(Photo by Holly Dorn) Mark 12:30 is displayed on the first wall guests see when walking into the SRWC

The SRWC has added a new barre fitness class, focusing on beginner and advanced ballet techniques.

The class is led by Lily Balogh, artist in residence in the theatre department.

“I hope students, faculty and staff give the class a go… especially if they’d done ballet when they were younger and would like to return to a no-pressure environment to try it again,” Balogh said.

Balogh said she has seen a lot of interest in a class of this nature from students of all backgrounds and majors.

“I’d gotten some previous interest from non-theatre majors, as the ballet classes in the theatre program are only available to majors,” said Balogh. “So I thought it would be a fun class to introduce.”

Balogh trained at the School of American Ballet for 10 years before later participating in  the New York City Ballet, Ballet Next and the Royal Ballet of Flanders.

Balogh said the fitness class was a spur-of-the-moment idea that came up in conversation one afternoon with Kyle Pinson, director of facility operations at the SRWC.

“I was talking with Kyle one day and it was just an idea I suggested and we decided to roll with it,” said Balogh.

Balogh said she walks into each class feeling excited to dance and teach.

“So far, the response has been lovely,” said Balogh. “I have some regulars and some newbies in each class and we just make it fun.”

The class is in Studio B in the SRWC every Tuesday from 4:15-5:15 p.m.