Academy Newsletter: October 2025

Starting October 1, the Otto M. Budig Academy invites new students of all ages to try their first class for FREE! Do you have a friend, neighbor, classmate or colleague who is interested in dancing at Cincinnati Ballet? Please invite them to visit the link below for details or to sign up today!

As part of this promotion, we also invite currently enrolled students to join in the free class fun. Intrigued by an elective class or want to explore a new dance style? Use the link below to sign up for a free single-session class in a division elective or Community Division class offering.

This first free class offer extends to new adult dancers, too. Join us for a complimentary class in any one of our Adult Dance + Fitness classes at the Valentine Center for Dance. Just visit the link below!

This month, we are excited to welcome our CB Moves students back to the Margaret and Michael Valentine Center for Dance. CB Moves is Cincinnati Ballet’s adaptive dance program, designed to foster a love of dance and creative expression for individuals with specific needs.

Classes are now underway in all CB Moves classes! Please be on the lookout for wheelchairs and mobility aids in the parent and student lounges and help us give a warm welcome to all our CB Moves families-- including many brand new to Cincinnati Ballet this year as this program continues to grow!

Academy Closure
Saturday, October 11, 2025

Don’t forget! There will be no Academy classes this Saturday, October 11, due to road closures for the Queen Bee Half Marathon. Please note that afternoon rehearsals for Young Performers and the Student Performance Ensemble will still occur, so dancers engaged in those programs should consult their schedules.

Academy Fall Break
October 27 – November 2, 2025

Later this month is the Academy's Fall Break from October 27-November 2. During the break, there will be no classes in our Children’s, Preparatory, Community, Young Dancer, or Advanced Divisions. Please note that Professional Training Division, CB Moves, and Adult Dance + Fitness classes will continue as scheduled during Fall Break, and Young Performers Cast rehearsals continue for any students involved in upcoming productions. The Administrative office will also remain open that week during regular business hours and can be reached at cbacademy@cballet.org or 513.562.1111.

This month we want to introduce our Academy community to some vital team members who provide onsite support to students and families during class times at the Center for Dance.

Student Experience Representatives
First up, meet our Student Experience Representatives (SERs)! You’ve likely already met Courtney Keesee and Taylor Johnson during the first month of the season, and this month Academy alum Ellamae Brodbeck joins the team. The SERs serve as ambassadors for the Academy, assisting students and families during class hours on evenings and weekends. SERs are typically stationed at a mobile desk near the Academy Student Commons, past the Grand Staircase, and they’re present to support things like welcoming new families, monitoring students in the Academy Commons, escorting or directing late students to the studio, and otherwise helping to ensure positive experiences in our shared spaces. Don’t hesitate to approach them if you need support on site!

Teacher Assistants
Another team of helpers you might see when you’re here for class are our Children's Division Teacher Assistants. Most of the time they’re here at the Center for Dance, these volunteers are taking class themselves as students in our Preparatory, Young Dancer, and Advanced Divisions. But once or twice a week they lend a hand in Children’s Division classes, helping teachers care for students, demonstrating steps, and serving as role models for our youngest dancers. We’re so grateful to this talented team of young volunteers, and we hope you’ll join us in extending thanks. Their support is a huge part of our successful and positive class culture!