Central Utah Ballet is excited for the upcoming fall 2023 season, which will highlight Central Utah Ballet’s award-winning ballet classes, including ballet for kids, teens, and pre-professional ballet training programs.

In this new season, we are pleased to introduce our new Modern/Contemporary instructor, Ursula Perry, as well as to prepare for multiple performances, including our annual Nutcracker performance in November, and the popular spring Signatures performance in February.

To explore our classes, please click the button below. You may also request more information by calling or sending us a message through our contact page.

Creative Ballet

Creative ballet, also known as ballet for preschoolers or toddlers, includes ballet classes for 3-year-olds, 4-year-olds, and 5-year-olds. Unlike many young children’s ballet classes, Central Utah Ballet assigns their most experienced instructors to teach Creative Ballet classes, as opposed to utilizing less experienced instructors in this role.

Central Utah Ballet is a classically based ballet studio, which means we have a commitment to technique, knowledge, and performance. By starting our young students off with experienced ballet instructors, we’re ensuring they have the best possible foundation should they choose to continue their ballet journey as they grow. Each of these classes is age-appropriate based on the physical, mental, and emotional maturity of the age group. Though the curriculum is of exceptionally high quality, our young dancers find it extremely engaging, fun, and accessible.

Children’s Ballet

In just a few short years, Central Utah Ballet has become a household name for ballet classes for children. Our Children’s Ballet Program includes a progression of ballet classes beginning by age group and progressing to classes based on skill level.

For instance, our Ballet 1 classes for 6-year-olds are one hour a week, teaching ballet fundamentals and techniques. Ballet classes for 7-8-year-olds progress to two one-hour classes per week. After age 8 (or after technique has progressed), our children’s ballet classes are broken up into Ballet 3, which includes 3 hours of training per week; Ballet 4 and 5, which includes 6 ½ hours of training, including ballet technique as well as contemporary and pointe. Class hours increase through Ballet 6, which includes longer class times on average, as well as a Saturday morning rehearsal.

Pre-Professional Ballet Trainee Programs

The Pre-Professional Ballet Trainee Program at Central Utah Ballet is designed by nationally renowned instructor and director, Jennie Creer-King. This program is a well-rounded ballet program that introduces students to a professional level of instruction, technique, & comprehensive skills to support professional pursuits, college programs, and more.

The Pre-Professional Ballet Trainee Program at Central Utah Ballet is designed to simulate a college and professional ballet experience. Each student is trained by top instructors in classical ballet, modern and contemporary dance, and pointe, as well as workshops for skills dances such as flamenco or character technique, which helps the student become a strong, well-rounded performer. Students of this program will also learn ballet repertoire and re-staged classical ballets, experience the creative process of diverse choreographers, and perform in front of a live audience.

Dancers will work directly with Jennie Creer-King, as well as nationally and internationally recognized instructors from Utah and across the country. These programs are audition-only, with a Junior and Senior company available based on ability.

Central Utah Ballet is excited to welcome Ursula Perry to our faculty as our Modern/Contemporary dance instructor beginning the 2023-24 season. Ursula is an exceptionally talented instructor with over twenty years of experience as a performing dance artist and dance educator.

Ursula Perry was born in Houston, Texas where she began her training at the Houston Ballet Academy. She studied at various prestigious ballet schools, including the Boston Ballet, Joffery Ballet, Alvin Ailey, and the Edge Performing Arts Center.

Ursula then attended the University of Utah School of Dance where she studied performance and instruction, graduating with her Bachelors of Fine Arts in 2022.Since graduation, she has performed with Bodiography Contemporary Ballet, Prism Dance Theatre, and River North. Since her return to Salt Lake, she is proud to have performed with RawMoves, Movement Forum, and Influx Dance, joining Repertory Dance Theater in 2013.

During her tenure at Repertory Dance Theater, she performed several works, including those by Donald McKayle, Martha Graham, Jose Limon, Doris Humphrey, Ishan Rustem, and Lar Lubovitch.

Her time at Repertory Dance Theater was an enriching one as she performed the first and only black female dancer in Repertory Dance Theater’s 56-year history as well as being a role model and inspiration for dancers young and old. This drove her passion to create opportunities for the young and old to learn and heal through movement. “The physical being is not only a tool, but a storage space for the human story,” she says. It is her belief that the power of movement and grit of raw physicality can heal both the body and the mind.

