Belmont School of Ballet

For families and aspiring dancers across the North Carolina region, especially those deeply invested in the vibrant arts scene of Charlotte, finding a dance school that truly upholds the traditions of classical ballet while offering a comprehensive and nurturing environment is paramount. The Belmont School of Ballet stands as a distinguished institution, offering high-quality instruction rooted in renowned international methodologies. As an extension of the Charlotte School of Ballet, which boasts a rich history dating back to 1968, Belmont School of Ballet carries forward a legacy of excellence in dance education. This article will provide a detailed overview of what makes Belmont School of Ballet a premier destination for dance enthusiasts in our local community, emphasizing its curriculum, commitment to student development, and its place within Charlotte's artistic landscape.

The Belmont School of Ballet began in 2006 as an extension of the esteemed Charlotte School of Ballet, which was founded in 1968 by Gay Porter. Gay Porter, an Artistic Director Emeritus, received her training in London, England, at the Arts Educational School and enjoyed an extensive career dancing across England, Spain, France, and Germany before bringing her expertise to North Carolina. She is a full teaching member of the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and holds the Advanced Teachers Certificate of the Cecchetti Council of America. This strong foundational lineage ensures that Belmont School of Ballet offers training of the highest caliber, primarily based on the classical ballet curriculum from The Cecchetti Council of America and The Royal Academy of Dance in London, England. The Royal Academy of Dance syllabus, in particular, is used successfully in eighty-two countries worldwide, providing a globally recognized standard of training. While classical ballet forms the core, the school also offers classes in tap, jazz, modern, and hip hop, taught by experts in their respective fields. Belmont School of Ballet is dedicated to providing comprehensive dance training to everyone with an interest in the art of dance, from young children to adults, fostering poise, grace, discipline, and self-confidence—invaluable assets that extend far beyond the dance studio.

The Belmont School of Ballet is conveniently located at 627 S Sharon Amity Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211, USA. This central location in Charlotte makes it highly accessible for families residing throughout the city and surrounding areas in Mecklenburg County, including South Park, Cotswold, Matthews, and Myers Park. Situated on a main thoroughfare, the studio offers ease of navigation and likely benefits from sufficient parking, which is a key convenience for parents during drop-off and pick-up times, especially during peak class hours.

The accessibility of Belmont School of Ballet is further enhanced by its comprehensive class offerings that cater to a wide age range and various skill levels, ensuring that there's a suitable program for almost any aspiring dancer. The studio's commitment to foundational techniques, drawing from internationally recognized syllabi, means that students receive a consistent and high-quality education regardless of their starting point. While specific details on studio amenities beyond class offerings are not always publicly detailed, a reputable institution like Belmont School of Ballet typically strives to provide a comfortable and professional environment for both students and accompanying parents. Its well-established presence in the Charlotte dance community underscores its accessibility and integration within the local artistic landscape.

Services Offered:

• Classical Ballet Training: Primarily based on the curriculum from The Cecchetti Council of America and The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) in London, England. This includes:
  • Royal Academy of Dance Syllabus: Progressive training from children's syllabus (classical work, free movement, character dance) through vocational syllabus for aspiring professionals.
  • Cecchetti Classes: A scientific method of ballet with precise exercises practiced in a set order.
• Pre-Ballet and Tap Classes: For 3 and 4-year-olds, introducing movement, creative expression, basic positions, coordination, listening skills, and rhythm.
• Pre-Primary Ballet and Tap: For 4-5-year-olds, introducing RAD's Pre-Primary in Dance syllabus and basic tap skills.
• Primary Ballet: For ages 5-7, following RAD Primary curriculum and Cecchetti Primary work, focusing on posture, placement, alignment, and storytelling through movement.
• RAD Grades 1-8 Ballet: For ages 7 and above, following RAD Syllabi with classical, character, and free movement work, emphasizing technical strength, placement, and artistic expression.
• Pointe Classes: For serious ballet students with permission from instructors, requiring a minimum of three technique classes per week.
• Variations Classes: Opportunities to learn and perform excerpts from classical ballets.
• Non-Syllabus Classes: Important for supplemental training and artistic development.
• Classes in Other Dance Styles:
  • Tap: Taught by experts in the field.
  • Jazz: Taught by experts in the field.
  • Modern: Introduces basic contemporary techniques including contractions, oppositional energy, and improvisation.
  • Hip Hop: Taught by experts in the field.
• Guest Teacher Workshops: Opportunities for advanced students to work with visiting artists.
• Performance Opportunities: Seeking opportunities to perform throughout the community, as well as full-length story ballets, providing essential stage experience.
• Adult Dance Classes: While not explicitly detailed, the school states it offers classes to "everyone who has an interest in the art of dance" and for "adults," indicating programs for older students.

Features / Highlights:

• Adherence to World-Renowned Syllabi: The primary use of The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and Cecchetti Council of America syllabi ensures a globally recognized and rigorous standard of classical ballet training. This is a significant highlight for serious dance students.
• Legacy of Excellence: As an extension of the Charlotte School of Ballet (founded 1968), the school benefits from decades of established expertise and a strong reputation in the Charlotte dance community.
• Experienced and Qualified Faculty: The instructors, including those trained under the founder, Gay Porter, are highly qualified and experienced in teaching both children and adults. Their deep understanding of the syllabi and the art form ensures high-quality instruction.
• Comprehensive Training from Early Childhood to Advanced Levels: The structured progression of classes, from Pre-Ballet (ages 3-4) through advanced levels and pointe, provides a complete and developmentally appropriate program for all stages of a dancer's journey.
• Holistic Dancer Development: Beyond technical skills, the curriculum aims to instill valuable life assets such as "poise, grace, discipline, and self-confidence."
• Inclusion of Diverse Dance Forms: While classical ballet is central, the availability of tap, jazz, modern, and hip hop classes broadens the scope of training and appeals to a wider range of interests.
• Performance Focus: The emphasis on performing in the community and in full-length story ballets provides crucial stage experience and motivation for students.
• Guest Teacher Opportunities: The practice of bringing in guest teachers for advanced students enriches their training and exposes them to different perspectives and styles.

Contact Information:

Address: 627 S Sharon Amity Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211, USA

Phone: (704) 366-9675

For locals in North Carolina, particularly those within the Charlotte metropolitan area, the Belmont School of Ballet stands out as an exceptional choice for dance education. Its suitability stems from a powerful combination of classical rigor, comprehensive offerings, and a legacy of dedicated instruction. The adherence to internationally recognized syllabi like the Royal Academy of Dance and the Cecchetti Method provides a structured and high-quality foundation for ballet training that is rarely matched. This means that students receive a consistent and globally respected standard of dance education.

Furthermore, the school's long-standing history as an extension of the Charlotte School of Ballet (founded in 1968) speaks volumes about its enduring commitment to the arts and its deep roots in the community. The comprehensive curriculum caters to all ages, from young children taking their first steps in Pre-Ballet to advanced dancers pursuing pre-professional training, ensuring that individuals at every stage of their dance journey can find a nurturing and challenging environment. Beyond the technical skills, the Belmont School of Ballet is dedicated to instilling valuable life skills such as poise, discipline, and self-confidence, which are essential for personal growth. For North Carolina families seeking a dance school that offers authentic classical training, diverse dance styles, and invaluable performance opportunities in a reputable setting, Belmont School of Ballet in Charlotte is a truly distinguished and highly recommended institution.

Belmont School of Ballet

627 S Sharon Amity Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211, USA