BalletMet

I was blessed growing up to have the family tradition of going to the Nutcracker almost every year growing up at the Ohio Theatre. I have continued that Christmas tradition with my kids in Columbus and 3 other cities over the years. I have to say this was the most disappointing. The story line was difficult to follow and the dancing seemed chaotic. The Nutcracker has always been so traditional, peaceful and magical. This year did not give any of those feelings.

Attentive staff. Summer Intensive is well-planned. Students cared for in a safe environment. Instruction is excellent. Ballet, pointe, folk, and Flamenco classes offered. Studios are a wonderful size.

Well, all I can say is that we are incredibly upset today. It has always been a tradition that the girls in our family go to the Nutcracker performance. This would have been my nieces first year going with us. Not only did we all have to wake up early to get a rapid Covid test (due to them only being viable for 24 hours), but we also drove all the way to Columbus arriving 20 minutes early to find a sign on the door stating the performances were cancelled for today.

I was furious, because I had just received an email before Christmas confirming my tickets. I then checked my email and BalletMet had sent a cancellation email at 11:35 for a noon performance. That's ridiculous. We drove over an hour, so unless I would've checked my email while driving on the highway, we still wouldn't have found out until we had already arrived.

We will be going somewhere else next year, because this was a total let down. My five-year-old niece cried herself to sleep on the way home, because she was so excited to finally see The Nutcracker. To say this didn't put a pretty big damper on our holiday season would be a lie. They are reimbursing ticket sales, but what's money compared to a fun-filled day of making memories at the ballet :(

Great place and full of amazing history! I recommend you donate to the backbone of Columbus's art scene.

Breathtaking ballet come to life in beautiful form! My favorite performances are those less traditional (sorry Nutcracker peeps!) & prefer more modern offerings in terms of form, music & costume.

I took an adult ballet class here that was awesome! Parking was readily available. The first class was free and I didn't have to pay anything. Ballet shoes and attire are definitely required. Not really a socks and yoga pants type of experience.

Having not done ballet for a while, the class was challenging and kicked my butt.

BalletMet has very, very well-trained, talented dancers. The dancers are basically celebrities in Columbus. But though I try and try, ballet just isn't my thing.

I have to give the dance company props for keeping their routines and venues fresh. One of the city's favorite ballet shows is going on right now: Dracula. My boyfriend saw this one as a kid - at one point, Dracula comes out in a thong with a cape - I think there's some scarring there.

I saw the dance troupe near the river behind COSI. It was a great venue, and the summer air really set the tone. The outfits were - tight; the music was good, and of all the ballet shows I've seen minus The Nutcracker performances I went to as a kid, this one held my attention the most. The dancers leapt and spun and lifted each other - they were obviously very strong. But, most of the time, I found myself watching the AEP building change colors in the distance. I know; that's awful.

If you like ballet, you can't miss the BalletMet performers. If you're on the fence, they might be good enough to make you a fan. Even if you're not into it at all, like me, you'll still be able to tell they're skilled.

After taking many a ballet class at Ohio State University's dance department, I was looking for something different and decided to drop in for open adult classes at BalletMet, at the intermediate level. Oddly enough, I've lived in Columbus for over 20 years and never even saw a BalletMet performance until I was in high school (deprived? I'd like to think so) let alone take a class. It wasn't until college that I discovered dancing...but that's a long story that has nothing to do with this review.

Anywho, the cost of class is decent; as is for most adult ballet programs around the country, classes are offered on a drop-in basis, since adults have more unpredictable schedules than children. Your wallet takes a hit with a $25 registration fee and then you can buy a class card. Don't bother with buying the 1 ($16 per class) or 5 ($14.60 per class) card...although class cards have an expiration date, save the money and buy the 12 class card for $126, which comes out to $10.50 per class. Who REALLY takes one ballet class a year or once a month? Buy the 12 class card and go once or twice a week. It's better for you anyway.

I should note that you don't actually get a card. BalletMet will have your name on file and when you go, you simply let them know that you're there to take class and they will give you a slip of paper to hand to the teacher. It's how they count how many classes you've used. It saves you the trouble of having to remember to bring anything with you but your body and your dance clothes. Classes are pretty late (7:30pm) and personally, I would have preferred an earlier option.

The facilities are just ok. First, you have to press a button on the intercom to even get into the building (which I didn't know, and was circling the building like a maniacal vulture), so it's nice to know they keep track of who enters. Class was in the same studio each time, and while the studio was big, it kind of sucked to have no windows. The mirrors seemed small to me for some reason and the piano was an electric one and difficult to hear. In fact, I found it difficult to hear the teachers as well at times, what with the ventilation noise and such. But good floors and quite spacious.

Loved the teachers (I had Dmitri and George...George is a charming old man with a thick accent who may not demonstrate exercises very clearly, but if you're advanced you'll know what he's talking about and shouldn't have problems following him. Loved his class though and he'll find a way to make you feel good about the way you dance; with a pat on the shoulder or a wink of approval). Also, always a pleasure to have Susan Chess as the live accompanist.

All in all, quality instruction but just a little lacking in terms of the facilities themselves. Respectable given the circumstances though...BalletMet does a great job with the resources they have. They just need more money for a building overhaul.

This review is in regards to the Student Division (ballet classes level 2 and up).

The teachers here are world-class. At Balletmet, the fundamentals are stressed- body and head position, strong core, foot, ankle and leg strength/stability, proper arm and hand movement, and artistry of motion (yes, I'm talking about the kids' classes!) I saw a vast difference in my child within one month of studying ballet here. In 2 years, she has advanced by leaps and bounds. She is challenged but not pushed. Best of all, she has fun, and has developed great friendships. She absolutely loves dancing here.
At other dance schools we've attended in the past (Bartelt, Columbus Dance Academy) half of the year focused on the end-of-year performance learning and practicing one dance, picking costumes, etc. At Balletmet there is a show at the end of the year but no expensive gaudy costume to purchase, and it is just a small part of the year-long learning experience.

Attended tonight for the first time, with my college-age son and his girlfriend.

Aside from the distractions of the room being too warm, and the three of us dying to eat, we had a fantastic time. We saw the "Up Close" performance. There were four dances, and they were in turn, lovely, emotionally moving, fun and entertaining, and exhilarating. The three of us drove off to a late dinner discussing which performance and performer we enjoyed most, and why.

The staff was friendly, smiley, helpful. The patrons were attentive and appreciative. The tickets were a gift, but I will definitely purchase and attend again.

PRO TIP: If you drive by the awning on Mt. Vernon, don't be confused by the lack of activity. The performance space is behind the building, and there is ample parking.

Go! You'll enjoy it.