April is a great month to dance! No fooling!

 April 2024 schedule - In-studio & online!

Wednesdays

6:45-8:15PM - Beginner ballet
8:15-9:15PM - Beginner jazz (Leigh's Dance Party!)
Thursdays
6:30-8PM - Basic ballet
8-9:30PM - Open level ballet
Saturdays
9:30-11AM - Beginner ballet
11AM-12PM - Pointe/pre-pointe
Sundays

10-11:30AM - Intermediate ballet
11:30AM-1PM - Basic ballet

SIGN UP FOR ALL CLASSES HERE

---

ALL CLASSES HAPPENING THIS MONTH!
Students often ask me what they can do when they are looking to move up from their current class level.
1. Try something you've never done before, like pointe or jazz. 

2. Take just the barre of the next level class to get a feel for the speed and new vocabulary.

3. Watch the videos of my Beginner and Intermediate level classes on my YouTube channel for reference.
4. Do a private lesson or two to tackle some of the more complex steps.
No matter what you choose, give yourself time! Dance for life, not just one day.

---

GENTLE BALLET AT THE EBELL IS BACK!

Earlier this year I taught a 6-week series of basic ballet classes at the nonprofit Ebell Club in Los Angeles. It was so much fun that we're doing another series of 6 classes, starting on Monday April 8, from 11AM-12PM. If you or anyone you know would like to join, here is the link to sign up for this community-focused and low-key class.

---

LPBC News

Gala tickets on sale now!
 

Saturday, April 27 at the War Memorial in South Pasadena, CA! Seating is limited! Link here to purchase.
 

Our theme this year is COMMUNITY!

Our gala will expand its reach to encompass the broader Arts/Non-Profit community, highlighting the mutual support we offer one another. We will have two terrific guest speakers from Brave Trails and Conundrum Theatre.

We'll have an exciting silent auction (if you want to donate something, please contact me!), live performances of new choreography, and a short film featuring our remote dancers in a Lord of the Rings-inspired ballet.

And of course, a delicious dinner and fabulous desserts! Join us!

July news! Class updates coming in August!

July 2023 schedule - In-studio and online!

Tuesdays (Live Arts LA) - *NO CLASS JULY 4th!*

7-8:30PM - Intermediate ballet
Wednesdays (Inspire Dance Studio)
6:30-8PM - Beginner ballet
8-9PM - Beginner Jazz
Thursdays (Inspire)
7:10-8:40PM - Basic ballet
Saturdays (Inspire)
9:30-11AM - Beginner ballet
11AM-12PM - Pointe/pre-pointe
Sundays (Inspire)

10AM-11:30AM - Intermediate ballet
11:30AM-1PM - Basic Ballet

SIGN UP FOR ALL CLASSES HERE

---

LIVE ARTS LOS ANGELES STUDIO TO CLOSE IN AUGUST
The beautiful (and big!) studio in Glassell Park will be closing for good this August, a tremendous loss for our dance community. Karen and Jennifer created a welcoming environment for all kinds of movement-based activities in the LA area and I loved holding my Tuesday night class there after Dance Arts Academy closed (another great studio lost!). The last class I will hold at LALA will be on Tuesday, August 15. I hope you can make it!

---

AUGUST SCHEDULE CHANGES COMING!
With the loss of one studio comes the opportunity to restructure! Beginning Thursday August 24th, at Inspire Dance Studio, the Basic Ballet class will start at 6:30PM and will be followed by Intermediate Ballet at 8PM. I will remind you all again in next month's newsletter too.

---

CLASSES CONTINUE ALL SUMMER
Jazz, ballet, pointe! We're dancing through the dog days of summer. It's a great time to try something new: a new style of dance, a new level of ballet...and if you're itching to clean up your pirouettes or have something specific to work on, why not schedule a private lesson? Contact me for more info.

---

LPBC News

Mark your calendars for our own special Nutcracker: November 11 &12, 2023 at the Lanterman Auditorium!

