Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Cleveland City Ballet: Excellence in Dance Education Since 1936
Founded in 1936, Cleveland City Ballet stands as Tennessee's longest continuously operating arts institution. Our mission centers on delivering unparalleled arts instruction that challenges and inspires youth through dance. With a faculty of accomplished educators, we offer a progressive curriculum tailored to students of all levels, fostering technical skill and a lifelong love for the arts. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, we prioritize excellence, hard work, and the transformative power of dance. Our historic 7,000-square-foot facility features four studios named after pioneering instructors, state-of-the-art flooring, and dedicated spaces for costume storage and community engagement.We emphasize discipline, creativity, and community service through programs like our Assistants Program for leadership development. Our philosophy celebrates dance as a divine gift that builds character, nurtures imagination, and connects generations. With over eight decades of service, we remain committed to making high-quality dance education accessible to Cleveland and Bradley County communities.
Services
Ballet Instruction
Tap Classes
Jazz Dance
Hip Hop Workshops
Contemporary Dance
Acro Training
Creative Movement
Performance Company
Adult Classes
Dance Etiquette
Details
- Year established: 1936
Highlights and features
- Over 85 years of excellence in dance education
- Accomplished faculty with diverse performance backgrounds
- State-of-the-art studios in a historic building
- Comprehensive programs for all skill levels
- Community-focused non-profit organization
Services
Ballet Instruction
Our ballet program develops technical proficiency through structured training from beginner to advanced levels. Students learn proper alignment, turnout, and classical repertoire while building strength and grace. The curriculum emphasizes foundational techniques that support all dance styles, preparing students for performance opportunities and potential careers in dance.
Tap Classes
Tap instruction focuses on developing musicality and rhythmic precision through percussive footwork. Classes combine technical exercises with creative choreography, teaching students to express music through sound. Our program emphasizes both traditional and modern tap styles while fostering improvisation skills and stage presence.
Hip Hop Workshops
Hip hop classes teach street dance styles including breaking, popping, and locking. Instructors emphasize musicality, isolation techniques, and freestyle expression. The program builds coordination, stamina, and confidence while connecting students with contemporary dance culture through choreographed routines and collaborative projects.
Performance Company
Our performance company offers advanced training and stage experience through annual productions. Members participate in The Nutcracker and spring recitals, developing skills in character interpretation and ensemble coordination. The program includes costume design workshops and community outreach performances to build professional experience.
Creative Movement
Designed for young children, creative movement classes introduce basic dance concepts through imaginative play. Instructors use storytelling and music to develop motor skills, spatial awareness, and musical timing. This foundational program nurtures creativity and prepares students for structured dance education in later years.
People
Connie Gatlin
Artistic Director
Connie Gatlin has led Cleveland City Ballet since 2005, transforming it into a non-profit arts foundation. Her vision emphasizes technical excellence and character development through dance. She oversees curriculum design and studio operations while maintaining community partnerships to expand access to dance education.
Leah Green
Tap and Acro Instructor
Leah Green brings 12 years of teaching experience to her tap and acro classes. A former Radio City Rockettes participant, she emphasizes musicality and individual expression. Her background in competitive dance and church productions informs her engaging, student-centered teaching approach that balances technical rigor with creative freedom.
Sarah Trippeer
Ballet Program Director
Sarah Trippeer directs the ballet program with expertise from prestigious institutions like Pacific Northwest Ballet. She specializes in classical technique and has performed in major productions including Swan Lake. Her teaching philosophy combines technical precision with artistic interpretation to develop well-rounded dancers.
Devan Green
Hip Hop Instructor
Devan Green teaches hip hop with professional experience from Neshema Dance Company. Her background in theatre and choreography creates dynamic, expressive classes. She focuses on fluid movement and personal style while maintaining technical standards through structured progressions and performance opportunities.
Sean Steigerwald
Ballet Instructor
Sean Steigerwald offers professional ballet training from his experience with Georgia Ballet and UNCSA. He coaches students in classical repertoire and competition preparation. His teaching integrates injury prevention techniques and performance psychology to support dancers' long-term development and career aspirations.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, acro, and creative movement classes for children and adults.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! Students participate in annual productions including The Nutcracker and spring recitals with costume design workshops.
What are your class size policies?
Classes require minimum enrollment but maintain small student-teacher ratios for personalized instruction and safety.
Do you have a dress code?
Yes, we require specific attire for each discipline to ensure proper technique development and uniformity.
How can I register?
Registration for the 2025-2026 season is open through Studio Pro with class schedules and pricing available online.
Is financial assistance available?
While we don't mention specific programs, our non-profit status supports community access through outreach initiatives and scholarship opportunities.
