Upcoming Events
Sarah Hayes Harkins danced professionally for 15 seasons with Charlotte Ballet, performing principal roles in both timeless masterworks and contemporary pieces in collaboration with world-renowned choreographers. Her extensive experience with ballet also includes choreography, rehearsal direction, teaching and coaching. In addition to her distinguished career in Charlotte, Sarah has performed at The Kennedy Center, The Hollywood Bowl, in Europe, and at the famous Chautauqua Institution, where she was an artist in residence for ten summer seasons.
A native of North Carolina, Sarah was born and raised in Waynesville and attended NC School of the Arts in high school before matriculating into Charlotte Ballet, then called North Carolina Dance Theater, which became her artistic home for her entire career, until now.
Her tango journey began in 2020 during the pandemic when she and Matthew Seneca began exchanging lessons—ballet for tango. This friendly exchange evolved into an enduring and fruitful partnership; in 2021 they launched Tango CLT, a school for Argentine tango in Plaza Midwood, and in 2023 launched The Long Room.
“What is Gaga?” This question cannot be answered simply with a few words. Choreographer and Artistic Director of Batsheva Dance Company, Ohad Naharin, began developing and discovering Gaga out of his curiosity to explore our body’s availability and capacity for unique movement.
Gaga classes are based on a deep activation of the body and physical sensations. While class instructions are often imbued with rich imagery that stimulates the imagination, the layering of information builds into a multisensory, physically challenging experience. Gaga offers a workout that develops flexibility, stamina, agility, coordination, and efficiency of movement.
This class will be led by César Brodermann, a queer multidisciplinary artist, contemporary dancer, choreographer, and photographer. From 2018 to 2022, he worked as the first Mexican dancer in the Batsheva Dance Company, performing works by Ohad Naharin, Sharon Eyal, Noa Zuk, Bobbi Jenne & Or Schrieber as well as developing five creative processes as part of the Batsheva Dancers Create program. César is currently the only Gaga teacher certified in Mexico.
Recommended for dancers ages 16+
Cost: $20
Our show orders are (mostly) complete! Don’t be concerned if you’re in back-to-back numbers on this list as our senior solos and other special content will be going in-between these for quick changes. The cast lists are however set in stone regarding which show you’re in and reserved ticketing is now available for purchase! Get the best seats in the house by placing your orders today.
CPCC is handling ticket sales for us this year and they have a strict no refunds or exchanges policy. Please be sure of which cast and showtime you should be attending before purchasing. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask us for clarification 💚
-
June 9th-12th | Dog Days of Summer Camp (9:30am-12pm) Ages 2.5-5
-
June 16th-19th | Where You Are Camp (9am-1pm) Ages 4-8
-
June 23rd-27th | Youth Ballet Intensive (9am-2pm) Ages 9-14
-
June 30th-July 3rd | This is Me Camp (9am-1pm) Ages 4-8
-
June 30th-July 3rd | Eastway Crossing Collab Camp (9am-1:30pm) Ages 6-9
-
July 7th-10th | Big Hair Don’t Care Camp (9am-1pm) Ages 4-8
-
July 14th-17th | ODS Mini Intensive (9am-1pm) Ages 8-12
-
July 21st-24th | Under the Sea Camp (9am-1pm) Ages 4-8
-
July 28th-31st | Big Feelings Camp (9am-1pm) Ages 4-8
-
August 4th-8th | Youth Ensemble Intensive (9am-3pm) Ballet II+
-
August 4th-8th | Step Together II Summer Camp (12pm-4pm) Ages 12+
-
August 11th-14th | Princess Camp (9am-1pm) Ages 4-8
-
August 18th-21st | Encanto Camp (9am-1pm) Ages 4-8
Summer Intensives
Kick off your Summer by joining us for our fourth annual Adult Ballet Intensive this June! Daily classes will include PBT, Ballet, Pointe, Variations and more! This intensive will be led by both ODS Staff and guest teachers.
This intensive is designed for students who want to explore all things concert style dance. Students are expected to work hard, have fun and make new dance friends while building on their own dance training! Daily classes include: ballet, modern, jazz and more.
Recommended for dancers ages 9-14 years old, this intensive will focus on technique, conditioning, pre-pointe/pointe foundations and corps de ballet choreography. Dancers registered in Ballet II & III are strongly encouraged to attend.
If you plan to or are interested in joining our ODDF Youth Ensemble for our 2025/26 season, this intensive is for you! Appropriate for any dancer that already is or will be placed in Ballet II or higher. Dancers will spend their week focusing on Ballet and Pointe, coupled with Progressing Ballet Technique. Have daily classes in Jazz, Modern and Contemporary, and end their week with an informal showing on Friday.
We accept all dancers, in every form. We seek to provide a safe haven for everyone to learn, to express, to create and to grow. Our mission is simply, “Dance is for Everyone”.
Open Door Studios provides a unique offering of adult and youth dance and fitness classes. Classes are taught by professionals with extensive backgrounds in education and performance.
Experience a refreshing approach to dance instruction in a non-intimidating atmosphere sure to challenge, inspire and move you.
Find What Moves You
“This has been my first year at Open Door Studios, and it has definitely been a great one. I can see my growth not only as a dancer but also as a kind human being. The teachers are very nice, supportive, and knowledgeable. I have made so many new friends this year and everyone is kind and supportive. ODS is truly dance for all people, no matter their age or ability. I had the opportunity to take part in the Step Together adaptive dance program this year. This is a very unique program and there are not many opportunities like this in Charlotte. We have many performance opportunities that are all incredibly professional and well run. I cannot wait to see what the next year brings! If you are looking for a studio home, this is it!”
“Our five year old daughter absolutely loves her class and Ms. Kim has a magical talent to herd the tots and littles.”
“This is one of the most exceptional dance studios I have ever experienced. Both of my daughters have danced there for many years. One of them landed a national Broadway tour right out of high school and the other has special needs and this studio has welcomed her with open arms. They now offer an inclusive dance experience called Step Together! They are not caught up in the over the top competitive nature that many dance studios are involved in. Their priority is the joy of dance and challenging each individual to explore and experience this art form to the best of their ability! I am so grateful to be a part of the Open Door family!”
“Open Door Studio has changed my daughter’s life. She started private lessons as a 10 year old with Cerebral Palsy – an instructor identified who was willing to take her as a student. Those lessons, with the diligent work of her instructors, eventually replaced clinical physical therapy with the added bonus of feeding her artistic soul. Now, at 16 years old, my daughter views herself as a dancer. And, thanks to Open Door Studio’s willingness to “expand the tent”, attends a group class that includes and honors her body – Step Together. If I could give more than 5 stars, I would.”
Please take some time to visit our online schedule!
Browse our class description pages and instructor bios.
Find a class that interests you and sign up today!