners and instructors identify signs of problematic programs that need a workshop with The Ballet Method. 1. Are your dancers learning … [Read more...]

The Ballet Method is the newest program from Anne Marie Kimmell and Katie Believeau, the co-founders of Ashburn Academy of Dance. Created for studios owners and instructors, most of whom have extensive dance training and backgrounds, The Ballet Method teaches former dancers to become better teachers, implementing or strengthening age- and skill-appropriate ballet technique at their studios. Earlier this month Miss Anne Marie and Miss Katie began teaching the 2-day workshops which are held at either the Ashburn studio or a host studio … [Read more...]