“We are excited to have Ursula Perry joining our faculty as a modern and contemporary dance instructor at Central Utah Ballet,” says Jennie Creer-King, owner and director at Central Utah Ballet Academy in Lehi, Utah. “She is an exceptionally talented performer and instructor and will bring a great level of knowledge and artistry to our ballet studio.”

Ursula will be teaching modern and contemporary dance at Central Utah Ballet beginning the 2023-24 season. She says about the program, “As Central Utah Ballet contemporary director, I am focused on the technical strengths that connect classical ballet and modern/contemporary dance. The historical validity of both genres are impossible to execute without one another. I would like to guide each dance artist to use the classical ballet tools and their individual strengths to hone in on their artistic voice. It is my belief that having both skill sets will not only improve their technique, but also their performance quality.”

About Ursula Perry

Ursula is an exceptionally experienced and talented instructor with over twenty years of experience as a performing dance artist as well as a dance educator. Read her full bio by clicking the link below.

About Central Utah Ballet

Central Utah Ballet is a ballet school offering fully comprehensive, classically based ballet programs. The curriculum at Central Utah Ballet is specifically designed to meet each child in his or her emotional and physical development while creating a strong foundation in classical ballet technique. The instructors and faculty at Central Utah Ballet are all highly trained and experienced, with substantial professional dance careers and degrees in higher education specializing in choreography, teaching, or pedagogy. We know that the quality of our dance instructors at Central Utah Ballet has a big impact on your child’s experience with our ballet school and ballet as a whole, so we conscientiously choose staff that will help make their experience as positive as possible. Explore our classes or register today by clicking the link below.

At Central Utah Ballet, we are privileged to be under the direction of award-winning dancer, instructor, and choreographer, Jennie Creer-King.

Resumes of dance talent across the nation include direction by Jennie as she has helped train countless dancers during their competitive and pre-professional stages, with many attaining scholarships and professional company positions.

In addition to seasonal ballet classes for students from 3 years old through adulthood, Central Utah Ballet has also become well-known among the Utah ballet community for its Pre-Professional Summer Ballet Intensives. The schedules for these summer ballet intensives, like the traditional fall classes, were carefully and strategically designed by Jennie Creer-King through her countless years of experience training serious ballet students to prepare them for scholarship and professional company opportunities.

These summer ballet intensives combine classes in classical ballet technique and pointe/variations with supplemental dance theory, such as jazz, modern, Broadway, flamenco, partnering, and more. In addition to summer ballet classes, Central Utah Ballet offers Summer Ballet Camps for dancers ages 8-11 and summer dance camps for children ages 3-7. These camps help to build a foundation of classical ballet while cultivating a genuine love for the art.

“Generally, dancers must choose between schools that teach solid technique OR a love for the art form,” says Nathan W. in his online review. “Jennie has cultivated a culture that produces both. Prior to coming to Central Utah Ballet, our daughter had received instruction at another school that taught her good technique, but it came at a high cost. As we watched her suffer under the weight of a culture that ignored the holistic development of its dancers, we knew we needed a change. Transferring to Central Utah Ballet was the best decision we could have made. It is such a relief to watch her love of ballet beginning to recover and blossom.”

Jennie’s dedication to the art of ballet extends beyond the classroom, as she serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Utah School of Dance and provides performance opportunities for schools.

One of Jennie’s most recent accomplishments is the founding of Chrysalis Ballet, a professional company born in the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic when dancers across the globe lost performance opportunities, found their careers frozen, or, for younger students, were delayed in being able to pursue scholarship and educational opportunities.

During the pandemic, Jennie offered free professional ballet classes at Central Utah Ballet to dancers unable to pursue work or other professional opportunities due to COVID-19. “The joy of having these beautiful artists in my classes ignited my desire to direct a professional ballet company,” said Creer-King.

Auditions for Chrysalis Ballet’s 2023-2024 season will take place in-person on Saturday, June 3 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Central Utah Ballet Studio in Lehi, Utah. Virtual auditions may also be submitted via email by May 27. Audition information can be found at https://centralutahballet.com/chrysalis-ballet-company/

Jennie is the recipient of multiple awards, including “Best of State” in choreography, Best Children’s Performance Group by Governor Leavitt, Best School Award at The Youth American Grand Prix, “Presidential Teacher Recognition Award” in 2005, as well as being crowned Mrs. Utah, United States in 2005 with the platform “Enriching the Lives of Children Through the Fine Arts.”

