Ask Any Dancer. Taking Class Makes You Feel Happy.

Get ready for spring in the Marblehead School of Ballet's (MSB) adult ballet class on Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the studio, located at 115 Pleasant Street, in Marblehead, Massachusetts. Dancers with elementary and intermediate levels of are invited to register for a series or drop-in and take a dance class.

With a motto of quality education, individual attention and working with people to reach their goals, the class emphasizes building correct alignment and strength while introducing the ballet vocabulary in the adult ballet class. Musicality and the appreciation of the art of dance is always an important part of the curriculum.

Adult ballet students excel in the school's welcoming, stress-free environment. "As soon as I place my hand on the barre at the beginning of class, I feel the stress of everyday life melt away. Even though I had taken ballet as a child, my experience as an adult student is totally different. Fifty years had passed from the time I had stopped taking ballet classes as a child until the time I first stepped into the ballet studio as an adult," said ballet student Phyllis Crafton.

At MSB, she can focus on her needs. "I no longer care what other students think of my dancing, but concentrate on improving myself. The other adult students are warm and welcoming. At the Marblehead School of Ballet, we have developed a strong camaraderie, where we root for each other's progress and learn from each other's mistakes," explained Crafton.

Director Paula K. Shiff brings her extensive training and performing experience at notable ballet institutions to teach the class. She trained with E. Virginia Williams at the Boston Ballet School, studied in New York at the American Ballet Theatre and the Martha Graham Studio, and performed with the Boston Ballet. She holds a B.S. in dance from the University of Massachusetts. In 2009, Salem State University recognized her success and dedication with their Lifetime Achievement Award in the Arts.

MSB's customized attention in class shows results. "Paula Shiff provides individualized attention to help us achieve our potential. Her belief that it is never too late to learn and improve has helped me strive to be the best I can. The fringe benefit of ballet is a toned body with long, lean muscles, a strong core and good balance!" explained Crafton.

Register for the adult ballet class at http://marbleheadschoolofballet.com/the-school/registration/. The school is open year round and has an open enrollment policy. Adults requiring additional assistance with alignment, stretch and strength, or other areas to enhance, may also arrange a private lesson.

For a class schedule, to sign up for a private lesson or further information, call 781-631-6262, send an e-mail to msb@havetodance.comor visit the school online, www.marbleheadschoolofballet.com

About Marblehead School of Ballet

Celebrating its 45th year, the Marblehead School of Ballet, founded in 1971 by Paula K. Shiff, has earned a wide reputation for the excellence of its training and integrity of purpose. Classical ballet forms the core of teaching with particular emphasis on correct alignment and development of strength and agility. The sheer pleasure of dance and of music is always central to the classroom experience.

The basic graded program for children includes classes in ballet technique with advanced work in repertoire and pointe. The school also offers a modern dance department, classes for young children in creative movement and classes in improvisation and technique for the older student. A full range of adult classes is offered.

MSB is home to the North Shore Civic Ballet Company (NSCBC). The NSCB gives concert performances and a variety of educational programs for schools; all are suitable for different age groups and levels of development.

For further information, call 781-631-6262, send an e-mail to msb@havetodance.com or visit www.marbleheadschoolofballet.com. Follow MSB on Facebook, http://on.fb.me/1wh3fnp, and Twitter @MSB_ballet.

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