Did you miss our Pride video? Last month dancers of the company participated in this celebratory video with poetry and dancing; they narrated it and edited it and I loved being part of it too! Click the image below to check it out:

 

It's Fall already! Here's the schedule for September and links for Sweet Sorrow!

 

September 2022 schedule - In-studio and online!

Sunday (Inspire Dance Studio)
10AM-11:30AM - Intermediate ballet
11:30AM-1PM - Gentle Basic Ballet
Tuesday (Live Arts LA) 

7-8:30PM - Beg/Intermediate ballet
Wednesday (Inspire)
6:30-8PM - Beginner ballet
8-9PM - Beginner Jazz
Thursday (Inspire)
7-8:30PM - Basic ballet
Saturday (Inspire)
9:30-11AM - Beginner ballet
11AM-12PM - Pointe/pre-pointe

SIGN UP FOR ALL CLASSES HERE

---

Ready to try something new?
Gentle Basic Ballet is my most elementary class but offers a lot to any level student. Great for a long barre and a fun center, with all the things you like about a flowing, dancey ballet class but no allegro!
Beginner Jazz is a huge amount of fun! We have a great time dancing to good music and learning a fun combo. It's like meeting your friends on the club dance floor but without the headache the next day!
Pointe/pre-pointe is excellent for dancers who want to get en pointe as well as those who are very experienced. I break down all the elements of pointe work so you feel confident and are strong.
 

---

LPBC News

"Sweet Sorrow, A Zombie Ballet" is back for its 5th and last performance before it returns to the crypt!

Mark your calendars for my company's iconic show, the sequel to Romeo & Juliet. This year we have a few surprises in store, including new dances, new music and new characters!


**If you are interested in a group discount, please contact me or the company and inquire. We love bringing in groups of audience members.**

October 8 & 9
Lanterman Auditorium
4491 Cornishon Avenue
La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011

Get your tickets here!
 

August newsletter is here!

 

August 2022 schedule - In-studio and online! Sunday (Inspire Dance Studio) 10AM-11:30AM - Intermediate ballet 11:30AM-1PM - Gentle Ballet **NOW 90 MINS** Tuesday (Live Arts LA)  7-8:30PM - Beg/Intermediate ballet Wednesday (Inspire) 6:30-8PM - Beginner ballet 8-9PM - Beginner Jazz **SUPER FUN** Thursday (Inspire) 7-8:30PM - Basic ballet Saturday (Inspire) 9:30-11AM - Beginner ballet 11AM-12PM - Pointe/pre-pointe **NEW TIME** SIGN UP FOR ALL CLASSES HERE New class: Gentle Ballet Sundays 11:30AM QUESTION: "What is Gentle Ballet and how does it differ from Basic Ballet (and btw, how does THAT differ from Beginner Ballet?" Gentle Ballet is intended for any level dancer who wants to take class in a slightly less traditional way. They might be brand new, recovering from an injury, or need modifications for the exercises. It will not include grand plies, pirouettes or big jumps; many exercises will be in parallel and/or facing the barre. Center work will include port de bras, traveling steps and short combinations. Basic Ballet is my most elementary technique class and is the foundation for more advanced vocabulary. It is structured as a typical class and includes barre, center, jumps and turns. It's designed for dancers with little to no experience in ballet. Beginner Ballet is the next level before Intermediate and includes more advanced vocabulary and more complex combinations than Basic. Dancers in this class are expected to know the basics at the barre and in center. (P.S. - I teach all 3 of these classes! Tell your friends!) TECHNIQUE TIP BLOG POST! In case you missed it: When Ballet Attacks - Get Big! Frequently we make ourselves smaller when faced with new steps or challenging combinations. This post talks about how and why to do the opposite! ***HEY! Have YOU tried Beginner Jazz yet? Each week we dance to great music, work up a sweat, and learn some new choreography (either original or a classic jazz piece). It's so much fun! Wednesdays at 8PM!***

What's happening in June? Check it out!

