Beginner Adult Ballet

For adults 18 and over – Wednesdays from 6 pm to 7:30 pm

Have you always wanted to dance? Are you interested in connecting with your body through movement in a safe space? This adult ballet class for beginners will introduce you to the fundamentals of ballet and take you through a traditional ballet class with modifications as needed. You will get to experience the artistic virtuosity of ballet, tap into your imagination, challenge your mind, and learn ballet technique in a fun and engaging setting. The goal is to not only learn the basics of ballet, but to also build community and find joy in movement and artistic expression!

Duration of Course:

Class meets once a week, on Wednesdays from 6 pm to 7:30 pm, except for the last class on Monday, December 14th.

OCTOBER 7TH-DECEMBER 14TH, 2026.

There will be no classes on the following dates:

• Wednesday, November 11th - Veteran’s Day
• Wednesday, November 25th - Day Before Thanksgiving

Cost:

• The full 10-week course is covered by a one-time fee of $145.
• All fees are non-refundable. There are no refunds or credits for missed or canceled classes.

Registration:

Registration opens online at noon on Tuesday, August 25th on our Event Page.

• Registration will be open until the first class begins OR until the class has been filled. (This course tends to fill up within the first week of registration!)
• Once the class has been purchased, you will receive an email with a Waiver to be signed electronically. Waiver must be signed to participate in classes.

Meet the Instructor

Cecilia Benitez is a Cuban American freelance dancer, choreographer, educator, and artistic administrator based in Miami, Florida. Her choreographic work spans film, proscenium, improvisational, and site-responsive performance, all with the aim of reflecting what feels beautiful, tender, and vital to both audiences and performers. Her choreography has been commissioned by Mutual Dance Theatre (OH), James Madison University (VA), Bistoury Physical Theatre and Film, Syncopate Collective, PAXy, Pioneer Winter Collective: Grass Stains, Miami Light Project: Here and Now, and Miami DanceMakers. Additionally, she is a 2025-26 Forklift Danceworks choreographic fellow (TX), following her February 2025 premiere with the company. Her work has been supported by the National Performance Network, New World School of the Arts Alumni Foundation, Koubek Center’s En Residencia Program, and Miami-Dade County Cultural Affairs. She dances for Rosie Herrera Dance Theatre, Adele Myers and Dancers, and Syncopate Collective, among others. One of Ceci’s primary passions is making dance accessible to all people and she is delighted to be teaching the Beginner Adult Ballet at The Moss Center this season!

Frequently Asked Questions

• I am unsure if I should take this course. Who is this class appropriate for?

In our previous offerings of Adult Ballet, we have had a diverse group of participants in both age and experience, from those who have never danced ballet before to those with prior experience seeking a reintroduction to ballet.

Due to popularity and diverse range of participants experience levels, we have split up our adult ballet class into two levels: beginner and intermediate. If you are completely new to ballet, this beginner level will be at a softer pace, teaching you fundamentals and providing a chance to experience the rejuvenating artistry that comes with it. We have also increased our class time from 60 to 90 minutes to provide enough time for participants to both learn vocabulary and concepts while putting that knowledge into action.

Instructors will make best attempts to provide modifications for all exercises for any individuals who express having prior injuries or complications. We require communication between the participant and the instructor regarding any discomfort or apprehension with any movement before attempting the movement. Please be aware that ballet consists of a lot of ankle movement and weight on one foot. Participants are encouraged to dance at their own level and not overexert themselves. This class requires that you are aware of your own physical constraints and are honest with yourself when choosing modifications.

The instructor will structure the course according to the entire class’s grasp on the concepts and movements.

The goal of this course is to not only learn the basics of ballet but also build community within the classroom and reinforce the idea that movement is an essential and healthy aspect of life!

• Will there be a recital or end of course presentation?

There is no final presentation, recital, or performance for this course. This course is meant to provide an understanding and love for ballet as well as an avenue to explore artistry through dance.

• What should be worn to class? Is formal ballet attire required?

Formal ballet attire such as leotard and ballet tights are not required. Students may choose to wear formal ballet attire if desired, but fitness/work out clothing such as a tank top and leggings is completely acceptable! Soft ballet slippers are the preferred footwear. Additional accessories such as ballet skirts are welcomed if the student wishes to wear them.

• How should hair be styled? Is a formal ballet bun required?

Hair should be picked up and kept off the face. A traditional ballet bun is not required. Any hairstyle that keeps hair securely off the face is welcome!

• Are pointe shoes allowed?

No, this is not a pointe class; pointe shoes will not be allowed.

• If I start the classes and change my mind, or cannot for any other reason attend the classes anymore, can I get a refund?

