2023 - 2024
Schedule and Offerings
August 1, 2023 - July 31 2024
Four Seasons of Classes
B a l l e t E s p r i t • 2023 - 2024 • Ballet Esprit // School of Modern Ballet is committed to serving its community by offering pre professional, quality training in classical ballet and classical modern dance education within a holistic environment through Revolutionary Principles of Movement, complementing all traditional styles implemented in our syllabus, such as ABT, RAD, Cechetti and Vagonava.
Our school serves students of all ages with varying goals and aspirations who desire to study dance on a yearly basis. We have two tracks for a unique pathway to reaching the individual student’s training journey, the Enrichment and Intensive Divisions. Families are encouraged to reassess their commitment seasonally as our ever-changing lives need balance to create sustainability.
Derived from our own innate ability to originate and sustain dynamic movement, taking a somatic and scientific approach with kinesiology and anatomy, our syllabus is a road to success; the freedom of movement making ballet for every body. We find JOY in movement.
Our faculty supports the love of dance and encourages each individual to reach his or her maximum potential; body, mind and soul.
Our comprehensive training teaches discipline and appreciation for the beauty of art as well as the sheer joy and science of dance based on continual research in kinesiology through RPM under Master Teachers, Cheryl Ale, Wes Chapman and Amy Lowe.
Our partnerships with PBS Educate Station, Middle Tennessee State University, The Montessori School, Wauhatchie Forest School, Lookout Lake, PropHouse TN, Thankful Memorial, Nutcracker! Magic of Christmas tour, The Hunter Museum of American Art and other local artists add to our comprehensive enrichment training through discipline, relationship and appreciation for the beauty of art as well as the sheer joy of dancing.
Our technical studies continue throughout the academic year with a mid-summer intensive, enrichment camps and maintenance classes, offered during seasonal breaks for ages seven and up, to maximize the chance to advance while adding guest artist experiences to our program.
Seasonal performance experiences provide a creative outlet, produce a sense of confidence and responsibility, and allow students to use their gifts with a sense of purpose within a supportive community. We are so excited to partner with you in this. Please feel free to contact us with any questions, concerns or encouragements as we strive for excellence with joy.
May the growth developed at Ballet Esprit be rooted and grounded in love.
– Sarah Yvonne,
Ballet Esprit
Modern Ballet Theatre Collective and School of Modern Ballet
Founding, Artistic and Education Director
REGISTRATION & PROCEDURES
CURRENT and NEW STUDENT Registration
1.5 years of age through 12th grade students must have previously enrolled in the Spring 2023 classes to be considered “Current.” Siblings of current students must register as well.
This includes students placed in all Divisions. Please register online through your Dance Studio Pro Account
New Student Registration cost is $35.
Current Students do not pay registration fees, enrollment rolls over into each following semester. Siblings of registered students will be charged only $15 a piece per registration.
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Payments may be made by Check written out to Ballet Esprit, PayPal / Sarah@BalletEsprit.org, Venmo / @BalletEsprit or through your Dance Studio Pro Account
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This fee can be paid before your dancer’s first class.
FALL EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION IS OPEN until June 18th, 2023 to current students and their siblings waiving the registration fee.
Open to all students new to Ballet Esprit for the 2023 - 2024 Season Quarters ages 1.5 through 12th grade, un-enrolled students must make a DSP account to look for open community classes as well, waiving the registration fee once enrolled for classes.
FAMILY HANDBOOK & CONFIRMATION LETTER
Once the quarter has begun, after all registrations are processed, notifications will be sent to confirm class placement. These materials contain important information about the dress code, school policies, premise guidelines, productions, and other notes. Please read over them carefully! In the meantime, please read over the Family Handbook thoroughly.
CLASSES and LOCATIONS
- Lookout Lake (LL) is located at 3408 Elder Mountain Rd. Chatt. Tn. 37419.
- St. Elmo at St. Mary's Parish Hall of Thankful Memorial (SE) is located at 1607 W 43rd St. Chattanooga, Tn 37409 (entrance on Thankful Place).
