Classical technique with modern expression

ContemporarY

Contemporary dance incorporates elements of ballet technique with modern and jazz, as well as acrobatics. It can be executed en pointe or flat as a solo, group or pas de deux. Many of its attributes, including floor work and a greater range of movement, stem from 20th-century modern dance. A student’s Contemporary placement corresponds with their Ballet level.

What Makes Contemporary Ballet Different?

Contemporary ballet is a genre of dance that incorporates elements of classical ballet and modern dance. It employs classical ballet technique and in many cases classical pointe technique as well, but allows greater range of movement of the upper body and is not constrained to the rigorously defined body lines and forms found in traditional, classical ballet. Many of its attributes come from the ideas and innovations of 20th-century modern dance, including floor work and turn-in of the legs. The style also contains many movements emphasizing the body’s flexibility.

Class level assignments corresponds to level in Ballet

Contemporary Dance
Contemporary dance - Lasley Centre

At The Lasley Centre,

Contemporary Ballet serves as a bridge between classical training and modern artistic expression. Students discover how to use their ballet foundation as a launching point for more fluid, emotionally driven movement. This style encourages dancers to:

  • Express Personal Artistry – Move beyond traditional ballet constraints to find individual voice
  • Develop Versatility – Prepare for diverse choreographic styles in professional settings
  • Enhance Creativity – Explore improvisation and personal interpretation
  • Build Performance Quality – Connect technical skill with emotional storytelling
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Performance Opportunities

Contemporary Dance - Lasley Centre

Contemporary Ballet students have opportunities to perform in:

  • Annual Recital – Showcasing contemporary pieces alongside classical works
  • Contemporary Showcases – Dedicated performances highlighting modern repertoire
  • Student Choreography Projects – Advanced students may create and perform original works
  • Community Events – Performances at local arts festivals and cultural celebrations
  • Ballet and Dance Competitions
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Ready to Expand Your Artistry?

FREE TRIAL CLASS

We invite you to schedule a tour of our facility and/or attend a free trial class to come see what we’re all about! Complete the contact form and we’ll schedule your visit to coincide with the best class level for you / your child.

Register Now

Ready to join the Lasley Centre family? We’re excited to welcome you into our studio community! Please complete our online registration to secure your spot in classes and begin your dance journey with us.

Contemporary Ballet Dance Instruction in Northern Virginia

Offering dance classes in many genres, the Lasley Centre is convenient to Prince William County (Bristow, Haymarket, Gainesville, Manassas, and Nokesville areas) and Fauquier County (Warrenton, Bealeton, Marshall, and Remington areas). We also have students who come from Culpeper and surrounding areas.

