About
Mission statement
The Ballet Theatre School (TBTS) is committed to offering high quality, caring instruction in the art of classical ballet and to love our world and each other as God leads us with skill-of-body and spirit.
Why Ballet?
Classical ballet has much to offer its dancers and its audience. At TBTS we believe the benefits to the students in learning classical ballet are many and that this art form should be preserved. All fine art is a form of communication and since 55% of communication is through body language, ballet has a unique capacity to communicate the complex human condition with its vast array of movements and its timeless stories. The movement skills of energy, fluidity, coordination, strength and flexibility are combined with the beauty of line, form, and musicality thus providing the dancer with a vast range of skills. The experience a young girl has of seeing herself move beautifully, the self-confidence gained in mastering something difficult, finding more emotional range through movement, making lifetime friends and a fun way to be fit are found in the world of classical ballet. After the many years of working in classical ballet I can assure you of the lifelong benefits it can bring to your child’s life.
The Dancer as a Person
Our many years of working with dancers has given us wisdom, which we use each day as we decide how hard to push, when to slow down, when a dancer is ready for a challenge, etc. We guide each session with a long view in mind, training the dancer to progress steadily, not burn out and learning to have an internal drive. We believe in the unique qualities each student contributes to our family. We help each dancer learn to use their unique personality to add to the class. The skill required to master ballet happens within the context of relationships between students with teachers, parents, and other students. Sharing the journey of perseverance, moment of mastery, all the ups and downs of life are encouraged to be shared in frequent, supportive, communication in class and out.
Spiritual Growth
In our selections of music, costumes, recital themes, class attire, photos, community service and all other areas it is our desire to aid the dancer’s growth in a daily walk of faith. We believe that the emotional and spiritual well-being of each person in our ballet family matters, and we will take time to care.
Dancers will be sharing the process of learning ballet as well as their normal lives through prayer, retreats, and our student interactive board which gives the student opportunities for support and contributing.
Practical Stuff
Money, we make efforts to keep costs down by supplying most of the costumes, having reasonable rates, letting dancers resell dancewear in the studio and helping with free or discount rates when life is too hard. We consider this is a partnership, so we do what we can to help you, and we expect you will do what you can to help us. That means if you can donate to help a struggling student or aid with a show, you will.
Shows
We have an annual recital held at Carco Theatre each June. This experience aids the dancers’ training by performing in a production that includes the use of props, scenery, stage and performance skills. We also may have other shows in other venues, thus providing for the needs of the community, and extra experience for the dancer. Our participation in the Youth American Grand Prix (YAGP) gives serious students an additional performing opportunity. Click here for more details about the YAGP.