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OCBallet Youth Academy

OCBallet Youth Academy offers classes for ages 2-14 in ballet, contemporary and hip hop. Offering the Cecchetti Ballet curriculum and performance opportunities throughout the year, including professional productions with the company. Registration is now open for Fall Session that begins in September! Classes are available for Summer, Fall, Winter & Spring sessions.

Experience our accredited instructors at a FREE trial class! Contact Jennifer Forcucci, Manager of Youth Academy, at 216-397-3757 ext 2 or email to arrange today!

Currently enrolled in OCBallet Youth Academy?

Affordable Tuition

All new students receive their first class FREE!
In support of our community, we are proud to offer quality instruction at the most affordable pricing in the area. Tuition is charged monthly for all classes registered. A discount is applied for taking multiple classes. Click here for information on the multiple class discount offering. Siblings receive 5% off monthly tuition. Annual Registration Fee $20.00. Tuition is auto billed to a credit card every month. Click here for full Tuition & Payment Policies.

OCBallet Youth Academy is an approved provider for Ohio Afterschool Child Enrichment Educational Savings Account Program (ACE Ohio) and Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (CCBDD).

Enrollment is now open for Fall registration

You will be guided to create an account to register for classes. If you need help registering or have questions, please email here or call 216-397-3757 ext 2.

Preschool Division

OCBallet Youth Academy Preschool Division aims to provide an engaging and comprehensive dance program for children ages 2-5+. Our preschool classes are specially designed to offer a fun and engaging introduction to ballet technique. We emphasize motor development, teamwork, and self-confidence, while fostering a strong foundation and love of dance. Our classroom curriculum focuses on developing posture, coordination, flexibility and beginning dance vocabulary.

Parent & Me
(Ages 2-3)

$36/month

Thu 4:00-4:30pm, Ms. Lydia

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Creative Ballet
(Ages 3-4)

$36/month

Thu 4:30-5:00pm, Ms. Lydia
Sat 9:30-10:00am, Ms. Lydia

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Pre Primary Ballet
(Ages 4.5 & up)

$54/month

Thu  5:00-5:45pm, Ms. Lydia
Sat 10:00-10:45am, Ms. Lydia

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Tiny Tot Hip Hop
(Ages 4-6)

$54/month

Wed 4:15-5:00pm, Ms. Ania

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Discount offered for taking multiple classes click here for more information.

We are proud to offer the pedagogy of the Cecchetti Method of Classical Ballet under the guidance of Cecchetti USA.

OCBallet Youth Academy

OCBallet Youth Academy is an exciting new program offering the highest quality dance education for aspiring dancers ages 6-14. Through our internationally recognized Cecchetti USA Classical Ballet syllabus, students build a strong foundation in ballet technique, coordination, and performance presence. With certified instructors expertly trained in the Cecchetti Method, students develop essential skills such as balance, poise, strength, flexibility, musicality, and artistry. This training will provide dancers with a strong foundation for all dance styles. OCBallet Youth Academy also offers weekly Contemporary and Hip Hop classes. Plus, additional masterclass opportunities throughout the year. In addition to group classes, this program provides opportunities for private coaching and learning variations, allowing students to refine their technique and performance skills further. Throughout the year, students have the chance to showcase their talents in performance opportunities, including with our professional ballet company.

Primary Ballet
(Ages 6 & up)

$64/month

Tues 4:30-5:30pm, Ms. Tehya

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Standard Ballet 1
(Ages 7 & up)

$64/month

Mon 4:15-5:15pm, Ms. Kia

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Ballet 1
(Ages 8 & up)

$64/month

Thur 4:30-5:30pm, Mr. Isaac

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Ballet 2
(Ages 9 & up)

$64/month

Thu 5:45-6:45pm, Mr. Isaac

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Ballet 3
(Ages 10 & up)

$64/month

Wed 4:30-5:30pm, Ms. Tehya

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Ballet 4 & Pre-Pointe
(Call for placement)

$64/month

Mon 5:15-6:15pm, Ms. Kia

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New to Ballet
(Beginning Ages 10 & up)

$64/month

Thurs 5:30-6:30pm, Ms. Sikhumbuzo (SK)

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Discount offered for taking multiple classes click here for more information.

More Dance Styles

OCBallet Youth Academy also offers weekly classes in Contemporary and Hip Hop. These classes can be taken in addition to the ballet curriculum or as a separate focus.

Contemporary

$64/month

Contemporary 1 (ages 7 and up)
Wed 6:30-7:30pm, Mr. Kareem

Contemporary 2 (call for placement)
Wed 5:30-6:30pm, Mr. Kareem

Teen Contemporary (ages 13-17)
Wed 7:30-8:30pm, Mr. Kareem

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Hip Hop

$54/month

Tiny Tot Hip Hop (Ages 4-6)
Tues 4:15-5:00pm, Ms. Ania

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$64/month

Hip Hop 1 (Ages 7 & up)
Tues 5:30-6:30pm, Ms. Ania

Hip Hop 2 (Ages 11 & up)
Tues 6:30-7:30pm, Ms. Ania

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Discount offered for taking multiple classes click here for more information.

Discounted Tuition for Multiple Class Registration

To calculate monthly tuition amount for multiple classes, add up the total number of hours of class time per week then refer to chart below. The monthly tuition amount is based on the total number hours of classes per week.

