The Frederick Quinney Lawson Ballet West Academy, the official school of Ballet West, is Utahā€™s premier source of dance training, providing the highest caliber of ballet instruction to the pre-professional student as well as to those who wish to gain a deeper understanding of this beautiful and demanding art form.

Beginning & Elementary

The Beginning Division is for our youngest dancers ages 3 to 9. Classes are offered by age and are carefully developed in accordance with a childā€™s physical and cognitive abilities. Classes are designed to encourage students to explore the elements of dance with a focus towards ballet in a fun and nurturing environment while setting the stage for future training.

Student Division

Ballet Levels 1 through 8 are designed for students ages 9 and up. Placement in these levels for new students requires an audition. End of season advancements are considered on an individual basis and determined by class observation and exam classes. Students in this division can expect to spend more than one year in each level. Students perform in the Ballet West Academy Winter, Spring, and Contemporary Showcases. Students in this division are also expected to participate in Ballet West Academyā€™s summer Accelerated Ballet Workshop and/or a Ballet West summer intensive or other approved ballet intensive program.

Professional Training

Ballet West Academyā€™s Professional Training Division is designed for serious ballet students, 14 years old and up. The PTD program is comprised of three female and two male levels and is designed to carry students through their high school years. The Professional Training Division is by audition or invitation only and each dancer commits to a contracted year of study with the program. PTD students are considered for a Trainee position.

Summer Intensives

The Frederick Quinney Lawson Ballet West Academy Summer Intensive is recognized as one of the top programs in the nation, attracting the highest caliber of dancers. Under the supervision of Ballet West Artistic Director Adam Sklute and Academy Director Evelyn Cisneros-Legate, dancers are provided the opportunity to learn from principal faculty, guest artists, choreographers, and ballet masters from throughout the world. The BWA Summer Intensive focuses on developing well-rounded dancers through exposure to a wide variety of disciplines with an emphasis on classical ballet technique and key elements.

Adult & Open Classes

Each class is carefully cultivated by one of our world-class instructors or Ballet West company dancers. All adult ballet and tap classes are open to the public ages 13 years and older.

Regardless of prior experience, if you are brand new to ballet we recommend our Starter Series. Call 801-869-6912 for more information.

We offer beginner, intermediate, and advanced ballet classes at all of our locations and tap at our Trolley Corners location.

Artistic Leadership, Staff, and Faculty

Performances

  • Merry Little Christmas Show

    Presented by our Utah County Campus

    November 21- 22, 2024
    7:00pm

    The Utah County Campus of the Fredrick Quinney Lawson Ballet West Academy presents A Merry Little Christmas Show. This performance is sure to bring families together. Holiday music and entertaining choreography turn this performance into a celebration of the season for our hard-working students. All ages will be allowed but ages 2 and up require a ticket.

  • The Nutcracker Suite

    Presented by our Park City Campus

    December 7, 2024
    2:00pm & 7:00pm

    The Peggy Bergmann Ballet West Academy Park City Campus returns to the Eccles Center and to the Land of the Sweets for this holiday tradition. The show brings the magic of The Nutcracker Suite to life for children and adults alike. Campus Principal Allison DeBona and Interim Campus Principal Rex Tilton present this performance featuring students of the Ballet West Academy Park City Campus, alongside special guest performers from the Ballet West Trainee Division.

  • Willam Christensen's The Nutcracker

    Presented by Ballet West, with students of the Ballet West Academy

    December 6 - 28, 2024

    Americaā€™s 1st Nutcracker Celebrates 80 Years! Ballet Westā€™s holiday classic, by founder Willam Christensen, remains just as fresh and joyous as its premiere in 1944. Enjoy the rare opportunity to witness an iconic masterpiece that has defined generations.

ā€œI am impressed by the level of our students and am committed to offering opportunities. In fact, 75% of the current company trained with Ballet West Academy. Under Evelyn Cisneros-Legate, I feel the level has increased further and Iā€™m looking forward to the next chapter for these programs.ā€
— Ballet West Artistic Director, Adam Sklute