Ballet BC MOVE offers dance, yoga and pilates classes on a drop-in basis for adults of all levels! Our multi-week series feature beginner and intermediate levels of ballet and contemporary dance, as well as pilates.
Our Beginner Ballet and Mat Pilates Series are led by Kaylin Sturtevant, who’s been a Ballet BC dancer since 2021. In his third season with Ballet BC, Ben Peralta will continue teaching our Intermediate Contemporary Series. Kaylin and Ben are originally from Texas and Florida, respectively, and both attended the USC Kaufman School of Dance.
Why attend our MOVE classes? It’s as much fun for our company dancers, as it is for you! We sat down with Kaylin and Ben to hear more about their experience as MOVE instructors.
Ballet BC: Can you share how your professional training shapes your approach as an instructor?
Kaylin Sturtevant: Throughout my training and professional career, I’ve been exposed to a variety of perspectives on dance and am continuing to learn how different styles influence and inform one another. When I teach for MOVE classes, I aim to further challenge how I can relay these perspectives to a group of eager and passionate individuals.
Ben Peralta: I’ve acquired various modalities and skills from many of my teachers along my professional journey and I try to share what has helped me grow the most as a dancer with my students.
Does choreography in the studio ever influence your classes?
KS: Some choreography does inspire the way I teach as the repetition and mindset of the piece I’m working on can influence what I choose to share with my students. In my beginner ballet class, this has inspired me to challenge the students’ sense of timing and play on rhythm in the combinations.
BP: Learning repertoire is very different than learning the fundamentals of contemporary dance. This is not to say, however, that my classes are not sometimes informed by certain choreographic approaches that a choreographer may have; ie. how physical sensations can inform movement, ways of articulating the spine, the use of focus through movement, etc.
Can you tell us more about the style and influences you bring to the classes you teach?
KS: I gained my Pilates certification from the BASI Comprehensive Program which consists of the foundational teachings of Joseph Pilates alongside a contemporary approach from scientific and technological advances. In my Mat Pilates classes, I incorporate many of these exercises I learned from the program. Additionally, my dance background has led me to include stretches and lengthening exercises to coincide with the strength and core-based Pilates work. A lot of this anatomical work has also influenced the way I look at alignment and movement in my ballet classes.
BP: I’m a firm believer in asking my students questions and allowing them to come up with the solutions to “problems” that may arise. Everyone has an inherent body intelligence, and I believe it’s my job to create a space where my students can access their intelligence by having an open dialogue throughout each class. I aim to teach my students how to fish rather than giving them the fish right there.
Do you have any favorite moments from teaching that you would like to share?
KS: A few weeks into my beginner ballet series, I decided to introduce a pirouette since the class was progressing well. When first demonstrating it, I could see the students’ eyes widen in doubt. After encouraging them that they had all the building blocks from the previous weeks, many decided to give it a try. The look of joy on their faces when they successfully performed a difficult movement was such a memorable moment for me!
What is the best part of teaching MOVE classes?
KS: For me, the best part of teaching for MOVE is the opportunity to engage with more people in the community and spread joy through the art form. Seeing everyone come together with a shared love of dance, no matter their background or experience, is such a highlight for me every week.
BP: Having the opportunity to see the progression of my students from week to week brings joy to me as an instructor – being a part of their dance journey is something that I look forward to each week.
What sets MOVE apart from other adult dance and movement classes in Vancouver?
KS: MOVE classes give adult students the opportunity to work with professional dancers who are currently active in the field and prioritize both their performing and teaching careers.
BP: As Ballet BC company members, we’re fortunate enough to experience a wide variety of contemporary dance styles and work with some of the most profound choreographers in dance. We’re constantly learning and refining ourselves as dancers on a daily basis, allowing us to bring this information and thought into our classes.
What would you say to people who are hesitant to return to dance or to start?
KS: Within the class levels, there is a range of experiences that are celebrated by the instructors offering modifications or challenges depending on what each individual needs. It’s a safe and welcoming environment for anyone to return to dance whether dance was once a big part of their life or not at all.
BP: As instructors, we’re here to meet you wherever you may be in your dance journey and foster an environment that sparks creativity and curiosity.
Registration for our Spring 2025 progressive series is now open. Join us for mat pilates, contemporary, and three levels of ballet taught by Ballet BC company dancers and alumni.
Want more flexibility? Try our drop-in daily classes. Save up to 20% off with 10-class and 20-class packs or give MOVE a try with a $50 introductory week pass.
MOVE Series MOVE Drop-ins