30 Min/Week

$36/month

45 Min/Week

$54/month

1 Hour/Week

$64/month

1.5 Hours/Week

$96/month

2 Hours/Week

$112/month

3 Hours/Week

$168/month

4 Hours/Week

$192/month

5 Hours/Week

$240/month

Over 5 hours contact us. Drop-in classes $18.00 per class.

Enrollment is now open for Fall registration. You will be guided to create an account to register for classes. If you need help registering or have questions, please email here or call 216-397-3757 ext 2.

Frequently asked questions

How are classes offered?

All classes are taught at the OCBallet Center for Dance located at 3558 Lee Road in Shaker Heights behind The Dealership.

Do I need to register for class?

Yes, and your first class is FREE! Register online here. Or call 216-397-3757 ext 2 and we can help you.

What dates do you offer classes?

Classes are offered year around with breaks for holidays and between sessions. Our current 2024-25 season is as follows:

Fall 2024 Term: September 3 - December 14
Winter/Spring 2025 Term: January 6 – May 17
Summer 2025 Term: June 2 – July 26

Are there payment plans available?

Tuition is billed monthly and automatically charged to your account by credit card. For specific payment arrangements please contact by email or call 216-397-3757 ext 2. View our tuition policies here. 

Are you a qualified education service provider for The Ohio Afterschool Child Enrichment (ACE)?

Yes, the Youth Academy through Ohio Contemporary Ballet is a Qualified Education Service Provider for The Ohio Afterschool Child Enrichment (ACE) educational savings account program. This grant program provides funds for families to use for tuition payments at OCBallet Youth Academy! CLICK HERE for more information!

Are you a qualified provider for the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (CCBDD)?

Yes, the OCBallet Youth Academy is an approved vendor/service provider for Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (CCBDD). Click here for more information.

Is there a uniform?

Yes, please click here to view our uniform guidelines for all classes. 

Where are you located?

Behind The Dealership at 3558 Lee Road in Shaker Heights.

Am I able to watch class?

Parents and other family members are permitted to observe classes during the first-class meeting of each month only. Allowing your child to have the teacher’s full attention creates an ideal learning environment. You will find that your child will retain classroom curriculum better and be less distracted during class time. 

If your child has special health needs, please discuss this with your instructor. If you have other questions or concerns regarding our parent observation policy listed here, please discuss it with your instructor or email us here. 

Can I make up a class?

Tuition is based on enrollment, not attendance. Make-up classes are available and can be scheduled by emailing here. There are no refunds and no adjustments made for missed classes, except for long periods of time with arrangements made in advance.

If class is cancelled by OCBallet Center or any reason, a make-up class will be scheduled. If we are unable to provide a make-up class, then your account will be credited for the cancelled class. 

Click here for full Tuition & Payment Policies 

Do I need a water bottle?

YES! Having water on hand is encouraged during every class you take with us. Instructors will give the dancers water breaks during class.

Class Descriptions

Parent & Me

Parent and child will participate together in this class designed to involve the parent in the very beginning process of dance training with your child. This class will include creative exercises, song and dance routines and dance related games.

 

Creative Ballet

Children will be introduced to basic ballet movements while developing coordination, body control and self-discipline. This class will include creative exercises, song and dance routines and dance related games. 

 

Pre Ballet

Children will learn and continue to develop the beginning techniques of ballet, as well as improve their coordination, posture, balance and gracefulness in this class. Students will be placed into level of class based on age or ability (recommendation of the teacher required if students is younger than the required age). Classes will introduce the Cecchetti Classical Ballet Program. 

 

New to Ballet

Never set foot in a ballet class before? No problem! For youth and teens interested in learning how to dance without any prior experience, this class will emphasize balance, coordination, flexibility, and core strength by teaching beginning barre exercises and simple combinations across the floor. Socks or ballet shoes are recommended.

 

Pre-Pointe

Dancers will learn how to work with a thera-band and other tools to improve strength. The instructor will also focus on core strengthening exercises, barre and some center work. This class is recommended and open to all dancers needing to improve their foot and core strength. Demi and/or Pointe shoes are recommended by the instructor only, but these are not required to take this class.

Contemporary

Contemporary is a hybrid of ballet, jazz, lyrical and modern dance styles. It is a ballet-based technique that allows a greater range of movement. This class focuses on centering, strengthening the body, increasing flexibility, improving balance, proper placement, body alignment, fluidity, and emotion.  

Hip Hop

A high energy class that uses the latest sounds in rap, R&B and pop music together with original movements and grooves or steps that have their base in jazz/funk. Techniques are taught through learning choreography that is appropriate for each level of class. 

Meet the OCBallet Youth Academy Faculty

Click on the photo to learn more about each instructor.

Richard Dickinson, MFA

Director of the OCBallet Center and Associate Artistic Director

Jennifer Forcucci

Manger of Youth Academy and Ballet Instructor

Isaac Hileman

Company Dancer and Ballet Instructor

Kia Jimmy

Company Dancer and Ballet Instructor

Kareem Best

Company Dancer & Contemporary Instructor

Lydia Marzluf

Ballet Instructor

Sikhumbuzo Hlahleni

Company Dancer and Ballet Instructor

Tehya West

Company Dancer & Ballet Instructor

Ania Fuller

Hip Hop Instructor

Still have a question? Shoot us an email and we’ll get back to you!