Embrace YOUR INNER PERFORMER

ABSOLUTE BEGINNER BALLET

The Rooted Space

Finally, a ballet class for those of us who didn’t grow up with a dance mom. When impresario Natalie Rast retired in August, she passed on her namesake studio to a new generation. Among the continued offerings is her 90-minute barre and floor class. Welcoming and free of attitude (you won’t be shamed if you heard “potpourri” instead of “pas de bourrée”), it’s now taught by Lauren Meadows, who has been leading the University of Chicago’s student ballet troupe for nearly 20 years.

Drop-in classes offered Sundays,