Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet

Modern 1

Based on the Horton Technique, this introductory class is designed to fortify, stretch, and strengthen dancers’ bodies. The curriculum focuses on basic alignment, flat backs, lateral T’s, primitive squats, deep lunges, coccyx balances, and basic terminology. Taught by Joan K. Anderson

Developed in the 1940s by Lester Horton, this codified modern dance method incorporates Native American and Afro-Caribbean elements. Rooted in human anatomy, it uses lyrical and circular movements focused on multi-directional stretching to build strength, dynamic movement quality, full-body awareness, and overall physical resilience.

📸 Susan Blackburn Saratoga Wedding Photographer

Continuing with the elective class offered at SSYB:

Jazz 2: Further explore dynamics, self-expression, style and performance techniques. An eclectic playlist encourages the dancers to explore musicality, and further their understanding of the connection between jazz dance and music; all while developing strong technique.

Following a warm-up consisting of strength and conditioning, students will explore progressions in center and across the floor, leaps and turns, with class culminating in a combination inspired by different styles including classical jazz and contemporary jazz. Taught by Andrè Malo-Robles.

📸 Susan Blackburn Saratoga Wedding Photographer

✨Jazz 2 class performing at the 2026 Spring Concert

✨Choreography by Andrè Malo-Robles

Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet offers Jazz and Modern for dancers at the Pre- Professional Division.

Jazz 1: introduces the fundamental movements of jazz dance, focusing on rhythm, body isolations, coordination, and flexibility. Students will learn core jazz steps. This class builds confidence, strength, and performance presence in a fun, supportive setting. Taught by Andrè Malo-Robles

📸 Susan Blackburn Saratoga Wedding Photographer

🩰 SSYB Jazz 1 Performing at the Spring Concert 2026

🌟Choreography Andrè Malo-Robles

✨Don’t miss our final End of Summer Open Classes happening tonight and next week!

Whether you are looking to stay in shape, refine your technique, or just get back to the studio, these sessions are the perfect opportunity before the fall season begins.

*Class: Intermediate / Advanced Open Ballet taught by Andrè Malo-Robles

*Who: Designed for Teens & Adults (Ages 13 and up)

*When: Tonight (September 1) & Next Tuesday (September 8)

*Time: Tuesdays, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Drop in and dance with us! 🩰

📸 Susan Blackburn Saratoga Wedding Photographer

Is your child ready to take their love for dance to the next level?🩰

From first steps to pre- professional training, our classes are designed for dancers at every stage of the journey.

*Ballet 1- (Ages 7-8) Instills the basics of classical ballet technique. Students are introduced to the structure of a ballet class and the concepts of proper posture, turn-out, and etiquette to build a strong dance foundation.

*Ballet 2 (Ages 9-11): Students should have a basic understanding of classical ballet technique. Class will consist of barre work and longer combinations, as well as increase their ballet terminology. Dancers will build a foundation for ballet including proper alignment, ballet etiquette, and vocabulary.

📸 Susan Blackburn Saratoga Wedding Photographer

Dance cultivates imagination, confidence, and coordination right from the start. 🩰✨

If you’re looking for a positive, enriching space for your young child to move, express, and grow, Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet is welcoming new dancers for the 2026–27 season!

Our early childhood programs build essential developmental skills through the joy of movement:

🌟 Creative Movement (Ages 3–4): the class is designed to help with the development of large and fine motor skills, spatial awareness, coordination, rhythm, cooperation, self-confidence, and creativity.

🌟 Pre-Ballet (Ages 5–6): Enhances coordination, balance and flexibility with the teaching of basic ballet positions, steps, and terminology. Barre-work will be introduced as well as center floor exercises and exploration of creative dance and music interpretation.

First day of classes is September 14! Register your young dancer today!

📸 Susan Blackburn Saratoga Wedding Photographer

It’s not too late to register your dancer for classes at SSYB!

Throughout the year, SSYB dancers participate in a range of performances and events that celebrate growth, artistry, and community. From our beloved Nutcracker Tea and full-length production of The Nutcracker, to the new Repertory Concert, and the regionally recognized RDA Northeast Festival, each experience gives students the opportunity to perform.

Our season culminates in the Spring Concert, showcasing all levels of our school, and the Festival of Young Artists (FOYA). These events are central to our mission of developing confident, expressive young artists—on stage and beyond.

SSYB does not charge audition, performance, or costume fees. SSYB also offers need-based scholarships for year-round and summer programs. We believe that arts education should be accessible to all!

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions; we are always happy to help.

📸 Susan Blackburn Saratoga Wedding Photographer

✨ Summer Intensive Faculty Spotlight! ✨

A massive thank you to Summer Program Intensive faculty Jaime Thompson and Ashley-Simone Kirchner!

Jaime taught ballet, pointe, and super fun ballroom classes.

Ashley-Simone Kirchner brought her expertise in Musical Theater Dance to our students💃

So grateful for her energy and expertise in the studios!

Gear up for a strong season ahead with open classes at Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet. Faculty member Katie Dunkel is leading our Intermediate/ Advanced Ballet class today at 5:30PM.

This drop-in class is ideal for pre-professional teens, college dancers, and adults looking to build strength, precision, and artistry before the fall routine starts.

Pre-registration is highly recommended as studio space is capped.

📸 Susan Blackburn Saratoga Wedding Photographer

Summer Intensive Spotlight: Today, we meet Beatriz!

She spent part of her summer training at the Boston Ballet Summer Dance Program as well as right here at SSYB, where she had the incredible opportunity to study with guest master teacher Karin Averty.

📸 Susan Blackburn Saratoga Wedding Photographer