 Please note: no classes 6/21-6/23!

June 2022 schedule - In-studio and online!

Sunday (Inspire Dance Studio)
10AM-11:30AM - Beg/Intermediate level
Tuesday (Live Arts LA) no class 6/21

7-8:30PM - Beg/Intermediate level
Wednesday (Inspire) no class 6/22
6:30-8PM - Beginner level
8-9PM - Basic Lyrical Jazz
Thursday (Inspire) no class 6/23
7-8:30PM - Basic level
Saturday (Inspire)
9:30-11AM - Beginner level
11AM-12:30PM - Intermediate level
12:30-1:30PM - Pointe

SIGN UP FOR ALL CLASSES HERE

---

Please note before you come to the studio:

1. Masks are optional for all dancers inside both studios where I rent.
2. Students must show proof of vaccination to attend class at Live Arts LA.

---

Looking for something new? Try Jazz this summer!

My Basic Lyrical Jazz class on Wednesday nights, 8-9PM at Inspire is also available on Zoom. You can follow along at home or in the studio with energetic music and an easy "ballet-friendly" warmup with tendus, plies, isolations, etc. and some traveling combinations. Each week we work on a bit of cool choreography which I post on Instagram for reference. It's such a fun class - and we sweat too! Great for cardio!
 

SAVE $5 when you sign up for the Wednesday Beginner Ballet class at 6:30-8PM AND Jazz that same night. First sign up for the ballet class and get the discount code in your confirmation email, then apply that code to the purchase of the Jazz class.

---

New class (and weekend schedule!) coming in July!

Summer time is vacation time - take a break time - enjoy the days time - for me too! I'll be changing up the weekend schedule next month to give everyone access to their classes but still have time for themselves. STAY TUNED! I'll update mid-month and then again in my July newsletter! PLUS I'll be bringing you a brand new class: Gentle Ballet!

---

LPBC News

IT'S HERE!! HOTEL AT THE END OF THE UNIVERSE ON JUNE 18 & 19

The time-traveling hotel has been taken for a joyride by three feisty bellhops determined to have fun. Join us at the Madrid Theatre on Saturday June 18 at 7PM and Sunday June 19 at 4PM for a 2-act ballet that will lift your spirits and send your imagination soaring. TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!!

Note: We'll be streaming it on July 9 & 10 too.

Click this awesome image from dancer Bill Reiss and you'll be magically transported to the LPBC website to get your tickets. If you've got a group, contact me for a discount code!

FUN LINK!! Check out this super cool trailer, created by Kavita Master and starring EVERY SINGLE DANCER who is performing in the show, including the remote dancers!

WANT A FREE SHIRT? Become a Supporter of the company at any level BEFORE JUNE 19 and you'll receive your choice of a Sweet Sorrow or Hotel shirt! Join today! And when you sign up at the Aficionado, Connoisseur or Virtuoso level, you will also receive a discount code for 15% off Hotel tickets along with several other cool benefits! MORE INFO HERE!

April brings new classes, class times and days!

 

April 2022 schedule - New class & times!
Join on Zoom or in person!

Sunday (Inspire Dance Studio in La Canada)
10AM-11:30AM - Intermediate level
Tuesday (Live Arts LA in Eagle Rock)

7-8:30PM - Beg/Intermediate level
Wednesday (Inspire)
6:30-8PM - Beginner level
8-9PM - Basic Lyrical Jazz - NEW CLASS!!!
Thursday (Inspire)
7-8:30PM - Basic level
Saturday (Inspire)
9:30-11AM - Beginner level - NEW TIME!!!
11AM-12:30PM - Intermediate level - NEW TIME!!!
12:30-1:30PM - Pointe - NEW DAY & TIME!!!

