Charm City Ballet

For residents across Maryland, particularly in Baltimore County and the greater Baltimore area, Charm City Ballet (CCB) stands as a beacon of excellence and a breath of fresh air in the dance world. More than just a dance academy, CCB is a vibrant performance company and a nurturing educational space, dedicated to providing high-quality ballet training and memorable performance opportunities in a truly healthy and supportive environment. It’s a place where the joy of dance is paramount, and dancers of all ages and experience levels can truly thrive.

Founded by Goucher College graduates Rebecca Friedman and Peter Commander, Charm City Ballet emerged from a desire to create a new artistic outlet while also offering exceptional dance education for local dancers. What makes CCB truly special, as countless testimonials attest, is their unique blend of "high quality training and coaching mixed with a warm family feel." This approach stands in stark contrast to the often high-pressure atmosphere found elsewhere, providing a refreshing and productive environment where dancers can hone their craft without feeling burned out.

CCB is committed to expanding the perspective and reach of performing arts, especially ballet, in the greater Baltimore area. They achieve this by producing original full-length ballet productions with original scoring and choreography, bringing stories to life in a way that is "uncommon to many nonprofessional ballet companies." Whether you're a young aspiring dancer, an adult returning to ballet, or simply a lover of performing arts, Charm City Ballet offers an incredible opportunity to engage with the art form right here in Maryland.

Charm City Ballet is conveniently located at 116 Lake Front Dr, Cockeysville, MD 21030, USA. This address places it within the easily accessible community of Cockeysville in Baltimore County, making it a prime location for families and individuals from across the greater Baltimore metropolitan area. Cockeysville is well-connected by major roadways, ensuring that the studio is a straightforward drive for residents from neighboring towns like Timonium, Lutherville-Timonium, Hunt Valley, and even parts of northern Baltimore City.

The "Lake Front Dr" address suggests a location that might be part of a commercial or office park, which often provides ample and convenient parking for students and visitors. This ease of access is a significant benefit for busy schedules, allowing for efficient drop-offs and pick-ups. Its location within a commercial hub also means proximity to other amenities, which can add to the convenience for locals attending classes or performances.

• Comprehensive Ballet Education: Charm City Ballet offers a full schedule of classes designed to provide a well-rounded and thorough ballet education for dancers of all ages and levels.
• Student Division Programs: Pre-professional dance classes and programs are available for students aged 3 through 18, catering to various stages of development from creative movement to advanced levels.
• Adult Division Programs: Dance classes are offered specifically for ages 18 and up, welcoming both absolute beginners and experienced adult dancers looking to continue their training or return to ballet. Drop-in options are often available, providing flexibility.
• Elective Division Classes: For students aged 6-18, an elective division likely offers a broader range of dance styles or supplementary classes beyond core ballet.
• Full-Length Ballet Productions: CCB is a performance company that produces two original full-length ballet productions annually. This includes their cherished annual winter production of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" and a changing full-length story ballet in the spring (e.g., "The Wizard of Oz," "The Little Mermaid").
• Performance Opportunities: All productions are cast based on open auditions, welcoming dancers from various schools and studios to participate, providing valuable stage experience.
• Summer Programs and Camps: Charm City Ballet offers summer dance programs, including 1-week camps for children (e.g., Disney Ballet Camp for ages 3-6) and a full schedule of classes in an ongoing 7-week session for all students.
• Online Class Access: For former students or those with scheduling constraints, CCB provides options like Zoom classes and drop-ins, ensuring continuity of training even when not physically present.
• Quality Coaching and Mentorship: The directors and faculty are committed to providing high-quality coaching and guidance, focusing on individual improvement and personal growth alongside dance technique.

• Healthy and Nurturing Environment: This is a consistently praised highlight. CCB provides a supportive space without the "high-pressure atmosphere so prevalent in the dance world," fostering a positive and productive learning experience for dancers of all ages and levels.
• Exceptional Directors (Becca and Pete): Founders Rebecca Friedman and Peter Commander are lauded for their kindness, respect, clarity of expectations, and dedication to their dancers. Their combined expertise (including Peter's background in various dance forms and Rebecca's graphic design skills contributing to production aesthetics) creates a unique and comprehensive approach.
• High-Quality Productions with Originality: CCB stands out for its "high quality and memorable" original full-length ballet productions. They go beyond standard repertoire, using original scoring and choreography to bring stories to life with a refined musicality and commanding character performances, redefining "local" ballet.
• Inclusivity for All Ages and Experience Levels: CCB is genuinely open to "dancers of any age to practice, hone, and perform in their art form," welcoming those with varying depths of prior experience. This inclusivity is a significant draw for the Maryland community.
• Organizational Excellence: The studio is described as "extremely organized, easy to contact, and always willing to help or answer questions," which contributes to a smooth and stress-free experience for students and parents.
• Convenient and Flexible Options: The availability of Zoom classes and drop-in options for adult and returning college students demonstrates a commitment to making dance accessible and accommodating to various life commitments.
• Award-Winning Recognition: Charm City Ballet has received multiple "Baltimore's Child Readers' Choice Awards" for Best Performance Art Program, Best Dance Program, Best School Break/Summer Program or Camp, and Best Performance Theater for Young Audiences, reflecting strong community approval. They were also voted "Best Dance Company" by MD Theatre Guide.
• Professional Facilities: Their 3100 square foot facility includes 1700 square feet of studio space with professional sprung flooring for dancer safety, a lobby for waiting, and two dancer areas for changing.

Address: 116 Lake Front Dr, Cockeysville, MD 21030, USA

Phone: (443) 318-4902

For residents of Maryland, particularly in Baltimore County, Charm City Ballet offers an exceptional and highly suitable opportunity to engage with the art of dance. It's a rare find: a dance academy and performance company that not only provides rigorous, high-quality ballet training but does so within an incredibly nurturing and respectful atmosphere. This healthy environment is a significant draw for dancers of all ages, allowing them to pursue their passion without the undue pressure often associated with the dance world.

The dedicated leadership of Becca and Pete, praised for their kindness, clear expectations, and organizational prowess, ensures that every student feels valued and supported. Whether a young child is taking their first ballet steps, a teen is balancing dance with other commitments, or an adult is rekindling a lifelong love for the art form, CCB provides tailored guidance and ample opportunities for growth. The offering of full-length, original ballet productions provides invaluable performance experience for students and accessible, high-caliber entertainment for the local community.

By choosing Charm City Ballet, locals are investing in an award-winning institution that prioritizes holistic dancer development—fostering not just technical skill but also confidence, joy, and a true sense of belonging. It is a vibrant cultural asset that enriches the lives of individuals and the artistic landscape of Maryland, making it an ideal choice for anyone in the region with a passion for dance.

Charm City Ballet

116 Lake Front Dr, Cockeysville, MD 21030, USA