Ballet Classes in Meridian, Idaho

Mission Statement

To provide Meridian quality Dance Company assistance as a Ballet Classes, Tap Dance Classes, Kids Dance Classes and Dance Academy.

Backstage Dance Center meeting your Dance Company needs since 1990.

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Backstage Dance Center is a Meridian, Idaho family owned dance studio. Since 1990 Backstage Dance Center has established a ballet classes division, offered tap dance classes and developed a kids dance classes service for its Meridian clients in Ada County. Backstage Dance Center has become Meridian local dance company favorite!

Our Talented Staff

Eric Coffman , Founder
Eric was introduced to dance by his mother, an accomplished dancer herself. By age 10, Eric was taking ballet classes every day, in addition to playing tennis, doing gymnastics, and swimming. At age 15 he won a Ford Foundation Scholarship to the San Francisco Ballet and began dancing with that company the following year. Eric later moved to New York City, where he danced with the Robert Joffrey Ballet and American Ballet Theatre. From there he joined the renowned Royal Danish Ballet, and was the first foreigner to be chosen to dance leading roles. He went on to dance in movies, TV shows, night clubs and opera houses in 22 different countries. Eric passed away in 2008, and the studio remains his legacy to Boise and Meridian.
Anne Sakolsky-Basquill, Director/Owner
Anne started her ballet studies as a child at the Miami City Ballet School in Miami, Florida. By the age of 14 she became a member of the Ballet Royal, a regional civic ballet company based out of Orlando, Florida. When on break from the company she studied at Jacobs Pillow with Margaret Craske, Ted Shawn and Norman Walker; the Washington School of Ballet in Washington DC, and the North Carolina School of the Arts. During her university studies she danced at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. After graduation she continued to dance professionally in Texas, New York, California and Germany. Anne has been teaching ballet since 1977 throughout the US and Germany. She has been teaching at Backstage since 1995.

Miss Dana started her dance studies in Mississippi. She has taught in Wyoming, Louisiana, and New Zealand. At the Natchez Ballet Academy she danced the pas de deux of Chinese and the Sugar Plum Fairy in the local productions of the Nutcracher. In addition to teaching Ballet she has led workshops on the use of movement and dance in in prayer and worship.
Miss Dana has been teaching Ballet at Backstage since 1997.
Miss Darby has been dancing since she was three years old. She has trained in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop and Lyrical. She has performed four different roles in Ballet Idaho's "The Nutcracker." She was the principal choreographer for the 2010 BSU Community Involvement Service Project, Shakespeare in Action. Darby has also danced and cheered for the Boise Burn and Idaho Stampede's Dance Team.
Miss Darby has been teaching at Backstage since 2010.

Miss Erin has been dancing for 20 years. She studied dance throughout the West Coast in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop and Hawaiian. She participated in competitive dance teams since age ten. In 2010, Erin danced at the opening ceremonies for the Special Olympics held in Idaho. Miss Erin has been teaching at Backstage since 2007, and coaching since 2010.

Miss Alexa has studied dance in Idaho, California at Santa Barbara City College, New York City, Boston and Germany. While going to law school she taught at Dance Connections in Windham, New Hampshire. Her goal is to have her students grow into stronger and more confident people, both on and off the dance floor, while still having fun. Miss Alexa is happy to return to teaching at Backstage, after studying in Boston.


Miss Lydia graduated with an AA in dance from New World School of the Arts in Miami. From there she continued her dance studies at Arizona State University, which she left to study at the San Francisco Conservatory of Dance. Since returning to Boise in 2011, she has performed with Ballet Idaho, Boise Dance Co-op, Off Center Dance and in The Bench in 2013. She has taught at Backstage since 2012.

?Miss Lizzy has been trained in jazz, hip hop, ballet, tap and modern. Before she graduated with a degree in Exercise Science, she performed with the Bengal Dancers and was captain her last two years at ISU. She has choreographed for many high school and studio dance teams, and has choreographed for the National Dance Alliance's curriculum that will be taught at dance camps all over the world. Backstage is very fortunate to have her join our staff.