A minimum of 4 students is required for a class to convene. A minimum of 3 students is required for a class to be retained for the entire year. Follow social media (Facebook and Instagram) for updates about closed or changed classes.
Potential Weekly Class Schedule (August 21 - June 15) confirmed by Sept.1
Monday:
(SE)
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Preschool Division // Joy of Movement, ages 3 - 4 (3:15 - 3:55p) // AST
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Elementary Division // Primary Dance, ages 5 - 7 (4:05 - 4:55p) // AST
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Enrichment Division Level I-II // Ballet Technique, Ages 9 + (5:00 - 6:15p) // AST
(LL)
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Preschool Division // Joy of Movement, ages 3 - 4 // OH
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Elementary Division // Primary Dance, ages 5 - 7 (4:05 - 4:55p) // OH
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Enrichment and Intensive Division Level III - V // Modern Technique (5 - 6:15p) // GR (Open Community Drop-in)
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Enrichment and Intensive Division Level III - V // Ballet Technique w/ Pointework (6:15 - 8:15p) // SY (Open Community Drop-in)
Tuesday:
(SE)
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Preschool Division // Joy of Movement, ages 3 - 4 (3:15 - 3:55p) // OH
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Elementary Division // Primary Dance, ages 5 - 7 (4:05 - 4:55p) // OH
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Enrichment Division Level II // Ballet Technique (5 - 6:10p) // GR
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Enrichment Division Levels III // Ballet Technique with PrePointe/Modern (6:15 - 8:15p) // GR
(LL)
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Open Adult Community // Somatic Ballet (10:15a - 11:45a) // SY (Drop-in SIGN UP through DANCE STUDIO PRO)
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Enrichment Division Level I // Ballet Technique (5 - 6p) // SY
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Intensive Division Level III - V // Ballet Technique with Pointework, Ages 11 + (6:15 - 8:15p) // SY
Wednesday:
(SE)
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Enrichment Division Level I // Ballet Technique, Ages 7 - 10 (12:45 - 1:45p) // AS
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Enrichment Division Level II - III // Ballet Technique, Ages 10 - 13 (1:50 - 3p) // AS
(LL)
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Preschool Division // Childcare with Move with Me, ages 1.5 - 3 yrs (9:15 - 10:25a) // GR/AS/OH
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Preschool Division // Joy of Movement, ages 3 - 4 (3:15 - 3:55p) // OH
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Elementary Division // Primary Dance, Ages 5 - 6 (4:05 - 4:55p) // GR
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Enrichment Division Level II // Ballet Technique with PBT, ages 9 - 12 (5:00 - 6:15p) // SY
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Enrichment & Intensive Division Levels III - V // Ballet Technique with Progressing Ballet Technique, Ages 11 + (6:15 - 8:15p) // MC
Thursday:
(SE)
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Enrichment Division Level I - II // Ballet Technique, Ages 7 - 12 (5:05 - 6:05p) // AS/OH/GR
(LL)
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Open Adult Community // Somatic Ballet (10:15a - 11:45a) // SY (Drop-in SIGN UP through DANCE STUDIO PRO)
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Preschool Division // Joy of Movement, ages 3 - 4 (3:15 - 3:55p) // GR/OH
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Elementary Division // Primary Dance, Ages 5 - 6 (4p - 5p) // SY
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Open Adult, Enrichment and Intensive Division Levels III - IV // Modern Technique Fundamentals, Ages 10 + (5 - 6:15p) // GR
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Enrichment & Intensive Division Levels III - V // Intermediate - Advanced Ballet Technique with Pointework, Partnering and Character (Ballroom, Latin, Flamenco etc.), Ages 11 + (6:15 - 8:15p) // DH
Saturday:
(SE)
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Elementary Division // Primary Dance, ages 5 - 7 (9:30 - 10:15a) // AS
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Open Adult and Enrichment Division Level III // Somatic Ballet Ages 11 + (10:15 - 11:35a) // AS (Drop-in SIGN UP through DANCE STUDIO PRO)
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS (must be given age by August 21, 2023)
Pre School Division
(One class per week minimum)
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Move With Me // Choose One
In this class Parents, Grandparents, or Guardians safely explore principles of movement with their toddler, for ages 1.5 - 2.5 y. All while stretching, bouncing, and dancing to age-appropriate music that will entice even the youngest child to lead the way, experiencing connection and awareness.
