Indianapolis Ballet

My daughters took me to see the nutcracker at Old National Centre.This is my first time seeing the Indianapolis Ballet Company. My understanding is the company was founded in 2018.The dancers were good, very professional, choreography ok. My FAVORITE dancer was by far Yoshiko Kamikusawho is a founding artist. As a former dancer myself, I was totally captivated by Yoshiko. She was strong, graceful, flawless, and absolutely stunning.I enjoyed the evening and applaud the Ballet company. I hope to see them again.

My daughter had her very first class of any kind in the creative dance class. Everyone of the staff was very friendly. However, drop off was less than organized or structured. It seems as if two groups were starting within 30 min of each, and so extra littles were just hanging out for 30 min. People are coming and going. Door remained locked and parents didn't go past front entry, but for this newbie mom, I had to wait in the hallway for 5 min just to make sure my daughter didn't come out crying from too much going on....after a year of the class, even experiencing a questionable photoshoot day, I still feel they have a good dance school and great way to stay involved and aware of the professional ballet dance community. If we still lived in the city, my daughters would all go, but sadly, we are a good 30 min drive away. Will still venture downtown to see a production. (...note this was a review written in 2021-2022)

One day, at work, I decided to take a ballet class. After about thirteen seconds of Googling, I found out 2 things: first, that a ballet school exists in downtown Indianapolis, and second, that there was an open class that very night.Cost: $20 per 90-minute classNow. This is an adult class. I am a 30-year-old lady. My primary concern was that the definition of "adult" in the context of this class would be "has reached the flat part of the growth curve." For those of you without growth charts in front of you, that happens at, like, 14 years of age. And I did not particularly relish the idea of having as classmates a bunch of springy adolescents with rubber-band skeletons who would be leaping and twirling around me like, I don't know, snowflakes around a toadstool. I was reassured by the very nice lady who answered the phone that I would not be the only person there old enough to vote, so, my confidence bolstered, I showed up that night in a yoga top and shorts. And also the ballet slippers that I bought as part of a Halloween costume in 1997 and have not worn since (yes, I too am impressed I found them). I was horrifically underdressed, in case you were wondering. The leotard-and-tights thing? They mean that. Although since it was the first class, no one got mad at me. At least, not to my face.And you guys. You guys. IT WAS SO FUN.The teacher of the beginner's class is Colleen, a recent Butler grad who is absolutely one of the best instructors of anything I have ever had. She was effusive and enthusiastic, demonstrated while she explained, and kept the class moving at a great pace. She also managed to keep it challenging without overwhelming her seven novices (five of whom had never taken dance before). (FYI: I took ballet for about 3 weeks, when I was five, and I hated it. I do yoga regularly, but I don't run or anything. In other words, I am no athlete. Although I have seen Center Stage probably 800 times, so you miiiiiight call me a little bit of an expert.)I worked up a sweat and was super tired afterwards, but more importantly, I left the class feeling like Ariel grinning under a freakin' rainbow. I ordered some tights as soon as I got home.Fellow over-30s: If you're thinking about it, even a little bit, give it a shot. Keep an eye out for me. I'm the toadstool in the leotard.

I took my first class at ISB this past week and enjoyed it immensely. I hadn't done ballet since I was half my current height, which was...a while ago. The instructor for the beginner class is still Colleen, and she's just as amazing as the other review says.If you're nervous about taking a dance class again as an adult, or maybe for the first time, I would highly recommend ISB for starters, even if ballet isn't your thing. The classes are very professional and, at least for the beginner class, geared towards adults (actual adults, as in 20 somethings, soccer moms, and beyond). There are other studios offering other styles of dance for adults, but you'll find it hard to beat the quality of instruction you'll find at ISB.

I was looking for a fun way to get some exercise so went to a Beginning Ballet class in the Open Division, which the website says is "ideal for beginners" or "those looking to use dance as a way to stay fit." I told the teacher (Colleen) that it was my first ballet class. Obviously I realized that other students would be further along, but I've taken many yoga classes and good instructors are mindful of the varying levels, and always suggest alternatives for beginners. Colleen did not cover basic steps and went directly into complex steps and routines. Not surprisingly then, I quickly fell behind. She was visibly frustrated with me and at one point asked me in front of the rest of the class if there was something wrong with me, while rolling her eyes. I told her that I was trying my best but was new at ballet and finding it challenging to keep up. This class is not welcoming for beginners. When I asked for a refund the director of the school dismissed my concerns with a very condescending attitude. I would not be surprised if she also minimizes what I am reporting here. But I still got a refund... interesting. Anyway, I do not recommend this school at all. If you do attend, be sure to have 2-3 years of previous ballet experience before joining this class, and prepare for some attitude. Meanwhile, there are other dance studios in Indianapolis that would probably be more welcoming.

Went to the Indianapolis' version of The Sleeping Beauty this weekend. First, no one can dispute the fact that each of the dancers is athletic. All on point, literally, and the Beauty, fantastic precision. I was impressed by their discipline to the craft. However, as a pedestrian to this art, I was very disappointed by the length of the production. We were already into the first intermission and I was checking my watch. Yes, it takes time to develop a story, I get that, but as in MLB, please do something to cut the length. I'd have a few suggestions, but again, they'd be only given as a common patron, first timer at that. I will go again, but something has to be done with that element of time. I also lost track of everyone on stage, yes, I know the story, but I was confused by the many characters. I get it, like a team sport, you want to engage everyone of your performers, but my goodness, it took so long to grow the storyline that I gave up trying to figure who was who, and their purpose to the overall content of the show.With that said, how long can you keep the Beauty around. She is a gift to Indianapolis. Well worth coming back for, no doubt. With all due respect, and hope that the Ballet continues!