Miss Alexis is from Provo, Utah. She has had the privilege of dancing at Broadway Center in New York City. While at Utah Valley University, her dance team placed 2nd at the Universal Dance Association's College Nationals. She also participated in the 2002 Olympics Opening Ceremonies. She has been teaching for 16 years. Her choreography has won her dancers best showmanship, overall best technique and overall high point. Backstage is proud to have her as an addition to our staff.




Miss Taylor is a graduate of Backstage Dance Center's teacher training program. She has been a teacher's assistant for two years in Hip Hop and is very popular with her students. Miss Taylor has been a student at Backstage since 2003 and has been a member of our nationally ranked Black Diamond team for three years. We are excited to have her join our staff.


Miss Arianna has been dancing since she was three years old, and has been competing
since she was six. She has been trained in Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical and Ballroom. She has
been a student at Backstage since 2012 and has danced with the nationally ranked Black
Diamond Dance team for three years. She is now the assistant coach for the Blue, White
and Black Diamond teams. She is also a member of the Extreme Staffing Stampede
Dance Squad.

Key Contacts

Eric Coffman , Founder

Eric Was Introduced To Dance By His Mother, An Accomplished Dancer Herself. By Age 10, Eric Was Taking Ballet Classes Every Day, In Addition To Playing Tennis, Doing Gymnastics, And Swimming. At Age 15 He Won A Ford Foundation Scholarship To The San Francisco Ballet And Began Dancing With That Company The Following Year. Eric Later Moved To New York City, Where He Danced With The Robert Joffrey Ballet And American Ballet Theatre. From There He Joined The Renowned Royal Danish Ballet, And Was The First Foreigner To Be Chosen To Dance Leading Roles. He Went On To Dance In Movies, Tv Shows, Night Clubs And Opera Houses In 22 Different Countries. Eric Passed Away In 2008, And The Studio Remains His Legacy To Boise And Meridian.

Anne Sakolsky-basquill, Director/owner

Anne Started Her Ballet Studies As A Child At The Miami City Ballet School In Miami, Florida. By The Age Of 14 She Became A Member Of The Ballet Royal, A Regional Civic Ballet Company Based Out Of Orlando, Florida. When On Break From The Company She Studied At Jacobs Pillow With Margaret Craske, Ted Shawn And Norman Walker; The Washington School Of Ballet In Washington Dc, And The North Carolina School Of The Arts. During Her University Studies She Danced At The University Of Wisconsin-milwaukee. After Graduation She Continued To Dance Professionally In Texas, New York, California And Germany. Anne Has Been Teaching Ballet Since 1977 Throughout The Us And Germany. She Has Been Teaching At Backstage Since 1995.

1) 2015-2016 Tuition

Monthly Tuition Per Hours of Week of Instruction

Hrs/Week Monthly Tuition

45 min $40

1 hour? $44

1.5 hours $58

2 hours $64

2.5 hours $74 $2.50 will be added

3 hours $82 to monthly tuition for
3.5 hours $88 classes that are
4 hours $94 1 1/4 hr long
4.5 hours $99
5 hours $104
5.5 hours $109
6 hours $116


There is a 10% discount on monthly tuition for multiple family members.


?REGISTRATION FEES:

Returning Students ...... $10

New Students ......... $15

Multiple Family Members:

2nd child returning student .......................... $5

2nd child new student .................................. $10

3rd plus child .................................................. $ 5

REGISTRATION FEES: SPRING SEMESTER

All new students registering for the Spring Semester
.....................................$15

2) Class Description

Class Descriptions
BALLET/TAP COMBINATIONS:
3-4 year old: A 45 minute, once a week class that focuses on creative movement, music and rhythm, and basic ballet and tap techniques. Students will learn to take verbal directions, follow the teacher's example & to wait their turn. They will learn to count to eight, memorize short exercise combinations, & stop & go on musical cues in a fun and nurturing environment.
DRESS CODE: Leotard of your choice, pink tights, pink ballet shoes (not slippers), and black tap shoes.