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday at Lookout Lake // 9:30 - 10a
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Joy Of Movement // Choose One
Exploring! Discovering! Achieving! A creative and educational dance class specifically designed for 3-4 year olds, this class introduces the child to movement that is creative, educational, dance foundational and musical.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday at LL // 3:15 - 3:55p
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday at Lookout Lake // 10:45 - 11:25a
Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday at SE // 3:15 - 3:55p
Elementary Division
(One class per week minimum)
This primary division introduces students to Classical Ballet—grace, poise, musicality, technique, strength, and flexibility taught in these 5 - 7 year old, age-appropriate classes.
Students discover that striving for excellence is joyful work. The faculty will focus on technique and nurture the artistic development of each individual.
Tumbling/Acro is offered as an intro to modern dance technique, safely taking students through progressions emphasizing proper alignment and efficiently building strength and flexibility.
Diversifying their skill set, building confidence and body awareness, while also benefiting the rest of their dance education, tumbling is a great addition to any dancers’ weekly practice.
Improvisational Exploration is built into the creative movement fundamentals, instilled through Joy of Movement.
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Primary Dance // Choose one
Monday, Wednesday or Thursday at LL // 4:05 - 4:55p
Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday at PH // 4:05 - 4:55p
Saturday at SE // 9:30 -10:15a
Enrichment Division
(*Two days per week ballet technique (strongly encouraged for level I, mandatory for level II. Modern technique class recommended as elective and a third day of ballet required to pursue dancing en pointe)
The Enrichment Division is designed for students ages 7 - Adult, who want to expand and enhance their knowledge of ballet as well as other dance forms. Although ballet training remains the core of this track, it is the goal of this division to expose dancers to a variety of dance genres, not limiting them by the strict physical requirements that classical pointe work demands.
Although they will be exposed to pre-pointe work, they may discover that their strength and ability as a dancer is found in other styles of dance. Modern Dance Techniques, Jazz, Pilates, Character, and Neoclassical Ballet are now offered as electives, after the commitment to ballet foundations.
Youth Ensemble Repertoire is now offered for those committed to both ballet and modern classes.
Students are placed in these classes by faculty recommendation.
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Level I // (2 years to complete at two classes weekly)
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Approximate Age : 7 - 8
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*Tuesday and/or Thursday at LL // 5 - 6p (Ballet Technique)
*Tuesday and/or Thursday at SE // 5 - 6p (Ballet Technique)
Saturday at SE // 9:30 - 10:15a (Ballet Technique, combined with Elementary Division)
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Level II // (1 or 2 years to complete at two classes weekly)
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Approximate Age : 9 - 10 Building the technical curriculum by adding conditioning with Progressing Ballet Technique; implemented into the schedule, providing a strong foundation to build mindful, committed, dancers.
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*Tuesday and Thursday at SE or *Monday and *Wednesday at LL // 5 - 6:15p (with PBT and a taste of Modern Dance)
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Level III // with PrePointe, Modern and PBT (3 or 4 years to complete at three classes weekly)
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Approximate Age : 10 - 14
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Monday at LL // 6:15 - 8:15p (Ballet Technique)
*Tuesday at SE // 6:15 - 8:15p (Ballet Technique with Pre-Pointework and Modern Dance)
*Wednesday at LL // 6:15 - 8:15p (Ballet Technique with Progressing Ballet Technique)
Thursday at LL // 5 - 6:15p (Modern Dance Technique)
Thursday at LL // 6:15 - 8:15p (Ballet Technique with Partnering and Character)
Saturday at PH // 10:15 - 11:45a
Intensive Division
*Mandatory enrollment and attendance to complete the level.
Electives highly recommended.
The Intensive Division training can be rigorous and is geared towards those who exhibit the physical attributes and serious work ethic that would allow them to excel in both classical ballet technique and pointe work. Students are placed in these classes by faculty recommendation.