For more information about Jennie Creer-King, please read her full bio, linked in the button below

Central Utah Ballet Academy is a fully comprehensive, classically-based ballet program for youth seeking to learn classical ballet and contemporary dance. Central Utah Ballet provides preschool and toddler ballet, children’s ballet technique classes, pre-professional ballet trainee programs, junior and senior ballet companies, adult dance classes, and live stage performance opportunities. Learn more about our classes in the descriptions below.

Most Popular Ballet Classes at Central Utah Ballet in Lehi, UT

Central Utah Ballet offers a wide range of classical ballet classes in Lehi, Utah for all ages! Our ballet classes are designed by award-winning instructor and director Jennie Creer-King. Learn about our classes below!

Pre-Ballet Classes ages 3-5 

We offer introductory creative ballet classes for your little ones. In our pre-ballet classes, we teach your child the foundations of classical ballet in a fun, engaging way. Your child will learn ballet terminology, as well as developing muscle strength, spatial and cognitive awareness, and, of course, some of our favorite early ballet techniques such as plié, tendu, degagé, chassé, pirouette, and more!

Each of our classes are specifically designed to introduce a gentle and fun experience for your child.

Children’s Ballet Program Class Description Ages 6-12 

Our children’s ballet program is for students 6-12 years of age. These classes teach classical ballet curriculum with exceptional ballet instructors to help build and advance ballet skills. Placement classes are required for ages 7-8. Children’s ballet classes offer several main stage performances of storybook ballets, classical repertoire and contemporary choreography, as well as parent observation and competition opportunities. 

Adult Classes 

Adult ballet classes at Central Utah Ballet allow adults to continue to indulge their passion in dance without the rigorous commitment of training programs. Central Utah Ballet offers intermediate ballet and barre classes for adults and as well as fitness barre classes with no experience needed.

Pre-Professional Ballet Trainee Programs 

Central Utah Ballet’s pre-professional ballet trainee program simulates a college and professional ballet experience with exceptional training in classical ballet, contemporary, modern, flamenco, character technique, and more. They will also learn ballet repertoire and re-staged classical ballets, experience the creative process of diverse choreographers, and perform in front of audiences. In this program, dancers work directly with Jennie Creer-King, as well as nationally and internationally recognized instructors from Utah and across the country. Junior and Senior programs are available. If you are interested in being part of Central Utah Ballet’s Ballet Trainee Program, please reach out today for audition information.

Our Instructors 

Central Utah Ballet is proud to have some of Utah’s top talent. Our wonderful director Jennie Creer-King has recruited some of the best in the state. Click here to meet our amazing instructors and learn more about them! 

Reach Out for Questions or to Enroll

Are you unsure which class to enroll your child in? Reach out for a free placement class. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about Central Utah Ballet Academy, our classes, or our performances. Please reach out today to learn more!

Central Utah Ballet to Perform Ballet to Broadway on May 12-13

Central Utah Ballet is excited to present Ballet to Broadway on May 12-13, choreographed by the talented Lindsay Folkman

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LEHI, UTAH, May 2020—Central Utah Ballet will perform Ballet to Broadway, choreographed by award-winning choreographer, Lindsay Folkman and directed by Jennie Creer-King, at the Mid Valley Performing Arts Center in Taylorsville, Utah on May 12 and 13, 2022. This two-night performance almost sold out weeks before the performance in anticipation of the event.

Ballet to Broadway is a unique performance with a re-imagination of Broadway classics through the ages. From Singin’ in the Rain, Cabaret, andChicago, to Annie, Mama Mia, and Finding Neverland, each dance celebrates the original style and choreography with a contemporary dance reimagination by Folkman.

This is a new style of performance for the dancers at Central Utah Ballet, whose typical performances focus on classical, contemporary, and modern dance. The show, explained Folkman, includes “Some lip-syncing, some yelling, some singing—90% of these dancers have never had this type of experience before.” This challenge was intentional, according to Folkman, who sought to draw out a more facial and emotional performance from each dancer, pushing them to engage in greater expression on stage and to connect with the audience. “Being comfortable with being uncomfortable has been the biggest challenge for them,” said Folkman.

While the style of performance is new for Central Utah Ballet’s dancers, Broadway-style choreography is not new to Folkman, who has choreographed three musicals with Scera Center for the Arts in Provo and has choreographed retellings of The Wizard of Oz, Pinocchio, Les Miserables, and an original story titled Unspoken.