Kindergarten/1st grade: A 45 minute, once a week class that focuses on introducing ballet and tap technique, with the goal of enhancing rhythm and motor skills. Students will learn that music has phrasing & rhythm, identify parts of the body, stop & go on musical cues & memorize short exercise combinations in a fun and nurturing environment.
DRESS CODE: Black leotard of your choice, pink tights, pink ballet shoes (not slippers), and black tap shoes.

BALLET: DRESS CODE: Black leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes (not slippers)

Ballet 1: (All ages) A 45 minute once a week class. Students will focus on learning the basics of ballet in order to prepare them fora more advanced class. No previous experience required.

Ballet 2: (Ages 7-10 ) A one hour once a week class. Students will focus on furthering their knowledge of basic ballet steps, posture, etiquette, vocabulary.

Ballet 3: (Ages 10-12 ) By teacher recommendation. A 75 min once a week class that focuses on furthering technique, terminology,and execution of simple combinations and port de bra. Team/Teen Ballet is equivalent to Ballet 3.

Ballet 4: ( Ages 12 ) By teacher recommendation. A 75 minute once a week class that focuses on furthering more advanced knowledge of technique, terminology, execution of more complicated steps and combinations and port de bra. Students in this class are expected to take two ballet classes a week. They may take Ballet 3 or Teen/Team Ballet for the additional class.

Team/Teen Ballet: Equivalent to Ballet 3. A 1 hour twice a week class that focuses on elementary technique, vocabulary and execution of basic steps.

Ballet 5: A 1.5 hour twice a week class focusing on ankle strengthening and preparing the body for pointe work while developing more competence in ballet technique, vocabulary; with introduction to more advanced and complicated steps and combinations.

Beginning Pointe: A 30 min twice a week class in which students selected by the instructor stay for elementary pointe work. Students must be at least 12 years old and have demonstrated that they are physically and mentally ready.

Ballet 6: A 1.5 hour twice a week pointe class focusing on developing strength, advanced ballet technique, steps, combinations and expression. Students must be at least 13 years old and have demonstrated proper technique, and strength on pointe.

HIP HOP: DRESS CODE: Loose fitting clothes, tennis shoes NO JEANS OR JEWELRY

Beginning: (Ages 6-10) A one hour once a week fun class that introduces young children to hip hop movements appropriate for their age group using popular childrens music.

Intermediate: (Ages 11-14) A one hour once a week fun class that introduces more advanced hip hop movements appropriate for the age group using appropriate music.

Teen Hip Hop: (Ages 12 & up) A one hour once a week class focusing on movements appropriate for older teens using edited or clean popular music.

Advanced Hip Hop: One hour once a week fun class focusing on perfecting fundamental movements.. Attending competitions is optional.

JAZZ: DRESS CODE: Loose pants or jazz pants with any type of jazz shoe

Jazz 2: (Ages 9-11) A one hour once a week fun class that focuses on developing technical skill and strength of basic jazz movements; combining various movements into short combinations using age appropriate music and choreography.

Jazz 3: (Ages 12 ) A one hour once a week class focusing on more advanced steps & technique, and longer combinations. Students must have had previous jazz, lyrical or ballet experience

Jazz 4: A one hour once a week class focusing on perfecting fundamental moves and more complicated and longer combinations. Students must show competency in basic jazz.

Jazz 5: A one hour once a week class for advanced students focusing on advanced jazz technique. Ballet is required.

CONTEMPORARY: DRESS CODE: Loose pants or jazz pants with socks.

Contemporary: A one hour once a week class focusing on contemporary movements and improvisation. Must have teacher approval for entry into class.

LYRICAL: DRESS CODE: Loose or jazz pants with jazz/lyrical shoes or half socks

Beginning: (Ages 8 or instructor permission) A 45 minute once a week class focusing on the introduction to lyrical and lyrical movements. Ballet or jazz experience required.

Intermediate: (Ages 10 or instructor permission). A one hour once a week class focusing on more advanced movements. Previous experience in jazz, ballet or lyrical required.

Teen: (Age 12 ). A one hour once a week class for teenagers focusing on lyrical movement. Previous experience in ballet, jazz or lyrical required.

