Vancouver City Ballet

For aspiring dancers and their families across Vancouver, Washington, finding a dance institution that offers truly exceptional training in classical ballet is paramount. Vancouver City Ballet, the dedicated ballet program attached to the esteemed DanceWorks Dance Academy, stands as the unrivaled destination for ballet education in our area. It's more than just a place to learn pliés and pirouettes; it's a vibrant community where passion for ballet is nurtured, technical excellence is honed, and young artists are prepared for potential professional careers on the national and international stage.

Under the expert direction of Karen Cannon, Vancouver City Ballet provides a level of classical ballet training that is consistently praised as the best in the region. The program is renowned for its commitment to developing well-rounded dancers, focusing not only on rigorous technical skills but also on fostering a healthy self-image and a deep love for the art form. Students at Vancouver City Ballet regularly participate in high-profile events, including performing classical ballets twice a year and even competing in the internationally acclaimed Youth American Grand Prix (YAGP), an opportunity that can lead to prestigious scholarships at leading dance schools worldwide. For families in Washington seeking top-tier ballet instruction that prioritizes both artistic achievement and personal well-being, Vancouver City Ballet is the clear choice.

Vancouver City Ballet operates within the facilities of DanceWorks Dance Academy, conveniently located at 11005 NE Fourth Plain Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98662, USA. This strategic location along NE Fourth Plain Boulevard makes the studio easily accessible for residents across Vancouver and the broader Clark County area. Its placement on a major arterial road ensures a straightforward commute for families coming from various neighborhoods, including those in East Vancouver, Orchards, or even nearby Camas and Battle Ground.

The facility itself boasts approximately 10,000 square feet, designed specifically for dance instruction. This spacious environment includes six studios, five of which feature Marley floors with sprung subfloors. Sprung floors are crucial for ballet training as they absorb shock, significantly reducing the risk of injuries for dancers. The sixth studio features a hardwood floor, suitable for tap dance and other styles. The building also offers five bathrooms, a comfortable student lounge, multiple changing rooms, and a large parking lot, ensuring convenience and comfort for students and parents alike. Observation windows are available in five of the studios, allowing parents to view classes, and a TV viewing option is provided for the hardwood tap studio. This comprehensive and well-maintained facility further enhances the learning experience at Vancouver City Ballet, making it an ideal, accessible choice for our Washington community.

Vancouver City Ballet, as the ballet program of DanceWorks Dance Academy, offers a comprehensive range of services and programs dedicated to classical ballet training, from foundational levels to pre-professional tracks.

Services Offered:

• Pre-Professional Ballet Program: Designed for serious ballet students aiming for advanced training and potential careers in dance.
• Leveled Classical Ballet Classes: Structured instruction in ballet and pointe technique, progressing through various levels to build strength, flexibility, artistry, and precision.
• Pointe and Pointe Preparation Classes: Specific training for eligible students to develop the necessary strength and technique for dancing en pointe.
• Kids Ballet Classes (ages 3-7): Foundational ballet instruction designed for young children, introducing basic steps, rhythm, and body awareness in a fun and engaging manner. Class options are available throughout the week, including mornings and weekends.
• Performance Opportunities: Students perform classical ballets twice a year, providing valuable stage experience and showcasing their progress.
• Youth American Grand Prix (YAGP) Competition Training: Preparation and participation in this internationally renowned student ballet scholarship competition, offering exposure to leading dance schools and potential scholarship awards.
• Emphasis on Healthy Lifestyles: Faculty promote not just dance technique but also overall well-being and positive self-image for students.
• Comprehensive DanceWorks Dance Academy Offerings: As part of DanceWorks, students also have access to classes in Jazz, Contemporary, Tap, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Acro Gymnastics, and Aerial Silks, providing a well-rounded dance education if desired.
• Scholarship opportunities: Through the non-profit "Friends of DanceWorks WA," financial aid and scholarships are available to assist students with tuition and performance costs.
• Master Classes: Opportunities for students to learn from world-renowned artists, enhancing their training and exposure.
• Spring Seminar: Advanced training in ballet and contemporary dance with international teachers, often including scholarship award opportunities.

Vancouver City Ballet stands out as a premier ballet training institution in Vancouver, Washington, due to a number of distinctive features and highlights that underscore its commitment to excellence and student success.

Features / Highlights:

• Unparalleled Ballet Training: Consistently regarded as providing the best ballet training in the area, preparing students for high-level dance opportunities.
• Direction by Karen Cannon: The program is led by Karen Cannon, an experienced director with extensive dance qualifications from The International Dance Teachers Association (AIDTA) and over 30 years of teaching experience, having toured professionally as a dancer and choreographer for 10 years.
• Proven Track Record of Success: Graduates have gone on to attend prestigious dance programs at top-ranked universities such as Julliard, Point Park University, and Oklahoma City, and have performed in national tours and professional productions (e.g., Radio City Music Hall, Broadway's WICKED).
• Participation in Youth American Grand Prix (YAGP): Students regularly compete in this world's largest student ballet scholarship competition, gaining invaluable experience and opportunities for scholarships to leading dance schools globally.
• High-Quality Performances: Students perform classical ballets twice a year, showcasing their talent and dedication in professional-level productions.
• Holistic Student Development: The faculty promotes healthy lifestyles and teaches students to embrace self-love alongside their passion for ballet, fostering well-rounded individuals.
• State-of-the-Art Facility: Operates out of a 10,000 sqft building with six studios, five featuring sprung Marley floors to reduce injury risk, along with amenities like a student lounge and observation windows.
• Community Focus: While offering elite training, the studio also maintains a positive and productive environment for all students, from recreational to pre-professional.
• Comprehensive Dance Curriculum: As part of DanceWorks Dance Academy, it offers a wide array of dance styles beyond ballet, allowing for versatile training.
• Non-Profit Support: Benefiting from "Friends of DanceWorks WA," which provides scholarships and financial assistance to students, making high-quality dance education more accessible.

Contact Information:

Address: 11005 NE Fourth Plain Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98662, USA

Phone: (360) 892-5664

Mobile Phone: +1 360-892-5664

For families and aspiring dancers in Vancouver, Washington, Vancouver City Ballet stands as the definitive choice for classical ballet training. Its unparalleled instruction, led by the highly experienced Karen Cannon, combined with a nurturing environment that prioritizes both technical excellence and student well-being, creates an ideal setting for growth. The opportunity to perform in professional-quality classical ballets and compete in prestigious events like the Youth American Grand Prix offers local students a pathway to achieve their highest dance aspirations, potentially even securing scholarships to top institutions.

Furthermore, the state-of-the-art facility with sprung floors underscores the commitment to safety and quality, while the inclusive atmosphere ensures every student feels supported. For parents seeking a dance program that not only teaches skill but also instills discipline, confidence, and a lifelong love for ballet, Vancouver City Ballet is perfectly suited to meet and exceed the expectations of our Washington community. It’s a place where dreams take flight, right here in our own backyard.

Vancouver City Ballet

11005 NE Fourth Plain Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98662, USA