Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Premier Dance Education & Performances in Peoria
Founded in 1965, Peoria Ballet has dedicated six decades to advancing dance performance and education in Central Illinois. Our state-of-the-art 12,000-square-foot facility houses four studios, a costume shop with thousands of classical and original costumes, and extensive prop storage. We offer over 50 weekly classes to 170+ students aged 3 to adult, covering ballet, contemporary, jazz, modern, tap, and hip hop. Our pre-professional program has trained more than 2,200 students, many of whom have attended prestigious summer programs and year-round institutions like North Carolina School for the Arts. As a nonprofit organization, we collaborate with local arts groups and provide discounted performances to schools, reaching over 3,500 students annually.Our annual Nutcracker production at the Peoria Civic Center features 100+ local dancers and professional guest artists from New York City, accompanied by the Heartland Festival Orchestra. We also present full-length spring productions at Five Points Washington and host community events like the Nutcracker Tea. Our faculty includes internationally recognized instructors with professional backgrounds at institutions like Canada's National Ballet School and Pennsylvania Ballet. We maintain strong ties to the community through outreach programs, educational initiatives, and partnerships that strengthen the local arts ecosystem.
Services
Ballet Classes
The Nutcracker Production
Dance Outreach Programs
Adult Ballet Classes
Summer Dance Workshops
Pre-Professional Training
Community Performances
Costume Rentals
Faculty Masterclasses
Performance Opportunities
Details
- Year established: 1965
Highlights and features
- We offer 60 years of proven expertise in classical ballet training
- Our faculty includes former professional dancers from major companies
- We provide access to professional guest artists from New York City
- Our 12,000 sq ft facility includes four modern dance studios
- We've trained over 2,200 students with successful program alumni
Services
Ballet Classes
We offer comprehensive ballet training for ages 3 to adult, including pre-professional programs with pointe, partnering, and classical repertoire. Our curriculum follows Cecchetti and Vaganova methods, preparing students for professional careers or recreational enjoyment. Classes are available evenings and Saturdays with daytime adult options.
The Nutcracker Production
Our annual Nutcracker production at Peoria Civic Center features 100+ local students and New York City guest artists. The performance includes live orchestral accompaniment by Heartland Festival Orchestra and showcases classical ballet with elaborate costumes and sets. Special matinee performances accommodate school groups.
Community Outreach
We provide educational programs for schools and libraries with discounted ticket programs for students. Our outreach initiatives have served over 3,500 students annually through special performances of The Nutcracker and Coppelia. We collaborate with local organizations to strengthen arts accessibility in Central Illinois.
Adult Ballet Classes
We offer ballet classes for adult learners at all experience levels. These classes focus on technique development, physical fitness, and artistic expression. Sessions accommodate busy schedules with evening and Saturday availability in our fully equipped studios.
Pre-Professional Training
Our intensive training program develops professional dance careers through advanced ballet technique, variations, and performance opportunities. Students receive personalized coaching and have access to guest instructors from major companies. Alumni have gained acceptance to prestigious institutions like North Carolina School for the Arts.
People
Wendy Thomasson
Executive Director
Wendy Thomasson leads Peoria Ballet's operations with decades of dance administration experience. She oversees strategic planning, community partnerships, and educational programming development while maintaining the organization's artistic vision and financial stability.
Ian Thatcher
Artistic Director
Ian Thatcher, a National Ballet School of Canada graduate, directs artistic programming with expertise in Cecchetti and Vaganova methods. He brings professional performance experience from San Francisco Ballet and Pacific Northwest Ballet, plus ABT National Training Curriculum certification for comprehensive dance education.
Molly Daly
Associate Artistic Director
Molly Daly co-choreographs major productions and teaches advanced ballet. As former American Repertory Ballet principal dancer, she stages works by Septime Webre and offers expertise in classical repertoire. Certified by ABT's National Training Curriculum, she also instructs at Illinois Wesleyan University.
Dr. MaryElizabeth James
Board Member
Dr. MaryElizabeth James contributes arts administration expertise to the board. Her academic background in dance education and community engagement supports strategic decision-making while maintaining the organization's educational mission and community outreach initiatives.
Elizabeth Blackaby
Ballet Instructor
Elizabeth Blackaby teaches intermediate ballet classes with professional performance experience. She focuses on technical development and artistic expression, drawing from her background in classical ballet training and performance to nurture student growth.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
We offer ballet, contemporary, jazz, modern, tap, and hip hop classes for ages 3 to adult, with specialized pre-professional training available.
Do you offer adult dance classes?
Yes, we provide adult ballet classes with flexible scheduling including evening and Saturday sessions for recreational and serious learners.
How can students join your programs?
Students may enroll year-round by phone or in-person registration. New students can take a free placement class to determine appropriate skill level before enrollment.
What performance opportunities exist?
We present annual Nutcracker performances at Peoria Civic Center, spring productions at Five Points Washington, and showcase student progress in our Academy Performance.
Are there community outreach programs?
Yes, we partner with local schools and organizations to provide discounted performances and educational programs reaching over 3,500 students annually.
What qualifications do your instructors have?
Our faculty includes former professional dancers from major companies, certified instructors with ABT's National Training Curriculum, and experienced educators.
