Founded in 2006 by Kip Martin, Symmetry is Philadelphia’s premiere studio for adult dance fitness. We specialize in ballet classes at various experience levels for adults who would like to learn to dance or use dance to stay in shape. Whether you are a first time beginner with no experience, or returning to class after a long absence (perhaps since childhood!), we invite you to see what ballet can do for you.
WHY BALLET?
Ballet is the ultimate form of fitness at any age. It tests your strength, flexibility, balance, coordination and endurance while providing a comprehensive full body-mind workout. The benefits of ballet go beyond physical fitness - requiring focus, concentration and discipline. Practicing this beautiful art form can boost mental clarity, provide a sense of expression and creativity, while promoting stress relief and enhancing overall well-being.
We believe Ballet belongs next to yoga or pilates in the world of fitness and holistic living. It is lifestyle choice where fitness isn’t a chore. You can improve your body, mind and spirit all while enjoying the music and artistry of dance.
Symmetry Dance Wellness
KIP MARTIN’S
Kip Martin
Kip Martin has been dancing and teaching dance for over twenty-five years in the United States and abroad. He is a graduate of the Riga Choreographic Institute in Latvia (formerly USSR). He also studied privately with master teacher Peter Korogodsky of the Moscow Choreographic School. While in Eastern Europe, Kip participated in an extensive tour of the Baltic Nations with his choreographed solo "All eyes on..." alongside Bolshoi star Ilse Liepa.
Kip has danced with the Cincinnati Ballet, Donald Byrd/The Group (NYC) and as guest artist with the Pennsylvania Ballet and Opera Company of Philadelphia.
Kip is active as both a teacher and a choreographer. He has taught ballet and related courses for more than two decades in dance schools as well as Master Lecturer at the University of the Arts from 1996-2002. In 2002 Kip was invited to teach a series of master classes at Japan Women's College in Tokyo. He also created "A Small Offering" for the Hashimoto Classic Ballet which was presented at Shinjuku Theatre, Tokyo.
He has taught as Adjunct Professor at the University of the Arts and Temple University and as the head teacher at Russian Ballet School in Hong Kong.
Kip actively performs as a solo dance theater artist with the premiere of "S(e)oul Adumbration” for the SoloDuo Festival at Dixon Place, New York in 2016 and "Anserinae" for the Dumbo Dance Festival at the Gelsey Kirkland Theater in Brooklyn, New York in 2017.
In March 2020 Kip premiered a one-man dance theater full-length evening entitled “Nitram Ruhtrapik: Tropic of Conscience” at the Louis Bluver Theater in Philadelphia. 2024 will mark the second solo full length: “Mondsüchtig”.
Frequently Asked Questions
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There are numerous benefits to dance - both mentally and physically!
From a strict exercise standpoint- ballet can't be beat. It sculpts and tones your muscles, and strengthens and stretches your body, in addition to providing a cardiovascular workout. But unlike so many forms of exercise, ballet is a workout that constantly changes and challenges you.
A ballet class is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of music and creative expression of both the mind and body, and simply enjoy the pleasure of dance.
Whether you're looking to improve your posture, coordination, alleviate back stress, looking to trim, tone & increase strength and flexibility, or just want to try something new — we invite you to see what ballet can do for you! -
We encourage students to wear comfortable dance, yoga or exercise clothing. Closer fitting clothes are recommended so that your instructor can see your body well enough to correct alignment. Many of our students start wearing slightly loose fitting clothes like t- shirts and warm up pants and as they start seeing their bodies change and start developing greater confidence, they move to things like leotards, tights and ballet skirts. Your sense of comfort and ease is our primary concern.
Many students dress in layers to keep their muscles warm, and so that pieces can be removed when they get hot.
Ballet slippers are required and can be purchased rather inexpensively online,
You may also bring a water bottle and small towel for your comfort. -
Traditional class instruction covers the five basic positions of ballet through the use of both barre and floor work. A typical beginner class consists of a one hour barre and half hour of center floor work.
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At Symmetry, we have classes for all levels. Ballet classes are number from 1-4, with the classes increasing in difficulty as the numbers get higher. If you are just starting out, a basic beginner class is a great place to start. As you gain skill, you can add more challenging classes to your repetoire.
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All of our regular classes are open and on-going, which means you can join us at anytime without registering. Only special workshops or absolute beginner sessions require preregistration and are advertised accordingly.
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An absolute beginner ballet session would be perfect for you. These sessions introduce the art of ballet to beginners with no past experience.
You can also join a basic beginner class. These classes are still designed for a beginning student, but will not explain every last detail in the manner of the ABS session.
All of our classes are small, held in a non-intimidating environment with adult students of all ages and levels of experience. If you've always wanted to try ballet, now's the time! -
More and more adults are 'returning' to ballet following an absence of many years, or are rediscovering a passion from their youth. Depending on your age, past experience and current level of fitness, you may take beginner classes while refreshing your memory and ease back to more advanced classes. We are happy to help our students find the appropriate class level that suits their needs.