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Welcome! My name is Gigi Oppenheimer. I am the Artistic Director and Instructor of White Lotus Ballet. I received my Classical Ballet Teaching and Choreography Certification from Music in Motion Inc. under the mentorship of Barbara Thuesen, Registered Dance Educator.
I was trained as a dancer at the Russian Ballet School of the Mid-Hudson Ballet Company and Estelle & Alfonso Inc. I have also studied classical Indian dance with local artist and teacher, Kantham Chatlapalli. Exposure to and acquaintance with the basics of jazz and other contemporary forms of dance have complimented my foundational training.
My background includes extensive performance experience as a former member of the Mid-Hudson Ballet Company and student of Estelle & Alfonso. I have also had the privilege and pleasure of performing with the New York City Ballet, Ulster Ballet Company, Kantham Chatlapalli Dancers, and others.
In my classes at White Lotus Ballet, I utilize the form and structure of ballet training to support the development of self discipline, sharp memory, sustained focus, commitment, and the pursuit of personal excellence. I teach technique in order that the student/dancer may encounter a standard set of movements that the human body is generally capable of, and to discover his/her capacity to direct the body through the mind. In this way, the technical training establishes a fundamental set of tools which the student/dancer can use, expand, or modify in their own self expression through dance.
Within the class dynamic, I seek to nurture an attitude of respect and kindness toward oneself and others. Competition and the harshness of judgment are not encouraged. Students are offered a class and stage experience aimed at promoting self confidence. The measure of success of performance is not the perfection with which the steps are executed, but the level of effort and progress made by the dancers in proportion to their individual and collective capacity, and the happiness and satisfaction each dancer experiences within.
Within the class dynamic, I seek to nurture an attitude of respect and kindness toward oneself and others. Competition and the harshness of judgment are not encouraged. Students are offered a class and stage experience aimed at promoting self confidence. The measure of success of performance is not the perfection with which the steps are executed, but the level of effort and progress made by the dancers in proportion to their individual and collective capacity, and the happiness and satisfaction each dancer experiences within.
First Steps (“Mommy & Me”)
2 ½ - 3 ½ years old
The perfect class for the little one who can’t wait to dance! Mom, Dad, Grandma...bring your dancing shoes and lots of enthusiasm to participate with your little one! We have a half-hour of fun with creative movement, basic ballet, and simple folk dances from around the world.
Thurs. 4:00-4:30
$180/semester or $10/class
Nursery Dance
3 ½ - 4 ½ years old
Just a leap beyond First Steps, this class is also a fun-filled half-hour of creative movement, basic ballet, and world folk dance for the slightly older and more independent toddler.
Tues. 4:00-4:30
$180/semester or $10/class
Kinder Dance
4 ½ - 6 years old
This class steps up the building blocks of ballet in your little dancer’s foundation of movement while continuing the exploration of their creativity, rhythm, and the joyful diversity of world dance.
Monday 4:00 – 4:45 pm
$216/semester
Ballet Intro
5 ½ -7 years old
The formal structure of a ballet class is introduced in a “nutshell” form, preparing the young yet maturing dancer for his/her transition to the next level.
Wednesday 4:00 – 4:45 pm
$216/semester
Ballet I
6 - 8 years old
The basics of ballet are herein focused upon, assisting the young beginner in the development of grace, control, coordination, flexibility, discipline, and confidence.
A. Tuesday 4:45 – 5:45 pm
B. Thursday 4:45 – 5:45 pm
$234/semester
Ballet II
7 - 9 years old
At this stage, the mind-body connection is beginning to form, enhancing the value of more concentrated instruction. The student who wishes to excel in dance is encouraged to attend two classes per week for the benefit of increased practice and broadening his/her variety of movement. (A Ballet I or III class may be chosen to supplement Ballet II.)
Friday 4:00 – 5:00 pm
$234/semester
Ballet III
9 - 12 years old
The development of the dancer’s mind-body connection is now well forged to assimilate instruction, refine technique, expand his/her repertory of skills/steps, and blossom with grace. Harvesting the fruit of this ability will be maximized by the discipline of frequent practice, thus a minimum of two classes per week is highly recommended for the student at this level.
A. Monday 5:00 – 6:30 pm
B. Wednesday 5:00 – 6:30 pm
$252/semester or $479/semester for 2 classes per week
White Lotus Workout
Teen/Adult
Inspired by the New York City Ballet Workout, this class combines classical and contemporary exercises to enhance strength, balance, flexibility, and grace. The White Lotus Workout firms and tones abs and buttocks, lengthens and strengthens the long muscles of the body, and increases support and resiliency of the upper and lower back. Tossed with sprinkles of simple jazz and world dance for added spice, this class is promised to be fun and rewarding for any body type or level of coordination.
