Ballet America's Nutcracker

Our Journey Begins

The Academy of American Ballet's story starts with Julia Dugan, a passionate ballet dancer and dedicated teacher. In 1993, she founded Stanford's first ballet company, nurturing young dancers and sparking a love for the art form. This desire to cultivate budding talents grew into a vision to establish a school that prioritizes both artistic excellence and physical wellbeing. Thus, in 1999, the Academy of American Ballet was born.

A Unique Approach to Training

From its inception, AAB has distinguished itself by offering a comprehensive and innovative approach to ballet training. Committed to anatomical awareness and injury prevention, our curriculum seamlessly blends the renowned Vaganova method with contemporary techniques like Pilates, EBAS, and Feldenkrais. This dynamic combination fosters balanced growth, empowering young dancers to reach their full potential.

Nurturing Young Artists

Our studio fosters a supportive and nurturing environment where dancers can flourish. We believe in treating each student as a unique individual, celebrating their individual strengths and supporting them through challenges. Our passionate and experienced teachers provide personalized guidance and encouragement, fostering artistic growth and building confidence.

Showcasing Talent

At AAB, we believe in celebrating the culmination of our students' dedication through quality performances. From stimulating workshops to showcase recitals, our students have numerous opportunities to showcase their talent and connect with audiences. Moreover, our annual Nutcracker performance offers young dancers the unparalleled experience of portraying iconic roles and telling compelling stories through movement.

A Supportive Community

The AAB family extends far beyond the confines of our studios. We actively engage with the community through outreach programs and free performances, sharing the joy of dance with people of all ages and backgrounds. This sense of community fosters a sense of belonging and empowers our students to become well-rounded individuals.