Choosing Your Child’s First Ballet School

If your little one has expressed an interest in dance but you’re not sure where to begin, Alberta Ballet School has some tips on how to choose your child’s first ballet school.

The Facility

The studio you choose must be both clean and functional. Alberta Ballet School has welcoming studios in both Calgary and Edmonton. Our 30,000 square foot downtown Calgary studio space has six large studios, six academic classes, and features a full costume department, on-site physiotherapy room, student change rooms with lockers (for full-time students), a lobby area, a retail store for dance apparel and supplies, administration offices, a welcoming reception area, and an outdoor annex. Our Edmonton location, named after one of Alberta Ballet School’s founders, Ruth Carse, is in Edmonton’s purpose-built Ruth Carse Centre for Dance and features large dance studios for all classes, live accompaniment, full change rooms, free parking, and a parent/student lounge in the front lobby.

The Faculty

The instructors your child have are an important component of fostering their love of dance. Not only should staff act professionally, but they should also offer positive encouragement. Alberta Ballet School’s faculty contribute to it being one of the best ballet schools in the world. All students learn from experienced international school faculty, guest teachers, and professional dancers from Alberta Ballet Company who provide mentorship and instruction to help our students reach their highest potential. Our academic faculty for students enrolled in our Professional Division are accredited instructors with the Province of Alberta and experts in their respective fields. All Alberta Ballet School faculty work together to promote a positive, healthy, and inclusive environment.

The Possibilities

Whether your little dancer wants to just learn the basics or has their eyes set on the world stage, your child’s ballet school must have plenty of opportunities to help them learn and grow. At Alberta Ballet School, the best ballet academy in the world, all students are welcome to participate in the year-end performance. While this is not mandatory, having the opportunity to perform at a young age can help build courage and develop confidence that can extend to all areas of students’ lives. Dancers six years of age and older can enroll in our no-experience-required recreational program and dance with us 1-2 times per week in varying styles including, ballet and jazz. Dancers six years of age and older seeking higher-level training can enroll in our Foundation and Intensive Training Programs and dance with us 3-6 times a week in ballet and modern with the option of jazz. All students in those programs may be eligible to participate in examinations and assessments and audition to participate in Alberta Ballet’s various productions including, “The Nutcracker.”

If you are interested in viewing one of our facilities and meeting our faculty, we would be delighted to give you and your family a tour and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today!