ARTS DEPARTMENT
Come learn amongst the best at The Ballroom House. No matter which discipline you choose, you’re well on your way to an exceptional education that will provide you with the tools you need in order to succeed.
THEATRE
Intro to Physical Theatre
This introductory adult acting class will focus on creating physical characters, covering elements of LMA (Laban Movement Analysis) as well as archetype development in order to establish character. This is a wonderful class for stage and film actors as well as dancers who are wanting to boost their understanding of performance. It utilizes the human body as the primary tool when developing a character. Ages 16+
Physical Performance
Building on techniques acquired in “Intro to Physical Theatre”, this adult acting class incorporates Anne Bogart’s Viewpoints and adds elements of self direction and staging, with a focus on monologue preparation and scene work.
Private Lessons Available
DANCE
Adult Beginners Tap
This group class is designed for newcomer exploration as well as an opportunity for experienced tappers to dust off their shoes and start making noise again. Tap shoes required.
Adult Intermediate-Beginner Tap
An extension to Adult Beginner Tap, this class pushes the tempo and incorporates beginner choreography at a performance level. Tap shoes and prior tap dance experience required.
Musical Theatre Workshop
Have your ever wanted to experience the heightened world of musical theatre style performance? Musical Theatre Workshop is an adult-beginners class that will combine the disciplines found within this performance genre while learning fun choreography along the way! Every level of experience is welcome to attend.
Country Line Dance
Dive into the world of contemporary and country line dance! This progressive class brings so much fun while improving balance, coordination, and health.
Zumba
Ditch the workout and join the party! This dance style combines latin rhythms, with great music and a whole lot of fun. Calories are burned and stress is relieved. No experience necessary. 45 minutes in duration.
FAQ
WILL MY INEXPERIENCE AS A DANCER AFFECT MY ABILITY TO LEARN TAP DANCE?
There is no prior dance experience required. And although tap may seem challenging, you will learn the basic rhythms and foundational dance skills quickly.
IS ANY PRIOR EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR ACTING CLASS?
Regardless of your former training or acting background, you're welcome to take part in this class. Bringing in your former knowledge of acting will only enhance your experience in class.
ARE PRIVATE ACTING LESSONS OFFERED?
In addition to group classes, one-on-one lessons are offered as well. Group classes are a great way to practice scene work by interacting with others. If you are interested in preparing for an audition, or something specific, you can schedule a private lesson at any time.
AM I TOO OLD TO TAKE ACTING CLASSES?
Although we love teaching students of all ages, the goal of the Arts Department at The Ballroom House is adult education. If you have a passion for theatre/acting, then physical acting class is for you regardless of your age. In this class, you'll experience acting with others from all different backgrounds and ages.
DO I HAVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PERFORMANCE?
The Ballroom House Arts Department as a production company has produced several original pieces of theatre, with a goal of providing opportunities for local artists to engage in their discipline. We are already preparing for our next several productions.
WILL BASIC MUSIC THEORY BE REQUIRED FOR MUSIC LESSONS?
While having a foundation of music theory is helfpul for students who come to learn an instrument or take voice lessons, this is not required. Our instructors are equipped to teach at every level, from beginners to professionals.
WHERE CAN I PURCHASE TAP SHOES?
Dance Biz has been providing tap shoes for our students for many years. The employees at Dance Biz will help you find the appropriate fit and style for your needs. It is not recommended that you buy your tap shoes online.
DO I NEED TO BRING TAP SHOES FOR MY FIRST CLASS?
Coming prepared with tap shoes will help you to have a fuller experience in class. However, you are allowed to come without tap shoes for the first class.
MEET NATHAN JOHN-PAUL
Arts Department Administrator & Director of Theatre
Nathan has a BFA in Musical Theatre from the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and an MA in Theatre Practice from University College Dublin in partnership with the Gaiety School of Acting - The National Theatre School of Ireland. He has taken film directing and film acting courses from multiple universities.
A former theatre professor and professional ballroom dancer and instructor, Nathan has stepped away from his position as the Artistic Director of Town Hall Productions in order to initiate the Arts Department at TBH. As a native of Lexington, he spent earlier years teaching acting and dance at the University of Kentucky's Broadway Bound summer program, Ballet Winchester and for the Cincinnati School of Creative and Performing Arts’ Summer Intensives. He spent several summers teaching and directing Shakespeare at the former Lexington Shakespeare Festival, and was instrumental in developing Shakespeare Under the Stars with Town Hall Productions.
Nathan was the lead choreographer for the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games Opening Ceremony, has been a featured entertainer with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, won awards from film festivals and developed original pieces of theatre in Dublin, Edinburgh and Lexington.
MEET LAUREN POWELL
VOCAL STUDIO YOUTH COACH
AGES 7-14 YEARS
Lauren holds degrees in English and Music Performance from the University of Kentucky, as well as a Master’s degree in Education.
She has been instructing students for nearly a decade, and has toured Italy and the Czech Republic as a vocal performer. She was a featured entertainer in the University of Kentucky’s It's A Grand Night For Singing and has been a part of several original pieces of theater: including the immersive work, Be Our Guest, at the Kentucky Castle, as well as the premier production of Next Stop.
Lauren believes artists are capable of accessing higher levels of freedom and self expression through the art of performance, and has a tremendous passion to see young artists find their voice and purpose. She specializes in breathing techniques, tone clarity, audition/live performance prep, acting through song, and stage presence.
MEET NATALIYA & VLADIMIR TIMOSHEVSKIE
ARGENTINE TANGO