Our intensive division is designed for students ages 11 - 17, to build upon the Enrichment Division’s technical foundations & prepare them for the pre-professional experience.
While the immersive, rigorous training is continually challenged week to week throughout the year; the program’s monthly integrations of contemporary electives are meant to enhance the development of muscle memory through cross conditioning and intuitive movement in the well-rounded-dancer.
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Level III - with PrePointe, Modern and PBT // (1 or 2 years to complete at three classes weekly)
*Monday at LL // 6:15 - 8:15p (Ballet Technique with Pointework)
*Tuesday at LL // 6:15 - 8:15p (Ballet Technique with Pointework)
*Wednesday at LL // 6:15 - 8:15p (Ballet Technique with Progressing Ballet Technique)
Monday and/or Thursday at LL // 5 - 6:15p (Modern Dance Technique)
Thursday at LL // 6:15 - 8:15p (Ballet Technique with Partnering and Character)
Saturday at LL // 1:30p - 3p (Contemporary)
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Level IV/V - with Pointe, PBT and Modern // (1 or 2 years to complete at four classes weekly)
*Monday at LL // 6:15 - 8:15p (Ballet Technique)
Tuesday at LL // 6:15 - 8:15p (Ballet Technique with Pre-Pointework & Modern Dance Technique)
*Wednesday at LL // 6:15 - 8:15p (Ballet Technique with Progressing Ballet Technique)
*Monday and/or Thursday at LL // 5 - 6:15p (Modern Dance Technique)
*Thursday at LL // 6:15 - 8:15p (Ballet Technique with Partnering and Character)
*Saturday at LL // 1:30p - 3p (Contemporary)
Open Division (DROP - IN SIGNUP though Dance Studio Pro)
(no minimum requirement, drop in or use a punch card)
Open Level Adult Classes //
Open to all technical levels ages 16 +. Experienced dancers are able to grow and train through the guidance and individualized input of knowledgeable instructors while new students are given individualized instruction, guidance and input. Adults have the freedom to participate in as much or little of class they feel they need.
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Pilates Mat
Wednesday at LL // 5:10 - 6:10p
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Somatic Ballet (Beginner Friendly)
Tuesday and Thursday at LL // 10:15 - 11:45a
Saturday at PH // 10:15 - 11:45a
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Intermediate Ballet
Monday at LL // 6:15 - 8:15p (Classical Barre and Full Centre)
Tuesday at SE // 6:15 - 8:15p (with Pre-Pointe and Modern)
Wednesday at LL // 6:15 - 8:15p (PBT and Ballet Technique)
Thursday at LL // 6:15 - 8:15p (Classical Barre and Full Centre)
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Modern Dance Technique //
Thursday and Thursday at LL // 5 - 6:15p (Beginner - Intermediate)
Saturday at LL // 1:30 - 3p (Contemporary)
FACULTY, Staff and Instructors
Teresa Cole (TC) Community, Costumes
Monica Coulter (MC) Mentor, Conditioning, and Coach
Olivia Hammontree (OH) Collective Dancer
David Hedrick (HD) Instructor, Coach & Director of Peace
Elizabeth Longphre (EL) Instructor, Choreographer
Melissa Miller (MM) Collective Dancer & Choreographer
Nina Newkirk-Pulliam (NNP) Collective Dancer, Instructor, Choreographer and Physical Therapist
Grace Ragland (GR) Collective Dancer, Intern
Andrea Solis (AS) Collective Dancer, Division Co-Manager
Sarah Yvonne (SY) Founder, Artistic and Educational Director, Collective Dancer, Choreographer
2023 - 2024 CALENDAR
These dates are set by Ballet Esprit and are not based on any specific school’s calendar.
