Orlando Ballet School

Welcome to the heart of Central Florida's vibrant arts scene, where passion for dance takes center stage! For those in the Orlando area looking to delve into the world of ballet, whether as a budding young dancer or an adult seeking a unique fitness journey, the Orlando Ballet School stands as a beacon of artistic excellence. This local gem is not just a place to learn steps; it's a community where artistry, discipline, and a love for movement flourish.

Founded in 1974 as the Performing Arts Company of Florida, and later becoming the Southern Ballet Theatre before adopting its current name, Orlando Ballet has a rich history rooted in the local community. The Orlando Ballet School, as a vital part of this esteemed organization, upholds a legacy of high-quality dance education. It’s a place where aspiring dancers can pursue their dreams, guided by experienced faculty and a curriculum designed to foster both technical prowess and artistic expression.

The school is renowned for its commitment to comprehensive dance training, catering to a wide range of ages and skill levels. From the very first steps of a toddler in a creative movement class to the rigorous training of pre-professional dancers, Orlando Ballet School provides a nurturing yet challenging environment. It’s an institution that understands the importance of dance in personal development, building not only physical strength and grace but also confidence, discipline, and a profound appreciation for the arts.

For residents of Florida, especially those in and around Orlando, the Orlando Ballet School offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with a world-class ballet institution right in their backyard. This proximity means access to top-tier instructors, a supportive learning atmosphere, and a direct connection to the professional Orlando Ballet Company, providing students with unique insights and opportunities within the dance world.

The Orlando Ballet School is conveniently located at 600 N Lake Formosa Dr studio 1, Orlando, FL 32803, USA. This prime location places it within easy reach for many residents across the greater Orlando area. Situated near the beautiful Lake Formosa, the surroundings offer a pleasant and inspiring atmosphere.

Its central Orlando address ensures good accessibility via local roads. For those driving, the school typically provides information regarding drop-off and pick-up areas, often open 15 minutes prior to class start time and no earlier than 15 minutes before class end time, to facilitate smooth transitions for students and parents. Public transportation options in the Orlando area may also provide routes that connect to the vicinity of Lake Formosa Drive, making it a feasible destination for students who rely on such services. The ease of access makes it a practical choice for families seeking consistent and quality dance instruction without extensive travel.

Orlando Ballet School offers a diverse range of programs designed to meet the needs of various age groups and skill levels.

• Young Dancer Division: For students aged 18 months through 12 years old, this division focuses on gradually learning fundamental movements through the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum. It aims to develop technique, strength, and flexibility in young dancers. Specific levels within this division include Baby & Me through Level 2.

• Pre-Professional Division: Designed for students aged 11-18, this program offers classical ballet training, including ballet, pointe, musical theater, modern, and character dance. Entry to this division is by audition only, indicating a serious commitment to ballet studies. It includes levels such as Level 3, Upper 1, and Upper 2, with pointe work introduced at the instructor’s discretion.

• Academy Program: This program is tailored for students interested in significant ballet studies and a potential professional career. Entry is by audition only, and students may remain in the same leveled program until proficiency is achieved. It involves a full-day schedule with classes often from 9 AM to 4 PM on weekdays, across three levels.

• Youth Dance Program: Open to students ages 8-16, this program focuses on learning the fundamentals of ballet and experiencing classical dance training. No prior dance experience is necessary, making it an excellent entry point for new students.

• Fitness Thru Dance (Adult & Teen Classes): For teens and adults, Orlando Ballet School offers a variety of innovative and fun ways to stay fit. Class styles include Ballet, BeMoved, Latin Cardio, Fitness, Jazz, Progressing Ballet Technique, and Tap. These classes cater to various fitness levels and interests, providing an accessible way for adults to engage with dance.

• Summer Intensive Programs: These programs are for intermediate to advanced students, emphasizing ballet technique training with supplementary classes in character, pointe, variations, modern, jazz, men's, partnering, and nutrition. They often feature additional guest faculty.

• Summer Session and Camps: Available for ages 18 months-16, these include two-week camps for ages 6-12 and one-week Junior Camps for ages 3-5 in June. Evening class sessions are also available for those interested in maintaining or introducing themselves to classical ballet.

• "Come Dance With Us!" Program: This adaptive dance training program is for children with special needs in Central Florida, uniting teaching artists with medical experts to provide tailored classes. It includes training in creative dance, ballet, and jazz basics for children with various developmental, behavioral, and/or physical challenges, often with student mentors.

• Trainee and Orlando Ballet Second Company (OBII): These are advanced programs for students aged 16 and above, serving as a bridge to a professional career. OBII dancers train and rehearse regularly with the main company and perform in both company and school dances, often receiving a stipend.

• Scholarships and Financial Aid: The school offers scholarships and financial aid to families based on merit and need for students in levels 2B and above, after they have been an OBS student for at least one year.

