Ballet Northwest

For residents of Washington, particularly those in the state capital and surrounding communities, the arts scene offers a vibrant array of cultural experiences. Among these, Ballet Northwest stands as a distinguished point of interest, a non-profit community organization deeply committed to the performing art of dance. Located in Olympia, Ballet Northwest is not just a ballet company; it's a cornerstone of the local arts community, providing high-quality performances, fostering local talent, and extending arts education to a wide audience.

Ballet Northwest has built a strong reputation for its dedication to producing captivating dance productions that feature a large number of local dancers, often alongside guest artists. Their annual presentation of "The Nutcracker" is a beloved holiday tradition for countless families across Southwest Washington. Beyond the stage, the organization is deeply invested in promoting dance education, offering opportunities for aspiring dancers to learn from diverse professional backgrounds and engaging with local schools through outreach programs. For anyone in Washington seeking to experience the beauty of classical ballet, support local artists, or provide their children with exceptional dance opportunities, Ballet Northwest offers a rich and rewarding connection to the world of dance.

Ballet Northwest is primarily based at the Johansen Olympia Dance Center, located at 412 Jefferson St SE, Olympia, WA 98501, USA. This central downtown Olympia location places it within easy access for residents throughout the city and surrounding areas, including Lacey, Tumwater, and beyond. Jefferson Street SE is a well-known thoroughfare, making the studio straightforward to locate whether traveling by car or public transport. While being downtown can sometimes present considerations regarding general foot traffic, the studio's specific address ensures it remains a convenient and prominent hub for dance. For those attending performances, Ballet Northwest’s major productions, such as "The Nutcracker" and spring ballets, are held at the nearby Washington Center for the Performing Arts, also centrally located in downtown Olympia and easily accessible from the studio. This dual location model (studio for rehearsals/classes, major venue for performances) ensures optimal accessibility for both dancers and audiences from across the Washington region.

• High-Quality Performances: Ballet Northwest is committed to producing professional-level dance performances, with their annual production of "The Nutcracker" being a significant highlight and a cherished holiday tradition in the South Sound region. They also typically stage a major spring production, such as "The Sleeping Beauty." These productions feature elaborate sets, luxurious costumes, and stunning choreography.

• Opportunities for Local Dancers: The organization provides significant performance opportunities for local dancers, featuring both a "Community Cast" (dancers aged eight and older) and a "Company Cast" (dancers aged twelve and older at intermediate or advanced technique levels). This allows a large number of Washington's aspiring dancers to perform on a professional stage.

• Dance Education and Outreach Programs: Ballet Northwest actively engages with the community through educational initiatives. This includes:

  • Dance Literacy Outreach: Company dancers and teaching artists conduct lectures and demonstrations in local elementary schools (e.g., Olympia, North Thurston, Tumwater, Shelton, Yelm, and Tenino school districts), introducing children to dance.

  • Free Student Matinees: Each May, students from local schools are invited to attend free matinee performances at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, including a brief ballet class and Q&A sessions.

  • Master Classes: Company dancers regularly receive master classes with guest teachers from diverse professional backgrounds, including those from Pacific Northwest Ballet, Cornish College of the Arts, and the University of Washington, furthering their technical and artistic development.

  • Scholarships: Opportunities for scholarships are available for company dancers to support summer training programs and higher education in dance.

• Company Cast and Community Cast Participation: Dancers can audition for and participate in either the Community Cast or the more committed Company Cast, each with specific rehearsal requirements and participation fees, with financial aid available for demonstrated need.

• Young Choreographers Showcase: Select company dancers have the option to perform and/or choreograph for this showcase, fostering creative development.

• Ticket Sales for Performances: While Ballet Northwest operates out of the Johansen Olympia Dance Center, tickets for their major performances are sold through the Washington Center for the Performing Arts Box Office.

• Established Community Presence: Ballet Northwest has a long-standing history as a non-profit organization dedicated to dance in Southwest Washington, making its productions a cultural staple and local tradition, particularly "The Nutcracker."

• High Production Quality: The performances are renowned for their professional sets, luxurious costumes, and high-caliber choreography, offering audiences a truly theatrical and artistic experience.

• Nurturing Local Talent: A core mission is providing invaluable performance opportunities for a large number of local dancers, from young beginners in the Community Cast to more advanced Company members, fostering their growth and passion.

• Educational Impact: The extensive outreach programs, including school residencies and free student matinees, demonstrate a strong commitment to arts education and accessibility for over 12,000 local school children annually.

• Professional Artistic Directors: The Company Cast members benefit from weekly mandatory classes and master classes taught by BNW Artistic Directors Ken and Josie Johnson, ensuring high-quality instruction.

• Collaborations and Guest Artists: Ballet Northwest frequently collaborates with and features guest artists from prestigious companies like Pacific Northwest Ballet, providing unique learning and performance experiences for local dancers and audiences.

• Financial Accessibility: The organization offers payment plans for participation fees and a limited number of partial fee waivers for dancers facing financial hardship, ensuring dance remains accessible.

• Supportive Environment: The organization encourages a positive environment, valuing, challenging, and placing all dancers in roles appropriate for their ability and experience.

Address: 412 Jefferson St SE, Olympia, WA 98501, USA (Co-located with Johansen Olympia Dance Center)

Studio Phone (Artistic Directors): (360) 943-8011

Business Office Voicemail (Non-Artistic matters): (360) 867-8824

For ticket purchases, contact The Washington Center for the Performing Arts Box Office directly.

For families and arts enthusiasts in Washington, particularly in Olympia and the surrounding South Sound area, Ballet Northwest serves as an indispensable local cultural gem. Its suitability for locals stems from its unique blend of accessible, high-quality artistic experiences and its deep commitment to community engagement and education.

Firstly, Ballet Northwest provides unparalleled opportunities for local children and young adults to participate in professional-level dance productions. The "Community Cast" and "Company Cast" structures mean that hundreds of local dancers get the chance to perform on a grand stage with professional sets and costumes, a truly transformative experience that is rare to find in local communities. This nurtures homegrown talent and instills discipline, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts. For parents seeking enriching extracurricular activities that offer tangible performance outcomes, Ballet Northwest is an ideal choice.

Secondly, the organization's robust educational outreach programs directly benefit local schools and thousands of students across Thurston County. By bringing dance literacy and free matinee performances to children, Ballet Northwest is actively cultivating the next generation of arts patrons and participants, making high art accessible to all, regardless of socio-economic background. This community-first approach resonates deeply with Washington residents who value educational opportunities and cultural enrichment for their children.

Finally, the consistent production of beloved performances like "The Nutcracker" establishes a cherished holiday tradition for local families, offering a high-quality cultural event close to home. The convenience of having such a reputable ballet organization in downtown Olympia, utilizing the Johansen Olympia Dance Center for training and The Washington Center for performances, ensures easy accessibility. While downtown areas can have their challenges, the immense value and positive contributions of Ballet Northwest to the local cultural landscape firmly establish it as a point of interest that is not just suitable, but essential for the thriving community of Washington.

Ballet Northwest

412 Jefferson St SE, Olympia, WA 98501, USA