SIGN UP FOR ALL CLASSES HERE
 

---

UPDATE! Please note before you come to the studio:

1. Masks are optional for all dancers inside both studios where I rent.
2. Students must show proof of vaccination to attend class at Live Arts LA.

---

"New jazz class? Tell me more!"

Wondering what my new Basic Lyrical Jazz class on Wednesday nights at 8PM is all about and why I'm teaching it now? Here's a secret: I taught jazz long before I taught ballet - and I loved it! Why now? Simple: I teach the classes I want to take. This is why my classes are structured the way they are and why they include technique, music and choreography the way I personally enjoy. And now, I want a bit of jazz in my life! Here's more in a blog post I wrote about it, including what to expect.  

Starts Wednesday, April 6!
 

BONUS! SAVE $5 when you sign up for the Wednesday Beginner Ballet class at 6:30-8PM AND Jazz that same night. First sign up for the ballet class, then receive the discount code in your confirmation email, then apply that code to the purchase of the Jazz class.

---

Basic ballet barre video!

NEW! Basic ballet barre now available to rent! Want to work on your technique at home or can't make it to class? Rent a 50-minute video of barre work for only $10. I post a new barre on YouTube on Friday mornings and it will be available to access until it is replaced with a new one. Purchase here (scroll past the schedule) and I will email you the link!

 

---

LPBC News

SAVE THE DATE! HOTEL AT THE END OF THE UNIVERSE ON JUNE 18 & 19

The time-traveling hotel has been taken for a joyride by three feisty bellhops determined to have fun. Join them (and your favorite nonprofit ballet company for adults!) at the Madrid Theatre on Saturday June 18 at 7PM and Sunday June 19 at 4PM for a 2-act ballet that will lift your spirits and send your imagination soaring. More info and tickets to come but make sure you put this on your calendar! I'm so excited to bring a brand new approach to one of my favorite shows. Here's a teaser of it from the 2019 show:

March newsletter includes lots of updates!

 

March 2022 schedule Join on Zoom or in person! Sunday (Inspire Dance Studio in La Canada) 10AM-11:30AM - Intermediate level 11:40AM-1:00PM - Pointe/pre-pointe Tuesday (Live Arts LA in Eagle Rock) 7-8:30PM - Intermediate level Wednesday (Inspire) 6:30-8PM - Beginner level Thursday (Inspire) 7-8:30PM - Basic level Saturday (Inspire) 10AM-11:30AM - Beginner level 12PM-1:30PM - Intermediate level SIGN UP FOR ALL CLASSES HERE   UPDATE! Please note before you come to the studio: 1. Masks are optional for vaccinated dancers inside both studios where I rent. At Inspire, please wear your mask in the common areas but feel free to remove inside the studio if you are vaccinated (please be prepared to show proof). 2. Students must show proof of vaccination to attend class at Live Arts LA.   New and fun! NEW! Basic ballet barre class now available to rent in your home! If you want to work on your technique at home or can't make it to class, try renting a 50-minute video of barre work for only $10. I post a new barre on YouTube on Friday mornings and it will be available to access until it is replaced the following Friday morning with a new one. Purchase here (scroll past the schedule) and I will email you the link. Questions? Just ask! FUN! My student Adrienne Wandel is organizing a Dance Walk around the Hollywood Reservoir on Sunday, March 20 at 9AM. It's free and sure to be lots of fun! From Adrienne: "We'll be starting with a ballet stretch at the barre (reservoir railing). Then we'll do a 3.5 mile loop of Dance-Walking together amongst nature, stopping only to say hello to the deer." To RSVP text 323-747-0025 It's Free!   LPBC News SAVE THE DATE! HOTEL AT THE END OF THE UNIVERSE ON JUNE 18 & 19 The time-traveling hotel has been taken for a joyride by three feisty bellhops determined to have fun. Join them (and your favorite nonprofit ballet company for adults!) at the Madrid Theatre on Saturday June 18 at 7PM and Sunday June 19 at 4PM for a 2-act ballet that will lift your spirits and send your imagination soaring. More info and tickets to come but make sure you put this on your calendar! I'm so excited to bring a brand new approach to one of my favorite shows.