• Student Services and Housing Resources: The school provides resources to assist families with finding nearby housing options and offers a housing forum for registered students to arrange roommates, particularly beneficial for those coming from out of town for intensive programs.

The Orlando Ballet School distinguishes itself through several key features that contribute to its standing as a leading dance institution in Florida:

• American Ballet Theatre® National Training Curriculum: The school proudly incorporates this renowned 9-level program, which uniquely blends high-quality artistic training with crucial insights into dancer health and child development. This ensures a holistic and progressive learning experience.

• Experienced and Dedicated Faculty: Students at Orlando Ballet School benefit from instruction by a team of highly qualified and passionate educators, many of whom have extensive professional dance backgrounds. This ensures a high standard of technical instruction and artistic guidance.

• Pathway to Professionalism: For serious students, the school offers a clear progression from foundational training through pre-professional and academy programs, culminating in the Orlando Ballet Second Company (OBII). This provides a tangible pathway for aspiring dancers to transition into a professional ballet career.

• Direct Connection to Orlando Ballet Company: As the official school of the professional Orlando Ballet Company, students have unique opportunities for exposure, including observing company rehearsals, and advanced students may even perform in company productions, gaining invaluable stage experience.

• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Located within Harriett's Orlando Ballet Centre, the school benefits from modern studios equipped for dance training. The center itself also features a performance area, providing an intimate setting for showcases and smaller performances.

• Community Engagement and Outreach: Beyond its core curriculum, Orlando Ballet School actively participates in community enrichment programs. Initiatives like "Come Dance With Us!" and partnerships with local schools demonstrate a commitment to making dance accessible and impactful for a wider audience, including those with special needs.

• Diverse Dance Styles: While firmly rooted in classical ballet, the school offers a variety of other dance forms, including modern, jazz, tap, and character dance. This diverse training broadens students' skill sets and prepares them for a multifaceted dance world.

• Performance Opportunities: Students across various programs have opportunities to perform, whether in annual showcases, summer intensive performances, or even alongside the professional company. These experiences are crucial for developing stage presence and confidence.

• Holistic Student Development: The school emphasizes not just technical proficiency but also the development of discipline, musicality, artistic expression, and overall well-being. Evaluations are provided to track student progression and ensure a supportive learning environment.

For inquiries or to learn more about registration and programs, you can reach Orlando Ballet School through the following:

Address: 600 N Lake Formosa Dr studio 1, Orlando, FL 32803, USA

Phone: (407) 418-9818

Mobile Phone: +1 407-418-9818

For anyone in the Florida region, particularly Central Florida, the Orlando Ballet School is more than just a dance studio; it's a cornerstone of artistic education and community enrichment. Its suitability for locals stems from several compelling factors that make it an invaluable resource for individuals and families alike.

Firstly, its commitment to providing a comprehensive and progressive dance education, utilizing the esteemed American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum, ensures that students receive a world-class foundation in ballet. This is particularly beneficial for local parents seeking high-quality extracurricular activities for their children, or for young aspiring dancers aiming for a professional career without having to relocate. The structured programs, from the Young Dancer Division to the Pre-Professional and Academy tiers, offer a clear and supportive pathway for growth at every stage of a dancer’s development.

Secondly, the Orlando Ballet School fosters a strong sense of community. It's a place where individuals with a shared passion for dance can connect, learn, and grow together. For families, the local presence of such a reputable institution means convenience in terms of transportation and participation in events. The school’s active engagement with the local community, including programs like "Come Dance With Us!" for children with special needs, highlights its dedication to inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that the transformative power of dance is available to a broad spectrum of the population.

Moreover, the direct affiliation with the professional Orlando Ballet Company offers unparalleled advantages. Local students have the unique opportunity to witness professional rehearsals, engage with company dancers, and even perform in professional productions. This direct exposure to the world of professional ballet is an invaluable source of inspiration and practical experience, rarely found in other local dance schools. It cultivates a deeper appreciation for the art form and provides tangible aspirations for dedicated students.

Beyond traditional ballet, the diverse offerings, including adult fitness-through-dance classes, cater to a wider local audience. This means that adults looking for an engaging way to stay active, explore a new hobby, or rekindle a past passion for dance can find a welcoming and professional environment. These classes are not just about physical exercise; they offer a creative outlet, stress relief, and a chance to immerse oneself in the beauty of movement.

In essence, the Orlando Ballet School enriches the cultural landscape of Central Florida by providing exceptional dance education, fostering a vibrant artistic community, and offering opportunities for growth and expression for all ages and abilities. For locals, it represents a beacon of artistic excellence and a testament to the thriving arts scene right here in Orlando. It’s a place where dreams take flight, talent is nurtured, and the universal language of dance is celebrated, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to engage with the art of ballet.

Orlando Ballet School

600 N Lake Formosa Dr studio 1, Orlando, FL 32803, USA