Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Dance Education & Performance Since 1962
Founded in 1962, we are the official ballet company of North Dakota and a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing dance education and performance. Our programs serve students aged 18 months and up through ballet, jazz, modern, and contemporary classes, emphasizing artistic growth, musicality, and character development. With over six decades of community engagement, we offer youth ballet companies, competitive dance teams, and outreach initiatives that integrate dance into academic settings.Our mission focuses on creating nurturing environments for dancers to flourish while contributing to regional arts through performances and educational partnerships. Our team of experienced instructors includes executive leadership, artistic directors, and finance professionals committed to maintaining high standards in dance education.
Services
Ballet Classes
Jazz Dance
Adult Programs
Competitive Dance
Youth Ballet
Virtual Classes
Details
- Year established: 1962
Highlights and features
- We offer 60+ years of experience in dance education and performance training
- Our programs serve students from 18 months old through adulthood
- We provide community outreach integrating dance with academic curriculum
- Our faculty includes certified instructors in multiple dance disciplines
- We maintain partnerships with local businesses and arts organizations
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program offers training from beginner to advanced levels with specialized instruction in pointe work and classical techniques. Students develop proper form, discipline, and artistic expression through structured curriculum. Classes are available for ages 3 through adulthood with performance opportunities in annual productions.
Competitive Dance
This audition-based program provides intensive training in multiple dance styles for regional competition participation. Dancers receive technical coaching, choreography instruction, and performance preparation from experienced faculty. Teams compete in categories including jazz, tap, and contemporary while building teamwork and stage presence.
Youth Ballet Company
Designed for young dancers seeking professional ballet training, this program focuses on technical development and performance experience. Participants rehearse classical repertoire and perform in three annual productions including the Holiday Ballet and Spring Story Book Ballet. The program emphasizes discipline, artistry, and performance readiness.
Adult Dance Programs
We offer dance classes for adults of all skill levels, from beginners to former professionals. Programs include ballet, jazz, and dance fitness classes that improve physical conditioning while maintaining artistic expression. The Pre-Professional Adult Company provides performance opportunities and weekly technique classes for serious adult dancers.
Virtual Classes
Our virtual platform provides on-demand dance instruction in multiple styles for ages 3-18. The library includes ballet, jazz, modern, and musical theater classes that students can access at any time. Virtual programming maintains technical standards through structured lessons while offering flexible learning options for remote participants.
People
Laura Arneson
Executive Director
Laura leads strategic operations and community partnerships with 20+ years of dance education leadership. She oversees faculty development and organizational growth while maintaining artistic standards. Her vision expands access to quality dance training across North Dakota.
Lauren Paulson
Artistic Director
Lauren directs performance programming and curriculum development with expertise in classical ballet training. She manages youth companies and production coordination while maintaining pedagogical excellence. Her background includes professional performance and competition coaching.
Mackenzie Teepen
Finance Director
Mackenzie manages financial operations and budget planning with specialized knowledge of nonprofit accounting. She ensures fiscal responsibility while supporting program expansion through strategic resource allocation. Her expertise maintains organizational sustainability.
Natalie Koch
Competition Director
Natalie oversees competitive programs and student development initiatives with 15 years of competition coaching experience. She coordinates audition processes and team logistics while focusing on dancer growth and technical achievement.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, jazz, modern, contemporary, tap, hip hop, musical theater, and pointe classes for all skill levels.
Are adult classes available?
Yes, we provide classes for adults aged 16+ including beginner through advanced levels and dance fitness programs.
How can my child join the competitive program?
Competitive teams require auditions held annually in May. Dancers ages 6+ can audition for placement in appropriate skill-level teams.
Do you offer virtual learning options?
Yes, our virtual class library includes on-demand instruction in multiple dance styles for ages 3-18 with flexible access.
How does your community outreach work?
We integrate dance with academic curriculum through outreach programs that use movement to teach math, science, and writing concepts in school settings.
Can I donate to support your programs?
Yes, as a nonprofit organization, we welcome donations that help provide scholarships, maintain facilities, and support community performances.