No, there are no refunds or credits offered for this course.

If you have any additional questions, please email educate-smdcac@miamidade.gov or call the Education and Outreach Coordinator Nicole Pedraza at 786-573-5313.

Intermediate Adult Ballet

For adults 18 and over – Mondays from 6 pm to 7:30 pm

Are you an adult with some ballet experience that is looking for more training? Are you a former dancer that is interested in re-sparking your passion? This intermediate ballet class is for adults with an understanding and continued interest of ballet vocabulary and technique. You will get to experience the artistic virtuosity of ballet, embody elegance, and challenge your mind in a fun and engaging setting. This class will have faster paced combinations and more complex musical phrasing than the beginner class, all while continuously building on the fundamentals of ballet. The goal is to not only learn ballet, but to also build community and find joy in movement and artistic expression!

Duration of Course:

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14TH-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23RD, 2026.
Class meets once a week, on Mondays from 6 pm to 7:30 pm.

There will be no classes on the following dates:

• Monday, October 12th - Indigenous People’s Day

Cost:

• The full 10-week course is covered by a one-time fee of $145.
• All fees are non-refundable. There are no refunds or credits for missed or canceled classes.

Registration:

Registration opens online at noon on Tuesday, August 25th on our Event Page.

• Registration will be open until the first class begins OR until the class has been filled. (This course tends to fill up within the first week of registration!)
• Once the class has been purchased, you will receive an email with a Waiver to be signed electronically. Waiver must be signed to participate in classes.

Meet the Instructor

Carlos Miguel Guerra, a native of Cuba, began his training at the Professional School of Ballet and Plastic Arts in Camaguey, Cuba. In 1996 he joined the Professional Ballet Company of Camaguey as a principal dancer and performed in such works as Swan Lake, Giselle, and more. He was invited to dance as a soloist for the Ballet Company of Santiago in Chile in 1998, assuming and holding the rank of principal dancer for the following two years. Mr. Guerra participated in the International Festival of Ballet in Havana and the International Latin Gala in Asuncion in Paraguay, and was awarded first prize in the Provincial Contest at the School of Ballet in Camaguey in 1995. Initially invited to the United States to appear on the famous Latin television program Sabado Gigante in 2000, just a few months later he was invited by American ballet icon Edward Villella to join Miami City Ballet as a soloist. He was named Principal dancer in 2003, and danced with the company until spring 2016, originating roles in ballets by major choreographers like Twyla Tharp, Liam Scarlett, and Alexey Ratmansky. During this time, Mr. Guerra was featured in Complete, Selecta, and Miami New Times Magazine, and was also recognized by Florida International Magazine as being one of the state’s most influential people. In 2014, he received a prestigious Miami Life Award in the category of “Best Male Dancer”. Currently, he proudly co-directs Dimensions Dance Theatre of Miami, as well as the Mandelstam Dance academy, working alongside his wife and professional partner.

Frequently Asked Questions

• I am unsure if I should take this course. Who is this class appropriate for?

In our previous offerings of Adult Ballet, we have had a diverse group of participants in both age and experience, from those who have never danced ballet before to those with prior experience seeking a reintroduction to ballet.

Due to popularity and the diverse range of participants experience levels in our previous beginner/intermediate class, we have divided the levels into two separate classes. If you are completely new to ballet, the beginner level will be at a softer pace while teaching fundamentals of ballet. This intermediate class will have faster paced combinations and more complex musical phrasing, all while continuously building on the fundamentals of ballet. We have also increased our class time from 60 to 90 minutes to provide enough time for participants to both learn concepts/vocabulary while also putting them into action.

Instructors will make best attempts to provide modifications for all exercises for any individuals who have prior injuries or complications. We require communication between the participant and the instructor regarding any discomfort or apprehension with any movement before attempting the movement. Please be aware that ballet consists of a lot of ankle movement and weight on one foot. Participants are encouraged to dance at their own level and not overexert themselves. This class requires that you are aware of your own physical constraints and are honest with yourself when choosing modifications.

The instructor will structure the course according to the entire class’s grasp on the concepts and movements. Each session has varied progression depending on the participants. Please remember that the class is listed as beginner/intermediate.

The goal of this course is to not only learn the basics of ballet but also build community within the classroom and reinforce the idea that movement is an essential and healthy aspect of life!

• Will there be a recital or end of course presentation?

There is no final presentation, recital, or performance for this course. This course is meant to provide an understanding and love for ballet as well as an avenue to explore artistry through dance.

• What should be worn to class? Is formal ballet attire required?

Formal ballet attire such as leotard and ballet tights are not required. Students may choose to wear formal ballet attire if desired, but fitness/work out clothing such as a tank top and leggings is completely acceptable! Soft ballet slippers are the preferred footwear. Additional accessories such as ballet skirts are also allowed if the student wishes to wear them.

