The Louisville Ballet School

For families and individuals across Kentucky, especially those within the Louisville metropolitan area, The Louisville Ballet School stands as a pillar of dance education and artistic excellence. As the official school of The Louisville Ballet, which holds the distinction of being the fifth oldest ballet company in the United States, this institution offers unparalleled training and a rich legacy in the world of dance. Located conveniently in Louisville, The Louisville Ballet School is dedicated to nurturing talent, fostering a deep appreciation for the art form, and providing comprehensive programs for dancers of all ages and skill levels, from the very youngest aspiring artists to adults seeking recreational enjoyment or rigorous professional development.

The philosophy at The Louisville Ballet School is rooted in the broader mission of The Louisville Ballet: "to make moving art that respects tradition, encourages innovation, and fosters life-long learning." This ethos extends directly into the school's curriculum, ensuring that students receive not only exceptional technical training but also develop a profound sense of artistry, discipline, and passion. With a faculty comprised of dedicated professionals, including Louisville Ballet company dancers and experienced local instructors, students are guided through a curriculum designed for consistent growth and artistic exploration.

While the school maintains a serious and professional approach to dance education, especially for its pre-professional tracks, it also strives to create an environment where creativity and a love for movement can flourish. The Louisville Ballet School understands the varying needs and goals of its diverse student body, offering a range of classes from playful creative movement for toddlers to demanding pre-professional programs and a variety of adult dance and fitness classes. For anyone in Kentucky seeking a world-class dance education that blends tradition with innovation, The Louisville Ballet School offers a distinguished pathway to artistic fulfillment and personal growth.

The Louisville Ballet School is strategically located on the Second Floor at 4121 Shelbyville Rd Suite 201, Louisville, KY 40207, USA. This address places the school in the vibrant St. Matthews area of Louisville, known for its accessibility and amenities. Shelbyville Road is a major thoroughfare in the city, ensuring easy navigation and convenience for students and families traveling from various parts of Louisville and the surrounding communities in Kentucky. The location within a plaza or complex typically means ample parking is available, which is a significant advantage for drop-offs and pick-ups. Being situated on the second floor suggests a dedicated and focused environment for dance instruction. This prime and accessible location contributes to The Louisville Ballet School's ability to serve a wide range of aspiring dancers throughout the region, making high-quality ballet education within reach for many.

• Youth Dance Programs: Comprehensive programs for children and young adults, from early childhood creative movement to pre-professional ballet training.
• Creative Movement Classes: Engaging classes for the youngest dancers (e.g., ages 18 months and up), focusing on developing coordination, musicality, and a love for movement through imaginative play.
• Ballet Technique Classes: Core instruction in classical ballet, emphasizing fundamental positions, posture, alignment, barre work, center practice, and across-the-floor exercises.
• Pointe and Pre-Pointe Classes: Specialized training for advanced ballet students developing strength and technique en pointe.
• Contemporary Dance Classes: Exploring modern dance styles, complementing classical ballet training.
• Jazz and Tap Classes: Offering instruction in popular theatrical dance forms.
• Adult Dance & Fitness Classes ("mind. body. balance."): A health and wellness initiative with a variety of dance and fitness styles for ages 15+, accommodating true beginners to professional dancers. Classes include Introductory Ballet, Beginning Ballet, Intermediate Ballet, Gentle Ballet, Modern, Tap, Jazz, Gyrokinesis, and Pilates.
• Summer Dance Programs and Intensives: Immersive camps and intensives for various age groups and skill levels during the summer months, often culminating in performances. These include "Magical Movement" (ages 3-5), "Summer Dance Camp" (ages 6-12), and the "Louisville Ballet Summer Intensive" (for more advanced/pre-professional dancers).
• "Ballet Bound" Program: A tuition-free, year-long educational program designed to lower barriers to ballet education, offering auditions in various Louisville neighborhoods for students aged 7-9. This program covers tuition and supplies and offers performance opportunities and scholarships for extended training.
• Performance Opportunities: Students may have opportunities to perform with The Louisville Ballet Youth Ensemble and potentially in productions with Louisville Ballet's professional company. Summer programs also often include culminating demonstrations and performances.
• Pre-Professional Training: Rigorous programs designed to prepare talented young dancers for a professional career in classical ballet.

• Official School of The Louisville Ballet: Direct affiliation with a nationally recognized professional ballet company, offering a unique connection to a vibrant artistic community and performance opportunities.
• Distinguished Faculty: Taught by dedicated professionals with extensive credentials, including Louisville Ballet company dancers and experienced local instructors.
• Comprehensive Curriculum for All Ages: Offers programs spanning from early childhood creative movement (as young as 18 months) to recreational adult classes and rigorous pre-professional training.
• Focus on Technical and Artistic Growth: Emphasis on developing strong technical foundations, artistic expression, discipline, and a lifelong love for dance.
• "Ballet Bound" Program for Accessibility: A groundbreaking initiative that provides tuition-free training and support to diverse students, actively lowering barriers to ballet education in the community.
• Diverse Adult Class Offerings: The "mind. body. balance." program provides a wide array of dance and fitness classes (ballet, tap, jazz, modern, Pilates, Gyrokinesis) tailored for adults of all experience levels.
• Summer Intensive Program: Provides aspiring dancers with an opportunity to train like professionals in an inclusive, encouraging, and motivating environment, with guest faculty and performances.
• Performance Opportunities: Students, especially those in youth and pre-professional programs, may have chances to perform with The Louisville Ballet Youth Ensemble and in company productions.
• Reputable and Experienced Institution: The Louisville Ballet, established in 1952, has a rich history as one of the nation's leading regional ballet companies.
• Two Campus Locations: Offers classes at both a downtown campus and the Shelbyville Road location (St. Matthews), providing flexibility and accessibility.

Address: Second Floor, 4121 Shelbyville Rd Suite 201, Louisville, KY 40207, USA

Phone: (502) 895-3700

Mobile Phone: +1 502-895-3700

General Inquiries Email: info@louisvilleballet.org (for Louisville Ballet, likely applies to the school)

For residents across Kentucky, particularly within the Louisville area, The Louisville Ballet School offers an unparalleled and comprehensive dance education experience. Its deep roots as the official school of The Louisville Ballet, a company with a rich history and national reputation, provide students with a unique connection to the professional dance world right here in their community. Whether a family is looking for an engaging and fun introduction to movement for their toddler, a recreational dance outlet for an adult, or rigorous training for an aspiring professional, the school's diverse programs cater to every level and ambition.

While some might find its professional approach demanding, this is precisely what makes it suitable for those truly committed to dance excellence. The "Ballet Bound" program, in particular, highlights the school's dedication to making dance accessible and diverse, actively reaching out to various Louisville neighborhoods to find and nurture talent. The experienced faculty, including professional company dancers, ensures high-quality instruction. For any Kentuckian seeking a dance institution that blends a storied tradition with forward-thinking programs, fosters discipline and artistry, and offers a clear pathway for growth in a professional environment, The Louisville Ballet School is an invaluable local resource and a true gem in the city's artistic landscape.

The Louisville Ballet School

Second Floor, 4121 Shelbyville Rd Suite 201, Louisville, KY 40207, USA