About Ballet School
Tacoma City Ballet School, founded in 1955, provides excellent comprehensive classical ballet instruction offering a complete course of study in the technique of classical ballet and professional performance. Tacoma City Ballet School provides outstanding classical ballet training for those who wish to prepare for a professional career or for those who simply love to dance. A complete professional curriculum comprising the Techniques of the Danish, English, French, Italian, and Russian Schools of Classical Ballet is taught with emphasis placed on the development of body strength, flexibility, and correct alignment of the body or aplomb. In accordance with traditional classical ballet instruction, live piano accompaniment is featured in all ballet classes.
Divisions of Study in Classical Ballet
THE BALLET SCHOOL OFFERS FOUR DIVISIONS OF STUDY IN CLASSICAL BALLET AND AN ADULT OPEN CLASS DIVISION
DIVISION PLACEMENT IS BASED ON AGE, PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT, AND STRENGTH OF CLASSICAL TECHNIQUE
- Pre-Ballet Division
Pre-Ballet 1 for Age 4
Pre-Ballet 2 for Age 5
PLACEMENT CLASS IS NOT REQUIRED
- Elementary Division
Pre-Elementary for Age 6
Elementary For Beginners for Ages 6-8
Elementary 1 for Age 7
Elementary 2 for Ages 8-9
PLACEMENT CLASS IS NOT REQUIRED
- Intermediate Division
Pre-Intermediate Ballet Technique Class for Ages 10-12
Intermediate Ballet Technique Class for Ages 12-18
Beginning Pointe Class for Ages 11-12
Intermediate Pointe Class for Ages 13-18
Intermediate Men’s Technique Class
PLACEMENT CLASS IS REQUIRED
- Company Division (Professional & Pre-Professional)
Advanced Ballet Technique Class
Advanced Pointe Class
Pas de Deux Class
PLACEMENT CLASS IS REQUIRED
- Adult Open Class Division
Adult Ballet Technique Class
Adult Contemporary Class
PLACEMENT CLASS IS NOT REQUIRED
Performance Opportunities
Because classical ballet is a performing art, Tacoma City Ballet School offers instruction in performance technique and etiquette along with the opportunity to perform in a professional theater accompanied by a live professional orchestra. Beginning at Age 4 and continuing to Age 18, participation in the Annual School Demonstration allows the exhibition of technique and knowledge acquired throughout the year. Beginning at Age 8, the opportunity to audition for specific Children’s Roles in Tacoma City Ballet’s season productions is offered. Having achieved a certain level of technique, artistry, and professional etiquette, the Pre-Professional Division of Tacoma City Ballet Company, Ages 13-18, performs in the Corps de Ballet, as well as being offered the opportunity to audition for Principal Roles in Tacoma City Ballet’s season productions. Tacoma City Ballet Company studies classical ballet technique daily, rehearses daily, and participates in the Company Ballet Performance Workshop offered during the Annual Summer Intensive. Additionally, Tacoma City Ballet Company performs throughout the season upon the invitation of various other arts and community organizations. Acceptance into Apprenticeship for Tacoma City Ballet Company is at the invitation of the Artistic Director.
Annual Six-Week Summer Intensive
Tacoma City Ballet School conducts the Annual Six-Week Summer Intensive offering Pre-Ballet Division, Elementary Division, Intermediate Division, and Company Division technique classes for both new and continuing study, as well as the Children’s Ballet Performance Workshop, and the Company Ballet Performance Workshop. An immersion in ballet technique, choreography, and performance technique and etiquette presents the opportunity for creative and concentrated study during the Annual Six-Week Summer Intensive.
Annual Free Ballet Summer Immersion Week
Every summer, Tacoma City Ballet offers the Annual Free Ballet Summer Immersion Week. During this week, all classes are free to all dancers (Ages 11-18) throughout the Puget Sound Region. Daily classes in ballet technique, pointe, pas de deux, classical variations, contemporary technique, modern technique, choreography, and theater stage craft are offered.
Scholarships
TACOMA CITY BALLET SCHOOL OFFERS SCHOLARSHIPS FOR ELIGIBLE DANCERS
- ALL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY JULY 31ST
- ALL SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AWARDED AUGUST 31ST FOR THE UPCOMING SEASON
- SCHOLARSHIPS ARE NOT AWARDED FOR THE ANNUAL SUMMER INTENSIVE
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE SCHOOL OFFICE UPON REQUEST
- Application for The Jan Collum Memorial Scholarship
- Application for The Kabby Mitchell III Scholarship (For Young Men and Boys of Color)
- Application for The Lt. Colonel Rudolph Ceragioli Military Scholarship (For Active Duty Military Personnel)
- Application for The Weatherby Scholarship for Dancers of Color (For Dancers of Color)
Non-Discriminatory Policy
TACOMA CITY BALLET SCHOOL ADMITS STUDENTS OF ANY RACE, COLOR, CREED, ETHNIC ORIGIN, AND SEXUAL ORIENTATION TO ALL THE RIGHTS, PRIVILEGES, AND PROGRAMS GENERALLY ACCORDED TO STUDENTS OF TACOMA CITY BALLET SCHOOL.