• How should hair be styled? Is a formal ballet bun required?

Hair should be picked up and kept off the face. A traditional ballet bun is not required. Any hairstyle that keeps hair securely off the face is welcome!

• Are pointe shoes allowed?

No, this is not a pointe class; pointe shoes will not be allowed.

• If I start the classes and change my mind, or cannot for any other reason attend the classes anymore, can I get a refund?

No, there are no refunds or credits offered for this course.

If you have any additional questions, please email educate-smdcac@miamidade.gov or call the Education and Outreach Coordinator Nicole Pedraza at 786-573-5313.

Adult Jazz Funk (Beginner/Intermediate)

For adults 18 and over – Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 pm to 7 pm

This ten-week Jazz Funk program will focus on exploring FUN and expressive blends of dance styles—from the bold energy of hip hop to the fluidity of contemporary movement. Each class offers a chance to move freely, try new styles and genres of dance, while letting go in a supportive, judgment-free environment. Whether you’re looking to try something new or want to reconnect with dance, this Beginner/Intermediate course is all about self-expression, confidence, and joy through movement.

Duration of Course:

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15TH-THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19TH, 2026.
The class meets twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 pm to 7 pm.

Cost:

• The full 10-week course is covered by a one-time fee of $160.
• Class meets twice a week, and students are encouraged to attend both classes each week. Attending class one day a week is permissible if scheduling conflicts exist. The one-time course fee of $160 remains the same whether you attend twice a week and/or one time per week.
• All fees are non-refundable. There are no refunds or credits for missed or canceled classes.

Registration:

Registration opens online at noon on Tuesday, August 25th on our Event Page.

• Registration will be open until the first class begins OR until the class has been filled.
• Once the class has been purchased, you will receive an email with a Waiver to be signed electronically. Waiver must be signed to participate in classes.

Frequently Asked Questions

• I am unsure if I should take this course. Can you provide more insight?

We are excited to bring back another session of our popular Jazz Funk class! The goal of this class is to create an open and positive environment for people to express themselves, rediscover or discover dance, and gain self-confidence in a high-energy and fun environment. This specific class will include pop, contemporary and current music of all genres and will focus on self-expression, confidence, and letting go.

We require communication between the participant and the instructor regarding any discomfort or apprehension with any movement before attempting the movement. Participants are encouraged to dance at their own level and not overexert themselves. This class requires that you are aware of your own physical constraints and are honest with yourself when choosing what movements to do.

The instructor will structure the course according to the entire class’s grasp on the concepts and movements.

The goal of this course is to not only learn the basics of dance and rhythm but also build community within the classroom and reinforce the idea that movement is an essential and healthy aspect of life!

• Will there be a recital or end of course presentation?

There is no final presentation, recital, or performance for this course. This course is meant to provide an understanding and love for dance as well as an avenue to explore artistry, groove, and rhythm. Class will include learning short choreographies with the instructor that will be approached with time and patience to ensure all students are following along. There will be no pressure to perform any choreography to outside audiences, these routines are purely for practice and are common activities in dance classes. In our previous offering, some students enjoyed filming the choreographic routines at the end of class to practice at home or to document their progress throughout the class.

• What should be worn to class?

Any clothing that is easy to move in. Any clothing that provides range of motion such as T-shirts, sweatpants, loose-fitting pants. Sneakers are ideal! No flip flops or sandals should be worn for safety. Instructor will communicate further requests as classes begin.

• If I start the classes and change my mind, or cannot for any other reason attend the classes anymore, can I get a refund?

No, there are no refunds or credits offered for this course.

Meet Your Instructor

Aimee Henriquez is an experienced dance educator with a diverse background in multiple dance styles, training extensively in jazz, hip hop, ballet and modern. Aimee was a performer for the renowned Miami Heat Dancers and the Miami Marlins Dancers, where she showcased her skills in high-energy performances at major sporting events, her stage presence and precision making her a standout member of both teams. In addition to her work with sports teams, Aimee has toured with prominent artists, bringing her versatility and dynamic style to stages around the world. With her extensive technical training and real-world experience, she brings a unique perspective to her students, offering them a comprehensive education in dance. Her ability to connect with students and share her love for dance has made her a respected instructor in the Miami dance community for both youth and adults. Aimee has been teaching both the youth hip hop and the adult jazz funk classes at The Moss Center for several years and is extremely excited for the next season!

If you have any additional questions, please email educate-smdcac@miamidade.gov or call the Education and Outreach Coordinator Nicole Pedraza at 786-573-5313.