Advanced: (Age 14 ) A one hour once a week class focusing on advanced movements and combinations. Ballet 5 level or advanced jazz level required.

TAP: DRESS CODE: Loose pants and black tap shoes without heels

Beginning/Intermediate: A one hour once a week fun class introducing basics of tap dancing, including more advanced steps and combinations for those with some tap experience.

Team Tap: A one hour once a week competitive tap based class. Must be a member of a backstage dance team. This class will be taking their routines to competitions.

ACROBATIC CLASSES:

Acro 1: (Ages 6-10) A 45 minute once a week class focusing on basic skills which teach flexibility, balance, strength, muscle control, discipline and concentration.

Acro 2: (Ages 11 ) The ability to do a kick-over from a flat mat is required. A 45 minute once a week class focusing on more advanced skills which teach flexibility, balance, strength, muscle control, discipline and concentration.

Acro 3: (Ages 11 ) Our most advanced class, a perfected back walk-over is required. A one hour once a week class focusing on flexibility, balance, strength, muscle control, discipline and concentration.

ADULT CLASSES: NO DRESS CODE

Tap: A one hour once a week fun class focusing on basic/intermediate tap steps and combinations as a fun way to exercise. No experience required. Performance in recitals is
optional.

Adult Hip Hop/Jazz Combo: A fun class for anyone looking for aerobic exercise. This class is taught at the individual skill level of each dancer. The class will help increase flexibility, muscle tone and overall health of the dancer. The class will alternate weekly focusing on hip hop one week and jazz the next week. This class is for the beginner to experienced dancer.

DANCE TEAMS:

Purple Diamond Team: A novice team. DRESS CODE: Dance shorts, jazz pants, jazz/lyrical shoe of your choice. A one hour once a week practice for 7-10 year olds to advance their knowledge and abilities in basic technique. One Ballet class a week is required. Auditions are required and will be announced.7
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Pink Diamond Team: An intermediate novice team. DRESS CODE: Dance shorts, jazz pants, jazz/lyrical shoe of your choice. A one hour once a week practice that prepares students for higher skilled teams. One Ballet class a week is required. Auditions are required and will be announced. One year experience required. Must be at least 9 years old to audition.


Blue Diamond Team: An intermediate level team. DRESS CODE: Dance shorts, jazz pants, jazz/lyrical shoe of your choice. DRESS CODE: Dance shorts, jazz pants, jazz/lyrical shoe of your choice. lyrical shoe of your choice. A 90 minute once a week practice that prepares students for higher skilled teams. One Ballet class a week is required. Auditions are required, and will be announced. Two years experience required, and must be at least 11 years old to audition.


White Diamond Team: An advanced intermediate team. DRESS CODE: Dance shorts, jazz/lyrical shoe of your choice. Advanced Intermediate dance team with a minimum 75 minute once a week practice. Coach may require more practices to learn/perfect choreography. Dancers are expected to learn three/four routines in jazz, lyrical, contemporary and hip hop which are performed at competitions, recitals and other events. Two ballet classes a week are required. This team requires dedication, but it is a great way to make friends, travel, improve technique and performing skills. Audition required and will be announced.


Black Diamond Team: Advanced dance team. DRESS CODE: Dance shorts, jazz/lyrical shoe of your choice. Advanced dance team with a minimum of 90 minute once a week practice. Coach may require more practices to learn/perfect choreography. Dancers will work with outside choreographers. Dancers are expected to learn four/five routines in jazz, lyrical, contemporary and hip hop, which are performed at competitions, recitals and other events. Two ballet classes a week are required. This team requires dedication, but it is a great way to make friends, travel, improve technique and dancing skills. Audition required and will be announced.

