Essence Studios firmly believes that a well-rounded ballet education requires being trained by multiple instructors, all of whom have their own unique experiences as performers and teachers, individual preferences in artistic qualities and demonstration, and special areas of technical focus. Exposure to a variety of dance disciplines also builds a strong foundation for versatility, allowing the students a sense of familiarity with multiple genres to increase their marketability. This exposure also provides them the opportunity to potentially change their area of focus should they find more connection and fulfillment pursuing another discipline.
Essence Studios’ Master Class Series is included as part of our Advanced (Ballet, Pointe, and Contemporary) Students’ curriculum. These classes are scheduled during each semester on Saturday afternoons from 12:30 to 2pm.
Regional dance students who are not enrolled at Essence and are interested in attending a master class are to email Essence (link to contact page) to schedule an audition and determine Master Class Series tuition pricing.
Scheduled Master Classes, Spring of 2023:
- February 11: Classical Ballet, Austin St. John, former ballet master at Maryland Youth Ballet (MYB)
- February 25, Classical Ballet, Austin St. John
- March 11: Horton, Pascha Barnwell, creator and head of Contemporary Programming at MYB
- March 18: Horton, Pascha Barnwell
- March 25: Classical Ballet, Rhodie Jorgenson, Senior faculty and ballet master at MYB
- April 15: Classical Ballet, Rhodie Jorgenson
Master Class Instructors 2022:
- Audra Johnson, previous company member of Suzanne Farrell Ballet
- Dustin Kimball, Ballet master at Ballet Arts Ensemble Fairfax
- Pascha Barnwell, creator and head of Contemporary Programming at MYB
- Rhodie Jorgenson, Senior faculty and ballet master at MYB