Ballet Academy of Charleston

Ballet Academy of Charleston teaches classical ballet across three divisions: children from age 3, students aged 7–18, and adults. Classes follow the Bolshoi Ballet curriculum and are structured by ability rather than age. The studio offers Creative Movement for ages 3–5 (45 minutes), Pre-Ballet for ages 6–8 (60 minutes), and a progression through Ballet 1–5 levels for students up to age 18, with advanced classes incorporating 90 minutes of technique plus 30 minutes of pointe and variations work.

The studio is led by owner and artistic director Jessica Lighthart, who trained with Boca Ballet Theatre and danced in classical productions including Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Romeo and Juliet, Les Sylphides, Coppélia and La Bayadere. She attended North Carolina School of the Arts and ABT Summer Intensive, performed with Ballet Memphis, and holds a 2002 degree in Elementary Education from the College of Charleston. Between 2016 and 2018, Jessica completed all levels of the Bolshoi Ballet Academy Teacher Certification Program. In January 2021, she completed the Ballet Conservatoire Classical Ballet Training and Examination, and in July 2021 received certification in Progressing Ballet Technique. In May 2024, she completed the 4Pointe Level 1 Certification with Lynne Charles in Provo, Utah. Jessica began teaching at the academy in 2008 and became owner and director in March 2021.

The faculty includes Amanda Wingard, who majored in dance at the School of the Arts in Charleston and studied dance education at the University of South Carolina. She directed the dance program at Alston Middle School in Summerville for three years and subsequently taught 7th grade dance at SOA. Amanda Christison danced for 7 years with Palmetto City Ballet and holds a BFA in Ballet Performance from the University of Oklahoma. Kendra Giles-Rogers spent 4 years as a company dancer with Sanspointe Dance Company and Gradient Dance Theatre in Birmingham, Alabama, and taught at Mt. Laurel Ballet and The Dance Foundation. She also choreographed and performed as a guest artist for Magic City Performing Arts, producing full-length classical ballets including The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty and Don Quixote. Emily Koppenhofer began ballet at the academy at age thirteen and has performed in numerous productions with BAC's Junior Company since 2016.

All enrolled students are invited to join the Junior Company, which performs annually each Spring. A non-refundable fee covers rehearsals, costumes and venue. Junior Company membership helps dancers overcome shyness, boosts self-confidence and teaches teamwork. Members meet students from other classes in a less structured environment and develop group dynamic during rehearsals and social breaks.

Adult and teen students can take Intermediate Adult Ballet (Monday 7:00–8:15pm and Thursday 10:00–11:15am), Basic Beginner Adult Ballet (Thursday 7:00–8:15pm), Intermediate/Advanced Adult Ballet (Saturday 10:00–11:15am), or Barre Fitness (Thursday 6:15–7:15pm). All adult classes require registration and check-in ahead of class time and are offered year-round. Adult classes are also available via Zoom. The studio runs Summer Camps, Intensives, and an Adult Intensive, with tuition for the 6-week summer semester payable in full in advance. The studio also offers Birthday Parties, Barre Fitness Parties, Private Intensives, and a Pre-Professional Program.

Classes require advance registration and check-in. For ballet, bring ballet shoes; no dress code applies. For barre fitness, wear comfortable workout clothing. Class placement is determined by ability rather than age, and decisions are made by the studio director. Classes are structured and professional, with a clear curriculum progression from Creative Movement through advanced pointe work.

Jessica Lighthart is owner and artistic director, trained at Boca Ballet Theatre and holding certifications from the Bolshoi Ballet Academy Teacher Certification Program, Ballet Conservatoire Classical Ballet Training, Progressing Ballet Technique, and 4Pointe Level 1. Faculty includes Amanda Wingard (dance education background from School of the Arts and University of South Carolina), Amanda Christison (7-year Palmetto City Ballet dancer with BFA from University of Oklahoma), Kendra Giles-Rogers (4-year company dancer with Sanspointe and Gradient Dance Theatre), and Emily Koppenhofer.

The studio offers Basic Beginner Adult Ballet and Creative Movement for young children, and places students by ability rather than age.