We had the privilege of attending Lasley Centre's performance of The Nutcracker in December. WOW — what a spectacular performance, which showcased the very best in from youth to adults!! Staging production of this scale clearly required careful planning, lots and lots of practice and exacting performance. My hats off to staff and students for an awesome production!!"
Trent W.
We had the privilege of attending Lasley Centre's performance of The Nutcracker in December. WOW — what a spectacular performance, which showcased the very best in from youth to adults!! Staging production of this scale clearly required careful planning, lots and lots of practice and exacting performance. My hats off to staff and students for an awesome production!!"
Trent W.
I started 2 of my daughters at the Lasley Centre this year and am very happy with my decision. Each of my girls have taken dance since they were 2, they are now 5 and 6, and they were doing more technique in their first class at Lasley than over the past four years combined. The instructor does a wonderful job teaching them ballet while building their confidence and creativity.
M. Q.
I started 2 of my daughters at the Lasley Centre this year and am very happy with my decision. Each of my girls have taken dance since they were 2, they are now 5 and 6, and they were doing more technique in their first class at Lasley than over the past four years combined. The instructor does a wonderful job teaching them ballet while building their confidence and creativity.
M. Q.
I have found the Lasley Centre to be Top Notch. Professional, always paying Attention to detail, clear, Friendly and very supportive to our Fauquier High School Theatre Program as well. Proud to call them my peer and my friend. Break a Leg this weekend see you Sunday …
Emmett L.
I have found the Lasley Centre to be Top Notch. Professional, always paying Attention to detail, clear, Friendly and very supportive to our Fauquier High School Theatre Program as well. Proud to call them my peer and my friend. Break a Leg this weekend see you Sunday…
Emmett L.
My 4 girls were well trained and well loved at Lasley. We were all devastated when we had to move out of state. The caliber of training is top notch, more importantly, my girls felt like they were at home and with family every time they walked through those doors. It is a rare find and we were privileged to be a part of the Lasley family ♥
April H.
My 4 girls were well trained and well loved at Lasley. We were all devastated when we had to move out of state. The caliber of training is top notch, more importantly, my girls felt like they were at home and with family every time they walked through those doors. It is a rare find and we were privileged to be a part of the Lasley family ♥
April H.
When relocating to Virginia, we struggled to find a dance studio that offered the same level of instruction, care, and community our daughter experienced in Texas. We were searching for a place that could elevate her technique while nurturing her passion for dance within a positive, inclusive environment. The Lasley Centre exceeded every expectation. From our very first visit, we were welcomed with warmth and enthusiasm, instantly feeling the family atmosphere...
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Nicolle B.
When relocating to Virginia, we struggled to find a dance studio that offered the same level of instruction, care, and community our daughter experienced in Texas. We were searching for a place that could elevate her technique while nurturing her passion for dance within a positive, inclusive environment. The Lasley Centre exceeded every expectation. From our very first visit, we were welcomed with warmth and enthusiasm, instantly feeling the family atmosphere we had hoped to find. Our daughter continues to grow each year—technically, artistically, and personally. The instructors are attentive to each dancer's individual strengths and needs, providing guidance that is both supportive and challenging. The Lasley Centre has become a place where she is encouraged, valued, and inspired.
Nicolle B.
We have only been part of the Lasley family for a few months, but we couldn't be happier with our experience. In such a short time, we have already seen tremendous growth in our daughter's dancing and her understanding of proper technique. Just as importantly, she has found a positive, encouraging community where she has built friendships with dancers who challenge and support one another in healthy ways. Since joining the competition team, she feels included, excited, and proud to ...
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Darby G.
We have only been part of the Lasley family for a few months, but we couldn't be happier with our experience. In such a short time, we have already seen tremendous growth in our daughter's dancing and her understanding of proper technique. Just as importantly, she has found a positive, encouraging community where she has built friendships with dancers who challenge and support one another in healthy ways. Since joining the competition team, she feels included, excited, and proud to be part of a group that truly builds each other up. The kindness and expertise of the Lasley staff are exceptional. They see the potential in each individual dancer and provide the encouragement and guidance needed to help them grow. We were amazed by Lasley's beautiful Nutcracker performance as audience members last year, and we are so excited to now be part of the Lasley community and see what this year brings!
Darby G.
Our daughter has danced at Lasley for eight years, starting at age three. The studio has truly become her home away from home. The positive, supportive atmosphere, wonderful friendships, and caring instructors have helped her grow not only as a dancer but also as a confident, poised young woman. We especially appreciate the emphasis on proper nutrition, injury prevention, strength building, and healthy training habits. The technical instruction is exceptional, and the strong foundation she has built ...
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Laine I.
Our daughter has danced at Lasley for eight years, starting at age three. The studio has truly become her home away from home. The positive, supportive atmosphere, wonderful friendships, and caring instructors have helped her grow not only as a dancer but also as a confident, poised young woman. We especially appreciate the emphasis on proper nutrition, injury prevention, strength building, and healthy training habits. The technical instruction is exceptional, and the strong foundation she has built with Miss Kalie and the other instructors has led to her acceptance into three world-renowned summer intensive programs by age eleven. Miss Kalie has a heart of gold and an unwavering commitment to excellence. She has given our daughter a safe place to grow, dream, and thrive, and we are incredibly grateful for the lasting impact she has had on our daughter's life.
Laine I.
My dancer has trained with The Lasley Centre for more than ten years. The instructors have truly helped to unlock my daughter's potential, and they continue to support and guide her on her ballet journey. The staff care deeply for their students, and are dedicated to ensuring a healthy dance environment for all. Not only is my dancer receiving top-notch training, but we as a family have built relationships that will last a lifetime.
Amy M.
My dancer has trained with The Lasley Centre for more than ten years. The instructors have truly helped to unlock my daughter's potential, and they continue to support and guide her on her ballet journey. The staff care deeply for their students, and are dedicated to ensuring a healthy dance environment for all. Not only is my dancer receiving top-notch training, but we as a family have built relationships that will last a lifetime.
Amy M.
We've been with Lasley for 3 years now and the experience has been nothing short of amazing. The growth that has happened with our dancer is a direct result on the level of care each instructor pours into the students on a weekly basis. Technique and safety are the top priority and it's reflected in the personal successes of each student. The sky really is the limit with Lasley. I believe every potential student wishing to grow their technique should be ...
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Amber C.
We've been with Lasley for 3 years now and the experience has been nothing short of amazing. The growth that has happened with our dancer is a direct result on the level of care each instructor pours into the students on a weekly basis. Technique and safety are the top priority and it's reflected in the personal successes of each student. The sky really is the limit with Lasley. I believe every potential student wishing to grow their technique should be attending classes with these instructors.
Amber C.

The Lasley Difference

Certified Instructors from Day One

We never use student teachers. Your child learns from professionals with performance experience.

Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum

Designed to nurture growing bodies and minds at every stage.

Friendships & Foundations for Life

Our dancers gain more than just technique; they gain confidence, community, and character.

Pathways to Prestigious Programs

Lasley dancers are selected for elite intensives and full-time professional tracks nationwide.