<p>There haven’t historically been many dance options at Wellesley in the past, but it’s true that there is currently an intermediate/advanced level ballet class being taught once per week, and there is now a ballet/contemporary group “ascenDance ballet company” on campus. [ [ascenDance</a> | Facebook](<a href=“http://www.facebook.com/pages/ascenDance/15312175258]ascenDance”>Redirecting...) ]</p>
<p>Many of the dancers at Wellesley choose to take dance classes at Harvard Dance Center or other local dance studios. Classes at HDC are inexpensive and are usually taught by former professional dancers. Overall, these are great to keep up with your dance technique. There are also fantastic beginners dance classes taught at HDC, which friends have taken and thoroughly enjoyed.</p>
<p>Since nothing has really been said in other posts about ascenDance ballet yet, I’ll describe it here:
ascenDance teaches technique classes at least once/week, and features student and classical choreography in performances. Anyone is allowed to join the company, and the people who dance in ascenDance range in ability levels from beginners to pre-professionally trained dancers. It is a highly supportive group that helps beginners to develop better technique and performance skills, but it also allows for more advanced dancers to choreograph, perform variations, and continue dancing at whatever level they choose. Pointe is also an option for those dancers who have already been trained and wish to continue with it. The time commitment is whatever you want it to be. In terms of choreography, ascenDance has less of a dance team aesthetic than some of the other dance groups on campus and roots its choreography in various ballet and modern techniques. ascenDance’s most recent performance was “Where the Wild Things Are…” an original ballet featuring original student choreography from 4 dance groups, Petipa variations, and a theater student who played “Max”. ascenDance performs in the fall and spring. For more information, email “<a href=“mailto:ascenDanceMail@wellesley.edu”>ascenDanceMail@wellesley.edu</a>” There will also be an informational meeting in the fall, so stay tuned!</p>
<p>Hope this helps a bit! Best of luck in your decision.</p>