Peoria Ballet Academy

Peoria Ballet is a renowned dance institution that has been captivating audiences with outstanding artistry, beautiful costumes, and excellent live music for over 55 years. Our pre-professional ballet and dance programs offer a variety of classes for dancers of all ages, from classical ballet to jazz, modern, and tap.

Our faculty comprises of professional instructors who are dedicated to teaching and training dancers, whether they are interested in pursuing a career in dancing or simply wish to dance for the enjoyment and physical benefits. We offer classes for children starting at age 3, up to adults of all ages. Our adult ballet classes are also popular among those looking to stay active and healthy.

Our classes are scheduled during evenings and Saturdays, with additional daytime classes available for adults. We believe in providing a supportive and encouraging environment where dancers can grow and develop their skills.

In recent years, we have had the pleasure of welcoming new members to our team, including our new Artistic Director, Ian Thatcher, and Ballet Mistress, Molly Daly. Ian graduated from National Ballet School of Canada and has danced professionally with prestigious companies such as San Francisco Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Ballet de Monte Carlo, and Metropolitan Opera in New York City. Molly, on the other hand, has a professional background with American Repertory Ballet, Hartford Ballet, and Ballet Michigan.

We are also proud to have received grants from the Illinois Arts Council Agency and the National Endowment for the Arts, which have been instrumental in helping us continue our programming and productions, especially during challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

At Peoria Ballet, we are committed to providing high-quality dance education and performances that inspire and delight our audiences. We believe in the power of dance to bring people together and enrich lives, and we look forward to continuing our legacy for many years to come.