3) Schedule

2015-2016 Schedule



2015-2016 Dance Class Schedule

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday

PLEASE SEE CLASS DESCRIPTION & PREREQUISITES UNDER "CLASS DESCRIPTIONS"



? Combo Ballet/Tap Classes



Combo Ballet/Tap 3/4 year old: Tuesday 10:00-10:45am (2) Miss Alexis
Combo Ballet/Tap 3/4 year old: Monday 5:45-6:30pm (2) Miss Alexa
Combo Ballet/Tap Kindergarten- 1st Grade : Monday 6:30-7:15 pm (2) Miss Alexa


Ballet Classes



Ballet 1: Monday 5:00-:5:45 pm (2) Miss Darby
Ballet 2: Wednesday 5:45-6:45pm (1) Miss Dana
Ballet 3: Wednesday 6:45-8:00 pm (2) Miss Dana
Team/Teen Ballet (equivalent to Ballet 3): Monday, 7:15-8:15pm (2) Miss Alexa,Thursday 7:30--8:30 pm (2) Miss Anne
Ballet 4: Thursday 6:45-8:00pm(2) Miss Dana
Ballet 5: Tuesday 5:45-7:15pm (3), Thursday 5:30-7:00pm Miss Anne
Beg/Int Pointe: Tuesday 7:15-7:45pm (3) Thursday 7:00-7:30pm (3) Miss Anne
Ballet 6: Monday, Thursday 4:00-5:30pm (1) Miss Anne


Jazz Classes

?Jazz 2: Wednesday 5:00-5:45 (3) Miss Arianna
Jazz 3: Monday 5:45-6:45 pm (3) Miss Lizzy
Jazz 4: Wednesday 5:45-6:45 pm (3) Miss Erin
Jazz 5: Wednesday 7:45-8:45pm (3) Miss Erin
Contemporary Classes

Contemporary: Tuesday 4:00-5:00pm (2) Miss Lydia



Lyrical Classes


Beg Lyrical: Wednesday 5:00-5:45 pm (1) Miss Darby
Int Lyrical: Wednesday 5:45-6:45pm (2) Miss Darby
Teen Lyrical: Wednesday 7:45-8:45pm (1) Miss Arianna
Adv Lyrical: Wednesday 4:00-5:00pm (1) Miss Darby


Tap Classes

Beg/Int Tap: Tuesday 5:45-6:30 pm (2) Miss Darby
Team Tap: Tuesday 5:00-5:45 pm (2) Miss Darby


Hip Hop Classes

Beg Hip Hop: Thursday 5:30-6:15pm (1) Miss Taylor
Int Hip Hop: Monday 6:45-7:45 pm (3) Miss Lizzy
Teen Hip Hop: Monday 7:15-8:15 pm (1) Miss Erin
Adv Hip Hop: Wednesday 6:45-7:45 pm (1) Miss Erin


Acro Classes

Acro 1 ages 6-10 Tuesday 5:00-5:45 pm (1) Miss Alexis
Acro 2 ages 11 Tuesday 5:45-6:30 pm (1) Miss Alexis
Acro 3 ages 11 Tuesday 7:45-8:45 pm (1) Miss Alexis


Teen/Adult Classes
Teen/Adult Tap: Thursday 7:30-8:15 pm (3) Miss Darby
Beg/Adult Hip Hop: Tuesday 7:45-8:45 pm (2) Miss Sarah
Adv/Adult Hip Hop/lyrical/Jazz: Monday 7:45-8:45 pm (3) Miss Sarah


Boys Technique Classes

Boys Technique Class: Saturday 10:30-11:30 am (1) Miss Alexis



Dance Team Practices


Purple Diamonds: Tuesday 6:30-7:30pm (1) MIss Alexis
Pink Diamonds: Thursday 6:15-7:15 pm (1) Miss Alexa
Blue Diamonds: Tuesday 6:30-7:45 pm (3) Miss Darby
White Diamonds: Thursday 5:30-6:45pm (2) Miss Darby
Black Diamonds: Monday 5:30-7:00pm (1) Miss Darby

Service Locations

Ballet Classes Meridian  -  Tap Dance Classes Meridian  -  Kids Dance Classes Meridian
Dance Academy Meridian  -  Dance Classes Meridian  -  Dance Teams Meridian

Citations

Backstage Dance Center Photo Gallery
Updated as of 4/14/2024

Contact Information

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