Rochester School of Dance

Upcoming Masterclasses

Our studio offers ballet and contemporary technique classes taught by renowned Master teachers once a year for the intermediate/advanced to advanced ballet and contemporary students.

Intermediate and Advanced Master Classes

Each year, we proudly present our exclusive Master Classes, featuring distinguished ballet instructors celebrated in the teaching world. Our past instructors have hailed from esteemed institutions such as the School of American Ballet, home of the New York City Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet, Washington Ballet, and many more. This intensive week-long program is designed for both Intermediate and Advanced level ballet dancers, offering outstanding training and exceptional learning opportunities. The Master Classes include a pointe class following the advanced technique session, catering to both male and female dancers. Join us to elevate your ballet skills under the guidance of world-class masters.

Date: August 24-28, 2026
Time:
4:30-6:00pm Intermediate Ballet (Studio A)
4:30-6:00pm Intermediate/Advanced Contemporary (Studio B)
6:15-7:45pm Advanced Ballet
7:45-8:15pm Advanced Pointe

Guest Instructor

Jamie Marie Planko

Jamie Marie Planko began her ballet training in Michigan before earning a full scholarship to the Kirov Ballet Academy in Washington, D.C. She went on to perform as a soloist with the Kirov Ballet (now the Mariinsky Ballet) and danced professionally with companies including BalletMet, Washington Opera at the Kennedy Center, Baltimore Opera Ballet, Virginia Ballet Theatre, and Ballet Internationale. Since returning to Michigan, Jamie has become a highly respected teacher, sharing her expertise in ballet, pointe, repertoire, character, contemporary, modern, and jazz. She has staged full-length productions including The Nutcracker, Paquita, and La Bayadère, and is known for developing both strong technique and artistry in her dancers. In addition to teaching dancers throughout Metro Detroit, Jamie has coached elite figure skaters, including Junior World Champions and Olympians in ballet, conditioning, choreography, and artistic expression. She has also shared her passion for dance by teaching children with disabilities through Friendship Circle.

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Intermediate/ Advanced Contemporary

Elevate your dance skills with our Intermediate/Advanced Contemporary Masterclass at Rochester School Dance. Led by renowned contemporary dancers, this masterclass delves into advanced techniques, innovative choreography, and expressive movement, providing personalized instruction for dancers looking to enhance their contemporary performance. Perfect for dedicated students eager to push their artistic boundaries.

Date: August 24-28, 2026
Time: Monday – Friday 4:30-6:00pm Intermediate / Advanced Contemporary (Studio B)

Guest Instructor

Morgan Pinkham

Morgan Pinkham is a Metro Detroit native. She graduated from the Oakland University School of Music, Theatre, and Dance with a BFA in Dance Performance. In her professional career, Morgan has had the privilege to dance with companies such as Eisenhower Dance Detroit, Take Root, and Water Street Dance Milwaukee. Morgan is currently based in Columbus, Ohio and just finished her second season with Whirlwind Dance Company as a Main Company Member. Pinkham also served as the Outreach and Education Director for the company. Throughout these endeavors, she has also been able to work in residence with established choreographers such as Hope Boykin, Terrill Mitchell, Marc Brew, Tamisha Guy, Stephanie Pizzo, Ali Woerner, Lean Damasco Jr., Morgan Williams, and Joshua Manculich. Morgan has also had the pleasure of working with Art Lab J, Detroit Dance City Festival, and Brighton Dance Festival for numerous programs.

"The ballet training she’s receiving is impeccable"

"My 13 yo daughter has been dancing at RSD since she was just 3 yo. I wouldn’t change a thing. The ballet training she’s receiving is impeccable & the performing opportunities through RSD & MBT are the icing on the cake! She’s been given the opportunity to learn & excel in all forms of dance and I couldn’t be prouder of the Dancer she’s become. Thank you Miss Jennie & RSD!"

Debbie Williams

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"The teachers and students there have been amazing!"

"I’ve been a dancer at the Rochester School of Dance for almost 13 years and the teachers and students there have been amazing! I absolutely love how I was able to improve so much as a dancer while also making close connections with the other students and teachers!"

Sandhya Anagurthi

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"I have grown a lot as a dancer and as a person at RSD"

"I danced with Rochester School of Dance/Michigan Ballet Theatre for over 10 years. The emphasis on technique, performance opportunities, professionalism, great teachers, and friendships made are unmatched! I have grown a lot as a dancer and as a person at RSD."

Yael Mizrahi

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"A wide variety to dance styles offered"

"I danced with Rochester School of Dance/ Michigan Ballet Theatre for 9 years and loved my time there! There’s a wide variety to dance styles offered and many performance opportunities."