FAQ

What should I wear to ballet class?

A leotard and tights is the best option, but form-fitting clothes that allow you to move are also acceptable. Ballet slippers are very strongly recommended.

How do I know which level class to attend?

UBallet's classes are designed to benefit multiple levels of dancers since we generally hold only four to five classes per week. However, beginning ballet is geared to those with no ballet experience up to two years of training, intermediate ballet is geared to those with up to four years of training, and advanced ballet is geared to those with five or more years of intense training. If you have any more questions about which level would be best for you, ask one of our teachers!

Can I participate even if I am not a registered student?

Yes! All classes are open to the public regardless of enrollment status.

Can I take classes without performing?

Yes! All classes are open to the public regardless of their desire to participate in UBallet's performance season.

Are there any costs associated with performing?

Dancers provide their own pink tights, ballet slippers, and pointe shoes if appropriate. Dancers must sell $25 worth of program ads to support the cost of each performance but there are no performance or costume fees.

Can I choreograph? Help with sets or costumes?

Prior to each performance that utilizes choreography by members of UBallet, the Artistic Director sends out a call to the listhost asking for interested choreographers. If you are interested in helping with sets or props, contact the Production Manager. For costumes, contact the Costume Mistress.

How much time am I expected to devote to UBallet if I want to perform?

Each performer is required to attend a minimum of one ballet class per week in addition to their rehearsal. This commitment can range from 2.5 hours a week to nearly twenty depending on your level of involvement and the number of classes in which you participate.

Can I take pointe class?

If you have taken pointe previously, feel free to attend pointe class as long as you attend the ballet class immediately prior or have advance permission from the instructor. If you have never taken pointe before, please email the Head of Teaching. If you want to go on pointe for the first time at UBallet, it is not out of the question, but will require good attendance in ballet class and adequate coordination and foot strength, as assessed by the Head of Teaching.

I've taken pointe before. Can I take ballet technique class in pointe shoes?

This is very dependent on personal level. Taking class in pointe shoes requires years of experience and strength building exercises. However, talk to the Head of Teaching or the teacher of the class you would like to take on pointe. Sometimes different arrangements can be made, like taking barre on pointe, if you are not ready to take the whole class or the center exercises. Taking class on pointe can be very beneficial if you are working to improve your pointe technique and ease of dancing in pointe shoes.

Why doesn't UBallet offer modern or jazz classes?

While UBallet encourages its dancers to practice as many types of dance as they would like, we simply cannot reserve enough space in Ida Noyes as it is, let alone enough to hold classes in other forms of dance on a regular basis. This season we are co-sponsoring workshops in all forms of dance with the other dance groups on campus. (Check out our schedules page!) Also feel free to check out UC Dancers, Rhythmic Bodies in Motion, and Ballroom Society for modern and jazz classes that occur on a weekly basis.

I'm a guy and I've never taken ballet. Can I perform with UBallet?

Yes! Please come to the beginning ballet class or email the Artistic Director for more information. Mens' class and partnering classes are offered periodically, and these are a great way to explore your interest. There are also various walk-on roles that may be filled with men who have no dance experience.