What's happening in July? Newsletter!

 

July 2021 schedule CLASSES AT 3 STUDIOS & ONLINE! Sunday: Open level Technique Hybrid class 10-11:30AM Studio A, Silverlake Sunday: Pointe/pre-pointe Hybrid class 11:40AM-1PM Studio A, Silverlake Tuesday: Open level Technique Hybrid class 7-8:30PM Live Arts LA, Eagle Rock Wednesday: Beginner level Technique In-studio class 6:30-8PM Inspire Dance Studio, La Canada Thursday: Basic level Technique In-studio class (NEW!!) 7-8:30PM Inspire Dance Studio, La Canada Saturday: Open level Technique Online class 9:30-11AM Zoom only Saturday: Open level Technique In-studio class 12-1:30PM Inspire Dance Studio, La Canada SIGN UP FOR ALL CLASSES HERE CONVERT YOUR PAPER CLASS CARD HERE   Policy changes! Please read before you come to the studio! 1. Vaccinated dancers may opt out of masks but unvaccinated dancers MUST wear masks in class. This is the current rule at all 3 studios where I rent. As of 6/28/21, LA County Health Dept also recommends ALL people wear masks in indoor public places, regardless of their vaccination status. If this (or any other guidelines) changes the rules at the studios, I will implement them as well. 2. ALL dancers MUST sign up for classes in advance online ONLY . 3. ALL paper cards will be converted to e-cards.   NEW class & level coming JULY 1! BASIC BALLET Thursdays 7-8:30PM Inspire Dance Studio This class is perfect for dancers who want to get back to class slowly, who are returning from injury/illness, who want an extra class to work en pointe, or who fell in love with ballet during the pandemic and now need in-person guidance and corrections. We'll start with the basics of the barre, some simple center and across-the-floor, and lots of ports de bras, too! If you know someone who wants to start ballet or brush up on where they left off as kids, please tell them. Join us! Tell a friend!   LPBC News The Circus was a success!   Thank you SO much to the 300+ people all over the world who watched our virtual fundraiser. We had people logging in from 31 states and 5 countries! How cool is that? We raised money for our next show(s) which will include a full-length version of Circus of Worldly Wonders. Best of all, we had a chance to connect with new friends and show them a new way to watch ballet. I fully support dance in the virtual space and can't wait to do more of it! If you want to become part of what we're doing, check out the website for more information. We have lots of opportunities for fun and challenging activities!

April 2021 Newsletter is the BACK TO STUDIO edition!

 

