Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµÖ±²¥


Please Wait a Moment
X
OPDI-M34

Exploring Ballet: History and Practice

solo ballet dancer on pointe wearing a blue dress

ONLY 1 SPOT LEFT!

February 9 - March 22, 2026

Professor: Cari Freiberger

Tuition: $310 member / $385 non-member

6 Weeks; 1.5 NDEO-Endorsed PDCs

Register Here

This course will dive into the history, current practices, and future considerations of ballet training and performance. Knowledge of the timeline of the development of the art of ballet will blend with the importance of contextual understanding that can be incorporated into your individual practice as well as solid information to pass onto students in teaching contexts. Through the course, we will explore the development of ballet as a dance form and many of the influences that shaped ballet as an art form, while exploring issues that exist presently and that will impact the future of ballet. As the course aids you in enhancing your own complex understanding of the art of ballet, it will assist you in delivering content that is relevant to your own important relations and interpretations of ballet and will guide you in new understandings and delivering of ballet teachings and learnings for yourself and your students.

OPTIONAL LIVE MEETINGS:

  • Tuesday, February 10th at 2pm EST
  • Tuesday, March 10th at 2pm EST

Questions about this course? Send an email to opdi@ndeo.org

Past Student Testimonials

"Before this semester, I had never studied Ballet history in depth, but now I feel much more confident in understanding its origins and evolution. Learning about the historical and cultural influences that have shaped Ballet has given me a deeper appreciation for the art form and a greater sense of connection to its traditions."

"This course provided many materials and resources that can be used for my personal enjoyment as well as my lesson plans!"

"The amazing sources of articles, videos, etc. will make my teaching of Ballet better -- not just by improving my knowledge, but also by the wealth of knowledge that I can now provide to students and faculty in my dance community."

"I have always loved Ballet, but this course has deepened my appreciation for its rich history, diverse schools, and evolving philosophies. Learning about the origins of Ballet and how it has developed over time has given me a greater sense of connection to the art form. I now see Ballet not just as a technique or performance style, but as a living, evolving tradition shaped by generations of dancers, choreographers, and educators."

"I feel more knowledgable and confident in Ballet history and techniques. This has helped me while being intentional as I plan classes and create my own choreography. I liked the opportunity this course gave me to reflect on my own teaching and choreography styles."

Professor Bio

Cari Martin Freiberger (she/her) is a Professor of Dance at Jacksonville University, Florida where she teaches ballet, history, and pedagogy to undergraduate and graduate students. She also teaches master classes and is a guest artist choreographing and staging ballets, teaching yoga, contemporary, improv, and inclusive dance. She received her early training at Washington School of Ballet, North Carolina School of the Arts, and Pennsylvania Ballet and performed with Alabama Ballet Company/Ballet South, Appalachian Ballet Company, Festival Ballet-Atlanta, and Ballet Company of Spokane. Her education includes a BA from Birmingham- Southern College and her MFA in dance at Florida State University where she was the recipient of the Suzanne Farrell Fellowship. Current research focuses are on François Delsarte and Isadora Duncan movement explorations and historical philosophical influences on contemporary dance. When not teaching or dancing, you will most likely find her on her sailboat named ‘Grand Jeté’ !

How Courses Work

National Dance Education Organization (NDEO)

8609 Second Ave, Suite #203B
Silver Spring, MD 20910

Contact Us!