Academy Of Ballet

Who We Are

The Academy of Ballet, located in the heart of Dubuque, Iowa, is a prestigious ballet school that has been providing exceptional dance education since 1958. Founded by the renowned ballerina Tatiana Bechenova, the academy is now under the direction of her daughter, Marina O'Rourke, who carries on the legacy of her mother's artistic vision and dedication to the art of ballet.

Our mission is to properly train and expose students to the art of ballet, developing a lifelong appreciation for this art as a dancer and as a knowledgeable member of the audience. We offer a comprehensive curriculum that includes Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Ballet Technique, as well as additional classes such as Partnering, Character, Modern, Floor Barre, and Variations. Our faculty is committed to providing a nurturing and supportive environment where students can grow and thrive as dancers.

The Academy of Ballet is the official school of the Dubuque City Youth Ballet and the Heartland Ballet, providing students with numerous performance opportunities throughout the year. Our students have the unique opportunity to perform in professional productions such as "The Nutcracker" and "Cinderella, " as well as in our annual student showcase.

Classical Ballet Training for Children and Adults

We offer classical ballet training for children aged 6 through adult, providing a strong foundation in ballet technique and artistry. Our faculty is comprised of experienced and highly qualified instructors who are dedicated to helping each student reach their full potential.

In addition to our children's classes, we offer a variety of classes for adults, including Ballet Technique (beginning, intermediate, and advanced) and Ballet Exercise classes during daytime hours. Our adult classes are designed to provide a challenging and rewarding dance experience for dancers of all levels.

Location

The Academy of Ballet is located within the Grand Opera House, a Dubuque landmark and a thriving community theater. Our central location in the heart of Dubuque makes us easily accessible to students from all over the area.

History

The Academy of Ballet was founded in 1958 by Tatiana Bechenova, a former soloist with the Ballet Russe who had trained in Paris with the famous Maryinski ballerina, Lubov Egorova. Tanya, as she was known fondly, began teaching ballet at Clarke College (now Clarke University) and started the Academy of Ballet. In 1968, she founded the Dubuque City Youth Ballet, which has since become a beloved institution in the Dubuque community.

Tanya's love of ballet and artistic influence continue to inspire all the dancers and staff at the Academy of Ballet. Her legacy lives on through the outstanding dance education and performance opportunities that we provide to our students.