Master and Beginners Classes

Master Classes

Each Saturday during the Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival, local residents can take advantage of Master Classes, led by the Artistic Director of each company, or a member of the featured dance company.

Class times are from 11:00am to 12:30pm and are limited to 30 students.

Classes are held at the University of Akron Center for Dance and Theater in Guzzetta Hall, Albrecht Studio, 135 E. Buchtel Ave. (parking in visitors deck). The cost, due at time of the class is $10.

For more information you can contact: Jane Startzman at 330.990.5263 or JaneStartzman@gmail.com

Dance Company and Dates

• Verbs Ballets - July 27
• GroundWorks Dance Theater - August 3
• Neos Dance Theater - August 10

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Free Beginners' Youth Classes

As part of its outreach program to neighborhoods in which the performances occur each week, the City and the Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation are supporting free “Beginners Dance” classes in four community centers each week of the festival.  Instructors who have been part of Ballet Excel’s “Reach Out & Dance” program in the Akron Public Schools will use elements of dance foundations in ballet, jazz and hip-hop to create new dances.  Children eligible for the free classes are those going into the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades.  The classes will be held during each week of the festival - Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10:30 – 11:30 am:

• July 23, 24, 25 - Forest Lodge Community Center
• July 30, 31, August 1 - Reservoir Park Community Center
• August 6, 7, 8 - Firestone Park Community Center

On their first day, instructors will build a dance vocabulary, and teach different methods of dance creation on days two and three.  Children will mimic the different styles and techniques they will see performed on stage.  During the weekend, the beginner dancers will get a backstage tour.  All classes are taught by professional dancers.  The sessions are free, and no prior experience or advance registration is necessary.