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The Ballet Company at Jackson School of the Arts is designed to engage and inspire youth by providing access to high quality dance instruction. Our program is all inclusive and therefore welcomes dancers of every shape, size, and background. Students can expect a safe, nurturing and challenging environment and will have the opportunity to share their love of dance with our community throughout the year.
There are 2 companies – a junior company and a senior ballet company. All interested or returning students ages 8 and up should participate in a placement class to determine which program/class is appropriate for them.
Placement Class and Meet the Instructor Night: July 25 or August 9
(Pick which date works better for you and let us know when you are coming. If you cannot attend, please call to make other arrangements, 784-2839)
Please wear ballet attire. The placement class will consist of 10-15 minutes of barre work, center work on jumps, positions, pirouette combinations, petite allegro, grand allegro etc., then students will do a few across the floor combinations.
Jackson School of the Arts believes that dance is a source of well-being and that dancers benefit from the program in ways that impact their lives inside and outside of the dance studio. Dancers of all ages are expected to respect themselves, other dancers and their instructors.
Members of the ballet company are expected to have regular attendance for their twice weekly classes and to participate in 4 out of 5 community performances and the annual recital.
Classes are held 2 times a week:
We highly recommend the new flexibility, strength and beginner contortion class on Thursdays at 5:30 PM taught by Matt from the Detroit Flyhouse Circus School. This class is an all levels class designed to help students improve their flexibility and strength and also learn some of the postures and tricks of contortion, all in a fun and supportive atmosphere. Students will be taught dynamic exercises, static stretches, and basic inversions to in order to gain strength, balance, and bendiness! Appropriate for total beginners looking to touch their toes, and pretzel people looking to up their circus game.
Many students enjoy participating in other genres of dance for example lyrical, hip hop, jazz or tap.
Extra rehearsals may be held prior to performances. You will receive advance notification of these dates.
We are so excited to welcome Ms. Heather to Jackson School of the Arts and to welcome her back to Michigan!
Heather Mehl was born and raised in Battle Creek, Michigan where she started her dance training at the age of two at Center Stage Dance Studio under the direction of Lisa DuBois. Ms. Heather was trained in all styles of dance such as ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, acro, hip hop and musical theatre. While at Center Stage Dance Studio she started competing at the age of 6 and had the opportunity to travel all over the United States as well as parts of Europe. While competing at Center Stage, Ms. Heather had the opportunity to be on competitive teams that won national titles at many competitions such as Showbiz Dance competition, Star Powers and many others. Ms. Heather started her teaching career at Center Stage Dance Studio at the age of 16 as an assistant and by her senior year of high school was teaching classes of her own.
After graduating high school Ms. Heather followed her dream to dance as she was accepted to the University of Nevada Las Vegas on a Dance Scholarship. While there she was part of the UNLV all girl Cheer Team as well as part of the UNLV Dance Department Company. While at UNLV she had the opportunity to take class from many wonderful dancers and choreographers known to Las Vegas and worldwide. As a company member, she was able to travel abroad to Germany to perform in a performing arts festival.
While living in Las Vegas, Ms. Heather had the opportunity to perform on the Las Vegas Strip. She performed at MGM Grand in the Show EFX and at Rum Jungle inside the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino. As well as dancing on the Las Vegas Strip, she taught at a local studio where she taught all ages of dance.
Ms. Heather moved back to Michigan where she got a job dancing and choreographing for the dance team of the Battle Creek Knights semi-professional basketball organization. In addition to her responsibilities with the Knights organization, Ms. Heather was also the Head Coach and Choreographer for the Harper Creek High School Dance Team.
When she moved to Virginia with her family, Ms. Heather became a part of the Dance Kraze Studio. Now she is returning back to Michigan with her family and will join our team at Jackson School of the Arts.
Ms. Heather believes that dance is not only a good way for children to express themselves, but is also an opportunity for children to grow in all aspects of life. Ms. Heather is very well rounded, technically trained in all styles of dance, and is always excited to share her knowledge and passion of dance with students.
