Variations Workshop Enriches Training
Over the course of two months, Rejoice Level 1-3 dancers stepped beyond their regular training to explore the magic of storytelling through movement—deepening their artistry through classical ballet. Rejoice was able to invite dancers from Centennial Youth Ballet to join the variation workshop—offering a unique sampling of classical work to students of both schools at no cost.
Together, 18 dancers immersed themselves in the world of two iconic ballets—The Sleeping Beauty and Coppélia—learning not just the steps but the history, music, and meaning behind these timeless works. The workshop, spanning eight Saturdays, culminated in the March 1st Variations Showcase at the 4th Story Theater, where students shared what they learned with family and friends.
Learning from the Best: Mentorship in Ballet
One of the most inspiring aspects of this workshop was the chance to learn from current and former professional dancers. In ballet, technique is passed down from one generation to the next, not just through formal lessons but through personal coaching and mentorship. This workshop embraced that tradition, offering students invaluable guidance from accomplished artists like Rowena Aldridge, Josie Baughman, and Mollie Sjoblom.
Jasmine Wheeler, a Company Dancer with Nashville Ballet, worked closely with students on The Sleeping Beauty, a ballet she was simultaneously rehearsing herself. This unique experience allowed her to bring fresh insights into the coaching process—helping young dancers see the ballet from both a performer’s and a mentor’s perspective.
More Than Just Steps: The Art of Storytelling
In daily classes, dancers focus on refining technique, expanding their movement vocabulary, and building strength. But working on variations allows them to step into a character—to embody a princess cursed to sleep for a hundred years, or a mischievous doll that comes to life.
This transformation goes beyond movement. As they learn these classical variations, dancers begin to understand how music, expression, and technique combine to tell a story—without a single word. Studies have shown that dance can be a powerful tool for children who struggle with self-expression. Dr. Annie Spell, a child psychologist and co-creator of the Leap ’N Learn movement program, notes:
“Dance teaches kids to think in a totally different way. You take the physiological experience of an emotion and assign it a corresponding movement instead of a word.”
Watching young dancers make these connections, week after week, is one of the most rewarding aspects of this workshop.
Preparing for the Stage
One of the most exciting parts of this process is seeing how students apply their workshop experience to their regular ballet training. Their teachers notice it, too—students preparing for performances often make remarkable progress, as they begin to connect their classwork to real choreography. By the time the final curtain call arrives, many dancers leave the stage with a newfound passion for ballet and a deeper understanding of their own potential.
The Magic of Live Music
What sets this workshop apart from many others is the inclusion of live music. Throughout the sessions, highly skilled ballet pianists accompanied classes, variations, and character work, allowing students to develop an essential skill: learning to listen and adjust to live accompaniment.
In many ballet programs, dancers don’t experience live music until they reach pre-professional training. But here, even young students had the chance to collaborate with musicians, refining their timing and deepening their connection to the art form. Nashville Ballet company pianists Joshua Carter and Bill White were both impressed with how much progress the dancers made each week.
For the faculty, having live music in the studio was a joy—elevating the experience for both students and teachers alike.
Looking Ahead
The variations learned in this workshop won’t just be performed once—they’ll serve as building blocks for upcoming performances and special events throughout the year. These young dancers will continue refining their artistry, carrying the lessons learned in this experience forward as they grow.
Rejoice is deeply grateful for the support of two grants that made this opportunity possible. The TN Arts Commission’s Arts Pathways grant helped fund the professional artists involved, while a generous grant from the Geodis Foundation provided essential resources such as piano keyboards for the studios, new costumes, and lighting for performances.
Through the generosity of grants like these and many individuals, we’re able to create more enriching experiences for our students—opportunities that go beyond technique, helping them build confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of dance.