Dance in the Spirit offers accessible classical ballet

Published 11:05 am Tuesday, February 8, 2022

For most of her life, Dr. Carla Walter has studied classical ballet. She holds a doctorate in dance history and theory from the University of California, Riverside.

Her career has taken her to many locations around the world, where she’s not only danced, but also to teach. She has also had her own successful performing ballet company.

Her love for ballet is in part what led Walter to open Dance in the Spirit LLC here in Milledgeville.

“Dance is a spiritual practice and this seemed to be a great way to position the company,” Walter said

Several classical ballet classes are available at Dance in the Spirit, ranging in level from beginner to advanced for people who have a passion for the art form, for preteen to adult dancers.

As Walter explained, the praise dance used at Dance in the Spirit is based on a foundation of classical ballet, so the dancers have a strong awareness of the choreography. These classical ballet and praise dance classes also form the basis for any performances that Dance in the Spirit offers. Said performances are small, and at least for the time being, held at private venues.

The performance opportunities are offered to dancers of a particular level and engagement with the company.

“The purpose is to expose dancers to encouraging audiences and allow audiences a closer connection with the dancers,” she said.

Beginning in May, the company will offer Alzheimer’s ballet classes for seniors and dance therapy for grief and recovery.

The spring hours for Dance in the Spirit are Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Additionally, the company is also open on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The hours do vary depending on classes.

Some other special events held by Dance in the Spirit include intensives and master classes for dancers.

“We base the process of dance learning and progression on internal rather than external foci so that dancers are motivated by a supportive and noncompetitive technique to help them both develop skill and initiative while also helping them channel their ambitions,” she said.

Dr. Walter explained that ideally, dancers should enroll themselves in two or three classes each week, and make the commitment to attend each week. These classes are typically small, with fewer than 10 dancers per class.

Classes are also reasonably affordable and those who enroll now will receive 20% their first class. Discounts for college students and for families that have more than one child enrolled are also available.

Walter said she loves teaching, as well as creating choreographing, and seeing dancers’ blossom.

“I believe that classical ballet and praise dance need to be accessible and beautiful,” Walter said. “I also like to stage performances that are beautiful and done with the intention created by Dance in the Spirit.”