Ballet Initiative at rise

The Ballet Initiative at RISE sets the stage for a future Conservatory level program at RISE. Under the expert guidance of the esteemed Ms. Lorraine Spiegler, and the professional instruction of Ms. Lara Segrillo, this initiative is firmly rooted in Vaganova-based technique and Ms. Spiegler’s expert dance and ballet education methodology. 

The Initiative focuses on developmentally appropriate training for young dancers, offering a curated selection of high-quality classes in classical ballet, pointe, and group/ensemble ballet repertory. Our Initiative members will share their work in the holiday show The Nutcracker Experience, alongside the RISE Competition Team and RISE Technique Track dancers. The ballet cohort will then culminate their year of study within our end-of-season performance showcasing their progress and new knowledge. 

Program Highlights 

• Advanced Training Schedule: Members of the Ballet Initiative engage in advanced classes on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
• Exclusive Opportunities: Initiative members will be assessed for possible inclusion in a small select group of dancers who will receive private coaching in classical variations and choreography sessions with Ms. Spiegler and Ms. Segrillo. Dancers that demonstrate readiness to absorb and benefit from high level training will have the opportunity to prepare for a future ballet competition under Ms. Spiegler’s tutelage. 

Auditions and Assessments 

Prospective members are invited to audition with Ms. Spiegler for a comprehensive assessment to determine individual needs and placement for broad technique and repertory work during the Initiative. The audition process includes: 

• Observation during a 1-hour ballet class taught by Ms. Spiegler. Selected dancers will then be evaluated during a follow-on workshop at RISE.
• Participation in a pointe class, including repertory segments, to evaluate readiness for advanced work. 
• Additional observation in other dance forms, if deemed appropriate.  

Personalized Guidance 

Ms. Spiegler will gather essential information during the assessments to tailor programming directions, evaluate what each dancer needs to progress, and provide individualized recommendations for their development within the RISE season and the Initiative. 

If you are passionate about advancing your ballet technique training and overall knowledge of the art form and are interested in joining the Ballet Initiative at RISE, please email us at ballet@RISEdanceVA.com for more information. 

Embrace the journey, embrace the discipline, and become part of the legacy with The Ballet Initiative at RISE!