July 31 - August 6 // 2nd Summer Break - No Regular Classes
August 7 - August 20 // Maintenance Classes for Ages 7 + TBA
Payment Installment Due
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August 10 - Adult Collective Performance of "Land" at Hunter Museum 6 - 7p
August 13 - Youth Ensemble Performance at Hunter Museum’s “Family Fun Day” at 3p
August 21 - December 16 // Fall Quarter
August 21 - 26 // Parent Orientation at (both Locations (SE & LL)
September 2 - 4 // Labor Day Weekend - No Regular Classes
September 30 // Youth Ensemble Performance in "Assemblé" at Red Bank City Park
October 6 - 15 // Fall Break - No Regular Classes (early bird winter registration)
Payment Installment with Performance Fee Due
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October 20 // Tennessee Youth Dance Festival and Chattanooga Dances
November 2 - 3 // Nutcracker! Auditions, Casting and Rehearsals at (LL) 5:30p
November 20 - 26 // Thanksgiving Holidays - No Regular Classes
December 11 - 16 // Holiday Parties
December 17 // The ALTER - Nut Ballet Esprit Gala and Fundraiser
December 17 - January 7 // Winter Break (no regularly scheduled classes)
December 22 // Nutcracker! Dress Rehearsal at (LL)
December 23 // Nutcracker! Magic of Christmas Ballet at Memorial Auditorium
December 28 - 31 // Winter Intensive for Ages 10 +
January 8 - 13 // Parent Orientation at both SE & LL
Payment Installment Due
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January 8 - March 24 // Winter Quarter
January 15 // MLK Day - No Classes
March 11 - 15 // - Spring Break - No regular classes
March 25 - 30 // Parent Observation Week
Payment Installment with Performance Fee Due
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March 25 - June 15 // Spring Quarter
(early bird summer registration)
June 3 - 15 // Elemental Project - School Performance Weeks, full student body participation
June 15 // Elemental Project - School Performance at Lookout Lake
June 16 - 23 // 1st Summer Break - open summer maintenance classes begin
Separate Summer Payment Installment Due
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June 5 - August 5 // Weekly Summer Camps
June 16 - August 20 // Summer Quarter
July 15 - July 28 // Plumbline Project Summer Intensive
July 28, 10:30a // Summer Performance at The Hunter Museum
2023 - 2024 SCHOOL FEE SCHEDULE
It has always been a core value of Ballet Esprit to offer excellent training at an affordable price. We do not send statements prior to due dates. A 5-day grace period is given, after which, a 10% late fee is added. Please refer to the Family Handbook for details on costumes, performances, and financial policies.
Schedule of Tuition Fees / August 15, 2023 - March15, 2024
(Your choice of payment schedule beginning before student's first class)
Yearly Semesterly* Quarterly**
Pre School Division, ages 1.5 - 4.5
1, Class Weekly $600 $300 $150
Elementary Division, ages 5 - 7
1, Class Weekly $750 $375 $187.5
2, Classes Weekly $1125 $562.5 $281.25
Enrichment Division, ages 7 - 15
1, Class Weekly $750 . $375 $187.5
2, Classes Weekly $1125 $562.52 $281.25
3, Classes Weekly $1500 $750 $375
4, Classes Weekly $1875 $937.5. $468.75
Intensive Division, ages 11 - 18
3 Classes Weekly $1500 $750 $375
4 Classes Weekly $1800 $900 $450
5 + Classes Weekly $2100 $1050 $525
Full Academic Year Due on or before August 15, 2023
*Semesterly Split Pay // 1st Installment is Due August 15, 2023
2nd Installment is Due October 15, 2023
**Quarterly Split Pay // 1st Installment is Due August 15, 2023
2nd Installment is Due October 15, 2023
3rd Installment is Due January 15, 2024
4th Installment is Due March 15, 2024
Adult students are offered the option of purchasing a 10-class “classes a la carte” punch card for $150, a 5-class card for $75, or buying individual drop-in classes for $20 per class.
We also offer individual Privates, Coaching, and Choreography a la carte. Just ask :)
Semesterly Costume Rental & Performance Fee:
Due on or before October 15, 2023 and March 15, 2024
Pre School Division - $70
Elementary Division - $90
Enrichment Division - $110
Intensive Division - $130
Founding, Artistic and Educational Director,
Sarah Yvonne
Ballet Esprit
3408 Elder Mt. Rd.
Chattanooga Tn. 37419