Friday 5:30 – 6:30 pm
$234/semester or $13/class
2 ½ - 3 ½ years old
The perfect class for the little one who can’t wait to dance! Mom, Dad, Grandma...bring your dancing shoes and lots of enthusiasm to participate with your little one! We have a half-hour of fun with creative movement, basic ballet, and simple folk dances from around the world.
Thurs. 4:00-4:30
$180/semester or $10/class
Nursery Dance
3 ½ - 4 ½ years old
Just a leap beyond First Steps, this class is also a fun-filled half-hour of creative movement, basic ballet, and world folk dance for the slightly older and more independent toddler.
Tues. 4:00-4:30
$180/semester or $10/class
Kinder Dance
4 ½ - 6 years old
This class steps up the building blocks of ballet in your little dancer’s foundation of movement while continuing the exploration of their creativity, rhythm, and the joyful diversity of world dance.
Monday 4:00 – 4:45 pm
$216/semester
Ballet Intro
5 ½ -7 years old
The formal structure of a ballet class is introduced in a “nutshell” form, preparing the young yet maturing dancer for his/her transition to the next level.
Wednesday 4:00 – 4:45 pm
$216/semester
Ballet I
6 - 8 years old
The basics of ballet are herein focused upon, assisting the young beginner in the development of grace, control, coordination, flexibility, discipline, and confidence.
A. Tuesday 4:45 – 5:45 pm
B. Thursday 4:45 – 5:45 pm
$234/semester
Ballet II
7 - 9 years old
At this stage, the mind-body connection is beginning to form, enhancing the value of more concentrated instruction. The student who wishes to excel in dance is encouraged to attend two classes per week for the benefit of increased practice and broadening his/her variety of movement. (A Ballet I or III class may be chosen to supplement Ballet II.)
Friday 4:00 – 5:00 pm
$234/semester
Ballet III
9 - 12 years old
The development of the dancer’s mind-body connection is now well forged to assimilate instruction, refine technique, expand his/her repertory of skills/steps, and blossom with grace. Harvesting the fruit of this ability will be maximized by the discipline of frequent practice, thus a minimum of two classes per week is highly recommended for the student at this level.
A. Monday 5:00 – 6:30 pm
B. Wednesday 5:00 – 6:30 pm
$252/semester or $479/semester for 2 classes per week
White Lotus Workout
Teen/Adult
Inspired by the New York City Ballet Workout, this class combines classical and contemporary exercises to enhance strength, balance, flexibility, and grace. The White Lotus Workout firms and tones abs and buttocks, lengthens and strengthens the long muscles of the body, and increases support and resiliency of the upper and lower back. Tossed with sprinkles of simple jazz and world dance for added spice, this class is promised to be fun and rewarding for any body type or level of coordination.
Friday 5:30 – 6:30 pm
$234/semester or $13/class
Students at White Lotus Ballet have many special opportunities to look forward to as the school develops:
•Personal performance experience in our annual school show and other events
• Creation of their own choreography, costumes, and mini-production
• Yearly class pictures and personal dance photos
• Workshops in an additional assortment of dance styles
• Field trips to professional quality dance performances
• Guest artists & teachers
White Lotus Ballet invites you to celebrate your little ballerina’s birthday with dancing fun and games. $125 fee includes cake/cupcakes, decorations, and an hour of ballet activities for up to 10 children. Details are adjustable.
White Lotus Ballet offers Enrichment Programs for Early Childhood Development Centers, Pre Schools, Daycare Facilities, etc. A 20-30 minute class offers each group of children an exploration of a range of movements, exposure to various forms of world dance, and experience of the joy of self expression through dance. A four-week session culminates in a mini-performance/demonstration for parents, if desired. The program may be customized to suit the specific needs of your school/center. Numbers of weeks, days per week, breakdown of groups, and fees are all flexible and negotiable.
Dance is for everyone- all ages, abilities, ethnicities, etc. If you are interested in providing a dance experience for any sort of audience or group, please inquire to design a program especially for your intended participants.
Dance is for everyone- all ages, abilities, ethnicities, etc. If you are interested in providing a dance experience for any sort of audience or group, please inquire to design a program especially for your intended participants.
