Students at the American Academy Ballet in a master class on Saturday in Parkersburg. Registration is underway for the Fall Semester that starts on Sept. 3. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

PARKERSBURG — The American Academy Ballet, which has a school in Parkersburg, will open its fall semester on Sept. 3.

The academy, the official school of the Charleston Ballet, expanded into Parkersburg last year, taking over from the Schrader Youth Ballet, and has studios at 601 Market St. Classes are held at the Market Street studio, bringing ballet back to the heart of the city, ballet Artistic Director Kim Pauley said.

“We are thrilled to expand our footprint to Parkersburg and contribute to the cultural fabric of this vibrant community,” Pauley said. “Through these classes, we want to inspire a new generation of dancers and enthusiasts.”

Registration for the fall semester is now open. For more information, go to thecharlestonballet.com or call 304-342-6541.

The American Academy Ballet provides ballet classes for ages 6 to adult, creative movement classes tailored for 4-5-year olds, Pilates sessions and specialized adult beginner ballet classes. Opportunities are available throughout the season to work with guest dancers and teachers who are in the company performances.

“Our philosophy centers on the belief that ballet offers visible benefits such as physical strength and poise and intangible rewards that remain throughout one’s life,” Pauley said.

The American Academy Ballet is affiliated with the Charleston Ballet, which was established in 1956 by Andre Van Damme, who died in 1989, a star dancer with the Brussels Royal Opera.

The Charleston Ballet on Monday also announced the shows for 2024-25, its 69th season titled “A Creative Force.”

“Dracula: the Seduction” will be performed at 7:30 p.m.. Oct. 18 and at 2 p.m. Oct. 19 at the Charleston Coliseum Theater. The show is about Miranda, a gypsy maiden who becomes entangled with Count Dracula against a backdrop of vampires, gypsies, bats, and the haunting brides of Dracula.

Costumes are encouraged at Dracula’s Ball from 9-11:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Charleston Town Center Marriott following the performance of the ballet.

“The Nutcracker” takes stage at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13 and at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14 in a show presented with the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Two daytime performances will be presented for West Virginia students at 11 a.m. Dec. 11 and 12.

Ballet Essential will be offered 7:30 p.m. March 14-15, 2025, at Charleston Coliseum Theater. Dancers will explore the grace and beauty of “Les Sylphides” and “African Images,” among others.