The Ballet School of Vermont

Introduction / Overview

Nestled in the heart of St. Albans City, Vermont, The Ballet School of Vermont stands as a rare and invaluable gem dedicated to providing an authentic and classical ballet experience for students across Northern Vermont. This esteemed institution is more than just a dance studio; it's a nurturing environment where aspiring dancers, from as young as 3.5 years old to pre-professional levels, receive unparalleled training and guidance. The school's commitment to high-quality instruction ensures that students not only master the intricate techniques of classical ballet but also cultivate essential life qualities such as grace, focus, determination, and perseverance.

Under the dedicated leadership of Maryellen Vickery and her expert staff, The Ballet School of Vermont goes above and beyond, providing a comprehensive program that emphasizes correct body placement, artistic development, and a serious mindset towards the art of dance. They proudly incorporate the American Ballet Theatre® National Training Curriculum, a testament to their commitment to world-class standards. This rigorous yet supportive approach allows dancers to grow into dedicated and talented ballerinas, fostering a deep appreciation for classical music and the arts, while simultaneously building strength, character, and work ethic. For families in Franklin County and beyond, The Ballet School of Vermont is a blessed part of the community, truly a place where passion for ballet flourishes and individuals thrive.

Location and Accessibility

The Ballet School of Vermont is conveniently located at 14 Stebbins Street, St. Albans City, VT 05478, USA. This central location in St. Albans City makes the school highly accessible for residents throughout Franklin County and the wider Northern Vermont region. St. Albans City, known for its charming downtown and community spirit, provides a welcoming setting for the school.

For those traveling by car, the studio's address on Stebbins Street is easily found, and ample parking is typically available in the vicinity, which is a significant convenience for parents during drop-offs and pick-ups. The local road network around St. Albans City ensures relatively smooth travel, allowing families from surrounding towns to manage regular attendance. While specific public transportation options within St. Albans City might be limited compared to larger metropolitan areas, the town's compact nature often makes walking or local taxi services viable. The thoughtfully restored building, specifically designed for ballet, also contributes to an inviting and professional atmosphere that is easily accessed by its dedicated student body and their families.

Services Offered

• Classical Ballet Technique Classes: Core instruction in classical ballet, adhering to the ABT® National Training Curriculum (Primary through Level 7 & Partnering).
• Pointe Training: Specialized classes for advanced students to develop strength and technique for dancing en pointe.
• Variations Classes: Opportunities for students to learn and perform solo and group variations from classical ballets such as "Nutcracker" and "Sleeping Beauty."
• Choreography & Performance Classes: Encourages artistic expression and provides students with performance opportunities, including student company repertoire and original contemporary pieces.
• Body Conditioning: Classes focused on strengthening and conditioning the body, essential for ballet dancers.
• Complementary Dance Disciplines: Offers additional styles such as Yoga, Tap, Modern, Jazz, and Glee Club to provide a well-rounded dance education and enhance ballet training.
• Northern Vermont Ballet Company (NVB): Home to a 501(c)(3) non-profit student company dedicated to performing dance theater and advanced classical ballet programs in Northern Vermont.
• Summer Dance Camps & Intensives: Seasonal programs for various ages and levels (3.5 years and up), including Fairytale Ballet Camp for beginners and Upper-Level Intensives with guest instructors.
• Professional Faculty & Guest Teachers: Instruction from ballet instructors and guest teachers who have danced professionally with renowned companies such as Houston Ballet, Boston Ballet, and American Ballet Theatre.
• Beginner to Pre-Professional Levels: Programs designed to cater to students at all stages of their ballet journey.
• Affordable High-Quality Program: Committed to providing high-quality instruction at an accessible cost, including subsidizing costume expenses through NVB.
• Private Audition Consultation: Provides consultation services for students preparing for auditions, including photo/video recommendations.

Features / Highlights

• Authentic Classical Training: Provides a genuine and rigorous classical ballet experience, emphasizing correct placement and a serious mindset for the art form, as praised by long-term parents.
• American Ballet Theatre® National Training Curriculum: Proudly incorporates this breakthrough 8-level program, ensuring age-appropriate, outcome-based, and high-quality artistic training combined with dancer health and child development. Maryellen Vickery is an ABT® Certified Teacher.
• Highly Qualified & Nurturing Faculty: Instructors, including the director Maryellen Vickery, have professional dance backgrounds (e.g., Houston Ballet, Boston Ballet) and are deeply committed to supporting, challenging, and keeping dancers safe.
• Holistic Student Development: Focuses on instilling not just ballet positions but also essential life qualities such as grace, focus, determination, perseverance, work ethic, beauty, and strength.
• Northern Vermont Ballet Company: The affiliation with NVB provides advanced students with unique performance opportunities, creating a comprehensive ballet theater experience locally.
• Beautifully Restored Facility: Located in a facility specifically designed for ballet in downtown St. Albans, featuring two dance studios, a reception area, parent lobby, and changing areas.
• Pathway to Professionalism: Faculty has a track record of helping students achieve acceptances to prestigious programs like ABT's JKO Ballet School and scholarships to SAB (School of American Ballet), and placing in top competitions like YAGP.
• Appreciation for Arts & Music: Students develop a profound appreciation for classical music and the broader arts, enriching their cultural understanding.
• Community-Oriented: Described as a "rare gem" and "blessed part of our lives" by local parents, highlighting its positive impact on the community.

Contact Information

Address: 14 Stebbins St, St Albans City, VT 05478, USA

Phone: (802) 527-0868

Mobile Phone: +1 802-527-0868

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For families and individuals across Vermont, especially those in Franklin County, The Ballet School of Vermont in St. Albans City stands as an exceptionally suitable and valuable local institution. Its profound dedication to authentic classical ballet training, combined with a deeply nurturing environment, makes it an ideal choice for anyone considering dance education.

One of the primary reasons it's so well-suited for locals is its commitment to high-quality instruction that adheres to the rigorous ABT® National Training Curriculum. This means students are receiving world-class ballet education right here in Vermont, eliminating the need for extensive travel to larger cities to find comparable programs. The experienced faculty, many with professional dance backgrounds, ensures that children and young adults are learning from the very best, guiding them with care and expertise from their first steps at 3.5 years old through to pre-professional levels.

Beyond technical prowess, the school's emphasis on character development is truly remarkable. Parents consistently praise how their children learn crucial life skills such as grace, focus, determination, and perseverance – qualities that extend far beyond the dance studio. The affiliation with the Northern Vermont Ballet Company also provides unique local performance opportunities, enriching the cultural landscape of the region. For a high-quality, holistic ballet education that fosters both artistic talent and strong personal values within a supportive community, The Ballet School of Vermont is truly a blessed and indispensable part of the Vermont experience.

The Ballet School of Vermont

14 Stebbins St, St Albans City, VT 05478, USA