All Levels Ballet Class

Led by former ABT dancer Daniel Mantei, this class blends classic ballet technique with functional kinesiology to help you move with ease and expression.

Sundays | 10:15 AM – 11:45 AM (90 minutes) ( Studio Available Starting at 10am)

Location: Triskelion Arts, Doug Studio | 106 Calyer St, Brooklyn (Greenpoint)

Single Drop-In Rate: $26

Who: Beginners to professionals. Ages 17 and over.

A Different Kind of Ballet Class

Move beyond the rigid, intimidating atmosphere of traditional ballet class. Whether you are an adult stepping up to the barre for the very first time (using our sturdy studio chairs as “barres” for support), a former dancer looking for a healthy, fun, and supportive environment to come back to ballet after years away, or a professional dancer seeking a refined, biomechanical perspective to make your daily practice more sustainable, this class is designed for you. In class, we cultivate a sense of curiosity, exploration, and play, encouraging each dancer to move in ways that feel good to their unique body. Everyone can dance, and everyone can do ballet!

We free ourselves from high-pressure aesthetic expectations and focus entirely on the brilliant mechanics and joy of movement, connecting with dance in a way that feels genuinely good. To ensure everyone gets dedicated guidance (to your level of comfort), class is limited to 9 students.

My name is Daniel Mantei Keene and I was a dancer with American Ballet Theatre and a soloist with the National Ballet of Canada. My approach is deeply informed by my long-term study with the legendary Maggie Black, whose focus on anatomical integrity and non-dogmatic technique continues to shape how I teach today. My weekly all-levels class blends classic ballet technique with an understanding of functional movement and kinesiology. We focus deeply on natural alignment, joint ease, and nervous system comfort—ensuring that moving beautifully also feels profoundly good in your body. I look forward to dancing with you!

  • Zero Judgment: A warm, affirming, and inclusive space for all bodies and experience levels. Leave the stress of the week behind and reconnect with a sense of vibrant energy, emotional ease, and community.

  • Smarter Mechanics: Bolster your natural movement quality for more efficiency and expression, while learning to support your joints and build true sustainability.

Complete 2026 Class Schedule

Launch Date: Sunday, June 21, 2026

This class runs for a total of 21 select Sundays throughout 2026. To respect your weekend planning, please note the specific holiday and studio recess dates below where class will not be held.

JUNE | Dates: 21, 28

JULY | Dates: 5, 19, 26 (No Class: July 12)

AUGUST | Dates: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

SEPTEMBER | Dates: 13, 20, 27 (No Class: Sept 6)

OCTOBER | Dates: 18, 25 (No Class: Oct 4, 11)

NOVEMBER | Dates: 1, 8, 15, 22 (No Class: Nov 29)

DECEMBER | Dates: 6, 13 (No Class: Dec 20, 27)

Join Our Embodied Ballet Community for a Consistent Practice

Commit to a 5- or 6-week block to secure your spot, build consistency, and progress alongside the same supportive group. Save $4 per class. Have to miss a class? Don’t worry, each series allows for one rollover class.

Class Logistics & Details

Triskelion Arts Doug studio is a gorgeous, sunlit studio that is one flight of stairs up, located in Greenpoint, an 11- 18 min walk from the Nassau Ave G (.5 miles) or the Bedford L station (.8 miles).

  • Where: Triskelion Arts (106 Calyer St). Doug Studio ( upstairs and to the left)

  • What to Wear: Anything you can comfortably move in like Athletic wear or leggings. For your feet: socks or traditional ballet slippers are recommended. Please no street shoes on the studio floor

  • Arrival: The studio is available starting at 10 am so you can settle your body into the space and warmup a bit before we begin at 10:15.

  • Policies: All ballet class sales are final (no refunds/rescheduling), with the exception of one rollover class allowed per series. Please no food in the studio (water, coffee, tea are allowed).

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I need previous ballet experience? Not at all! This class is truly "all-levels." We focus on functional mechanics that apply to everyone—whether you’ve never taken a step or have been dancing for decades.

  • What if I have an injury? Because this class is rooted in functional movement and kinesiology, it is an excellent space to move safely. However, if you are currently in acute pain or recovering from a specific injury, please reach out to me first or consider a private session for a more tailored approach.

  • Is this a "standard" ballet class? It’s a different experience. We move away from the high-pressure aesthetic of traditional ballet to focus on natural alignment, joint ease, and how the movement feels in your body. We use chairs for support so you can focus on building strength without the typical "ballet barre" pressure.

  • What should I bring? Just yourself, comfortable clothes & footwear (socks or ballet shoes), and a water bottle! I’ll provide all other equipment.

  • What if I'm running late? We understand that train delays happen! If you are running up to 10 minutes late, please enter quietly, and be mindful to warm yourself up slowly before joining the group activity.

Looking for Individual Integration?

If you are recovering from an injury, preparing for an audition, or prefer a highly tailored 1-on-1 environment, Daniel also offers private coaching slots and clinical neuro-focused bodywork at his private studio. [Click here to explore Private Ballet Coaching Sessions.]

reserve your drop-in spot