The Frederick Quinney Lawson Ballet West Academy, the official school of Ballet West, is Utah’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.
Academy students experience a structured curriculum offered in a nurturing and positive environment, targeting and exploring each student’s individual strengths and abilities.
The Frederick Quinney Lawson Ballet West Academy strives to be a dynamic leader in the international field of dance education. Drawing on our unique local dance heritage and utilizing our connections with our national and international dance communities, we will continue to expand our educational offerings in a state-of-the-art facility as we train and inspire the next generation of dancers. We intend to be a positive resource for local and regional dance schools, providing opportunities for constructive dialogues and collaborative support.
Along with our unique relationship with the professional company and artistic staff of Ballet West, we have a superior faculty who are dedicated to developing and inspiring the whole child, both as an accomplished dancer and a healthy individual.
Our Curriculum
Educating the Whole Child
The Frederick Quinney Lawson Ballet West Academy trains pure classical ballet with a uniquely American syllabus developed by our Academy Director, Evelyn Cisneros- Legate and Associate Director of Curriculum, Stacey Mahan, EdM, utilizing research on milestones in physical, cognitive, and emotional child development. Guided by the vision of our Artistic Director Adam Sklute in conjunction with our world-renowned faculty and artistic staff who share their professional experience with out students.
Our Divisions & Programs
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The Beginning Division is for the youngest dancers, ages 3 to 6 and includes Beginning levels A, B, and C. Classes are offered by age and are carefully developed in accordance with a child’s physical and cognitive abilities focusing on a safe and nurturing environment. Parents are invited to watch ballet class during scheduled parent observation weeks. Students in these levels will participate in Ballet West Academy productions. Summer camps are offered for these levels.
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The Elementary Division is for students ages 7 and above. Classes are offered by age and ability and are carefully developed in accordance with a child’s physical and cognitive abilities. Parents are invited to watch class during scheduled parent observation weeks. Placement is at the discretion of the Academy staff. Placement is required for students entering Elementary B and Elementary C, while Elementary A is based on age. Children at this level will participate in Ballet West Academy performances. Summer Camps and Summer Accelerated Ballet programs are offered for this level.
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Ballet Levels 1 through 8 are designed for students ages 9 and up. Placement in these levels for new students requires an audition. Auditions are held with an in-studio class or via video. End-of-season advancement is considered on an individual basis and determined by class observation and end-of-season exam classes. Students in this division can expect to spend more than one year in each level. Students in Levels 1 through 8 perform in the Ballet West Academy Winter, Spring and Contemporary showcases. Students in this division are expected to participate in the Ballet West Academy summer Accelerated Ballet Workshop, a Ballet West Summer Intensive, or other approved ballet intensive program.
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The Professional Training Division (PTD) was instituted in 2015 to create an intensive training program designed to carry students through their high school years. It is the intent of the Academy Director, faculty, and Artistic Staff of Ballet West to provide the highest-caliber training to ensure that each dancer is prepared to take their place in an ever-changing dance world.
Acceptance into this program is by audition or invitation only, and each dancer commits to a contracted year of study with the program.
This elite and talented group of young dancers experience an expanded schedule of technique classes and rehearsals in addition to regular Academy classes. PTDs will participate in Ballet West’s production of The Nutcracker and are eligible to participate in other Ballet West productions such as the Family Classic Series and Ballet West’s main subscription series in addition to participation in the Academy Showcases. -
The Ballet West Academy Trainee Program was created in 2009 by Ballet West Artistic Director Adam Sklute for the purpose of extending a dancer’s formal training post-graduation.
Acceptance into this program is by invitation only.
Our Trainee Program offers dedicated training of 22+ hours per week in addition to rehearsal hours with the company as needed.
This is a training position; tuition and fees apply.
Movement Mentor is a unique program that pairs advanced students of Ballet West Academy with students of special needs for weekly dance classes. The mentors and students pair up for the entire year and perform together in the year-end concerts. The class is taught by Ballet West adaptive dance instructors, and the students receive one-on-one guidance from their peer mentors, creating bonds of friendship, trust, and learning.
Movement Mentor
Ballet West Academy hosts adult ballet classes at our Salt Lake City (Trolley Corners & Ballet Centre), Park City, and Utah County campuses. We provide ballet classes for all levels (beginner through advanced) at all of our campuses. Anyone, regardless of prior experience, can enjoy ballet. Adult classes are coed without spectators. Dancers are required to wear ballet shoes and should wear lightweight athletic wear. Students age 13+ are able to take adult classes. Classes found at: balletwest.punchpass.com.
Adult Classes
Four Campus Locations
Salt Lake City
Ballet Centre
The Frederick Quinney Lawson (Downtown) Campus is located at 52 W 200 S and has five fully equipped studios in addition to access to Ballet West’s professional company studios. As the hub of the Professional Training Division, it serves over 200 students. The drop-off/pick-up zone is accessed from West Temple St. between 100 S and 200 S. There is no parking in this lot. There is limited street parking options and commercial lots in the area.
Salt Lake City
Trolley Corners
The Trolley Corners Studio is located at 515 South 700 East, Suite 1B, within the Trolley Corners Building. Studios are accessed through the covered parking garage just east of 500 South. Including five fully-equipped studios and free on-site parking, it offers our Beginning, Elementary, and Student Divisions through Level 4.
Park City
Our Utah County location is at 64 W 700 S #403, Pleasant Grove, UT 84062. It is located in the Northwest corner of the complex. Including four fully-equipped studios and free on-site parking, it offers Beginning, Elementary, and Student Divisions through Level 8.
Utah County
Park City Campus is conveniently located at 2780 Rasmussen Road and includes three fully-equipped studios. Classes offered include Beginning, Elementary, and Student Divisions through Level 8, jazz, tap, hip-hop, and musical theatre.
“I 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 I’m looking forward to the next chapter for these programs.”