April 2021 schedule GETTING BACK TO THE STUDIO! Beautiful dancers, I'm so excited to take some petit jetes back to the studio. Classes will open in phases to stay safe and remain flexible. With that in mind, I'm happy to announce the first weekly class I'm teaching in-studio: Saturday Open level Technique (begins April 17) 12PM-1:30PM Inspire Dance Studio, La Canada. This will be an open class limited to 8 students. The fee per class will be $20. You must sign up in advance for this class. Drop-ins will not be allowed. Continuing on Zoom: Tuesday & Thursday 6:45PM-8PM, Wednesday 6-7:15PM; Saturday 9:30-10:45AM, Sunday 10:00-11:25AM and Sunday Pointe/Pre-Pointe 11:40-1PM. The fee for Zoom classes will continue to be $15 per class. Continuing on YouTube: Friday 11AM-12PM. Coming to Inspire in May: Wednesday Beginner level class 6:30-8PM WILL BE LIMITED IN SIZE   VIEW FULL SCHEDULE HERE SIGN UP FOR ALL CLASSES HERE CONVERT YOUR PAPER CLASS CARD HERE   Not ready for an open class but still want to dance in the studio? I can do a 4-person pod class at Inspire on Wednesday at 8:15PM and can consider other pod classes at Studio A and Live Arts LA starting in May. CONTACT me if you are interested in setting up a pod! (What's a "pod?" It's a semi-private class of up to 4 students for a month!) Please read before you come to the studio! 1. ALL dancers MUST wear masks in the studios. 2. ALL dancers MUST sign up for classes in advance online ONLY (spots are limited and I need you to sign COVID waivers) 3. ALL paper cards will be converted to e-cards. For the foreseeable future, I will not have paper cards and all transactions will be contactless. PLEASE email or text me with a photo of your class card so I can provide you with credit which you can apply to the purchase of any class, either online or in-studio. 4A. In case you can't attend, PLEASE cancel or reschedule your class online at least one hour in advance so that another student can take your place. 4B. If a class is full and you would like to be on the waitlist, PLEASE text or email me so I can get in touch with you as soon as there is an opening. 5. There are NO DROP-IN's - PLEASE do not come to the studio if you are not signed up.   I realize this is a lot of info so please don't hesitate to ask questions! Access to YouTube video archives Beginner/Intermediate with Pre-pointe playlist is available! Link will be valid from 1/1/21 through 6/30/21. New Friday playlist includes November & December 2020 videos and will be valid through 6/30/21. VISIT my website for more information!   LPBC News Save the date: the Circus is coming (virtually) on June 13th! Our 2021 company - with 65 members across the country and the world - will be presenting a unique fundraiser to preview the creation of a brand new original ballet about a steampunk circus set in 1885! "The Circus of Worldly Wonders" will be full length next season but we're excited to give you a preview of it on June 13th. If you'd like to donate, we absolutely would be grateful as it will help us build costumes and props for this very special show! Thank you! Check out these images from our outdoor rehearsals at Inspire. We've got characters galore! (row one: Karen Opara, Steve Collins; row two: Ingrid Jackel, Desiree Calderon, Jackie Nii, Avery Pohl, Jim Luna, Jen Marchain, Mina Thoresen, Joscelyn Beckley, Noriko Masaka; row three: Ingrid Jackel & Celia Green, Laila Madni & Marla Bleavins; row four: Gina Buccolo, Daniela Strong, Alexes Ciardi, Rae Aaselund, Hope Friedman)   Copyright © 2021 Leigh Purtill Ballet, All rights reserved.

February Newsletter!

 

February 2021 schedule All classes in session as scheduled (view here). Please sign up online here. Outdoor class at Inspire on Saturdays 12-1PM. Sign-up in advance; limited to 6.   Valentine's Day Easy Online Partnering Workshop! Sunday, February 14, 5-6PM PST - No ballet experience necessary for your partner. It will help if you know arabesque, attitude and sousous. Only $20 for you and your partner. Sign up here. BONUS CLASS! Add on a 30 minute Easy Basic Barre at 4:30PM PST - held right before the workshop, only $10 for you and your partner. See image to right for where to sign up on the page. Access to YouTube video archives Beginner/Intermediate with Pre-pointe playlist is available! Link will be valid from 1/1/21 through 6/30/21. New Friday playlist includes November & December 2020 videos and will be valid through 6/30/21. VISIT my website for more information!     LPBC News Company Member Spotlight! The newest video in our ongoing series on our YouTube channel, Company Spotlights created by Alexes Ciardi, is an interview with company member Gina Buccolo.  Click the photo to the right and be sure to subscribe to our channel to see more in the series! Did you get your 2020 Company t-shirt? Every purchase helps support the company plus you look super cool in it! Design is by company member and artist Bill Reiss. We will do a group order so get to our website and place your order before FEBRUARY 22! Below Megan and Laila show off the long sleeve shirt. Both say the cotton is soft and fits as expected (comfy but not too roomy). And below are Samantha in a short sleeve and Jen in a tank. All styles look great!