Business Details
31 Years
experience
Premier Dance & Music Education in Las Cruces, NM
We have dedicated ourselves to providing exceptional dance and music education in southern New Mexico for over two decades. Our studio combines rigorous technical training with a commitment to student well-being, offering programs rooted in the American Ballet Theatre's National Training Curriculum alongside jazz, tap, and hip-hop classes. Our faculty includes nationally recognized instructors with extensive professional experience in performance and pedagogy.We maintain state-of-the-art facilities featuring floating floors, marley surfaces, and dedicated studios for different disciplines. Our approach emphasizes proper alignment, healthy body image, and collaborative artistry while preparing students for both recreational enjoyment and professional careers in the performing arts.
Services
Ballet
Jazz
Tap
Hip-Hop
Piano
Guitar
Voice
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of proven excellence in dance education
- Our faculty includes ABT-certified instructors with professional performance backgrounds
- We maintain professional-grade facilities with specialized dance surfaces
- We provide comprehensive training in multiple dance disciplines and music
- We emphasize injury prevention and healthy artistic development
Services
Ballet Training
Our ballet program follows the ABT National Training Curriculum with levels I-VI. Students develop technical proficiency through structured training emphasizing proper alignment and injury prevention. Classes meet twice weekly for advanced levels, with performance opportunities in annual productions.
Jazz Classes
Jazz instruction focuses on rhythmic precision and dynamic movement styles. Offered at three progressive levels with choreography that challenges students' coordination and performance skills. Classes integrate current dance trends while maintaining technical foundations.
Tap Instruction
Tap classes emphasize musicality and sound quality using specialized hardwood floors. Students learn various tap styles from beginner to advanced levels, developing complex rhythmic patterns and improvisation skills through structured exercises and choreography.
Music Lessons
We offer piano, guitar, and voice instruction for all skill levels. Group classes focus on fundamental techniques with opportunities for recital performances. Private instruction available with experienced music educators specializing in classical and contemporary styles.
Performance Programs
Annual productions include The Nutcracker and other classical ballets. Students participate in full-scale performances with professional staging and costumes. Rehearsal schedules prepare dancers for stagecraft, timing, and collaborative performance elements.
People
Monique Foster
Owner/Director
ABT-certified instructor with 20+ years studio experience. Former NYC performer trained with renowned masters. Holds David Howard teaching certification and health coaching credentials. Founded Borderlands Ballet Company in 2016.
Janelle Hernandez
Instructor
Teaching since 2012 with performance experience in major productions. BA in Sociology from NMSU. Member of Borderlands Ballet Company since 2021. Specializes in early childhood dance education and choreography.
John Pohl
Men's Ballet Instructor
Former School of American Ballet scholarship student. Teaches men's technique and coaches principal roles. Performing member of Borderlands Ballet Company since 2021. Brings professional performance experience to student training.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We provide ballet through the ABT National Curriculum, plus jazz, tap, and hip-hop classes for all skill levels from beginner to advanced.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! Annual productions include The Nutcracker and other classical ballets. All students participate in end-of-semester shows with professional staging.
What music instruction options exist?
We offer group piano, guitar, and voice lessons. Private instruction available. Classes meet weekly with performance opportunities at recitals.
How are instructors qualified?
Our faculty includes ABT-certified instructors, former professional dancers, and educators with advanced degrees. All maintain active involvement in dance education and performance.
What are class sizes?
We maintain small class sizes with maximum 12 students for primary levels and 15 for advanced classes to ensure individual attention.