“I’ve always told stories in my dance,” says Folkman. “People often ask me which choreographers inspire me the most, but I don’t find my inspiration from other choreographers—I’m most inspired by Steven Spielberg and Walt Disney…I’m inspired by taking the audience on a journey.”

Folkman says her goal with the show is to engage every single audience member throughout the performance. “I want to make it so they’re not just looking through the program for when their child, sibling, etcetera is in the show. I want to engage the entire audience and get them to feel something.”

Tickets to the May 12 performance have sold out with limited tickets remaining available for purchase online for the May 13 performance. More details can be found at https://my.arttix.org/overview/28735

About Central Utah Ballet

Central Utah Ballet is a fully comprehensive, classically based ballet program for youth seeking to learn classical ballet and contemporary dance. The ballet studio provides preschool and toddler ballet, children’s ballet technique classes, pre-professional ballet training programs, junior and senior ballet companies, adult dance classes, and live stage performance opportunities.

Central Utah Ballet focuses on training students with a proper syllabus appropriate to the emotional and physical development of each student. Parents find that the young children’s creative ballet programs are fun and engaging while introducing techniques, children’s ballet classes teach a progression of classical technique and discipline, and the pre-professional/company ballet programs prepare young adults for college or professional auditions.

About Lindsay Folkman

Lindsay has designed, choreographed, and directed full-length contemporary productions and countless repertoire pieces, boasting over twenty years of experience teaching and mentoring aspiring dancers and choreographers nationwide. Her extensive choreographic career includes ten original contemporary ballet productions on both studio and professional levels. She is a eight-time recipient of Utah’s “Best of State” Award in Choreography, including winning this year’s Best Choreographer award.

Outside of her artistic production work, Lindsay is a freelance choreographer and master instructor for various dance studios, musical theater companies, and competition dance soloists. Lindsay’s work has achieved multiple accolades at the internationally prestigious Youth America Grand Prix semi-final competition and has twice been awarded as YAGP “Outstanding Choreographer.” Her work has also won local awards and acknowledgment at the annual Utah Dance Festival, Shakespeare Festival, and the Utah High School Activities Association.

A summer ballet intensive is something of a rite of passage for ballet dancers. It is held during the standard break from traditional schools during the summer and often lasts a few weeks. These programs include daily rigorous and demanding dance training that fully immerse students in the art. Classical Utah Ballet offers two summer ballet intensives (Pre-Professional and Children’s) along with day camps for younger dancers (ages 3-6). 

What are the Benefits of a Summer Ballet Intensive?

These courses are called “intensive” for a reason: they are a series of dedicated and specialized classes that challenge and guide students towards ballet proficiency. Designed to make a space for the singular purpose of studying dance, they offer a glimpse into the world of a professional dancer, where their daily life and practice is dedicated to dance. 

Discipline

Discipline is required for strength training, too. Summer ballet intensives challenge and improve strength, flexibility, and muscle memory, which leads to improved technique. Dancers are required to be flexible and strong, and it takes sincere dedication to make it look effortless and graceful. A summer ballet intensive is somewhat akin to a boot camp in that regard: with singular focus, you are training your body to dance.

These days may be challenging, but the reward is worth the effort. Adherence to a static regimen also requires discipline, which is the only way to hone your craft. Our Pre-Professional Summer Intensive Schedule has four classes that rigorously train and fully immerse students in ballet dance. The summer intensive culminates in a final performance so that all your hard work may be recognized. 

Complete Immersion

Offered during the summer months when distractions are at a minimum, summer ballet intensives are about complete immersion in your dance training, a necessity for pre-professional and aspiring dancers. Being completely encompassed by the art includes receiving quality instruction, building strength, and training alongside peers who are similarly engaged. This lends itself to building a network of colleagues who will encourage and support you as you continue in your dance career. 

Final Thoughts

A summer ballet intensive is an enduring and memorable experience, and for some, considered to be one of the most valuable parts of your dance education. As a youth in the world of dancing, there is no other time that you can completely give yourself over to dancing and dancing alone without other large obligations competing for your time.

As adults, it can be difficult to prioritize the things we love–especially when we have a family whose interests seem to trump our own. However, with self-care growing in the spotlight, the need to make time for our passions is being looked upon as less of a luxury and more of a necessity.

However, even without the self-care movement, there are still several reasons you should consider taking adult ballet classes.

Why You Should Take Adult Ballet Classes

“I see dance being used as communication between body and soul to express what is too deep to find for words.” -Ruth St. Denis

1. Ballet is a Great Form of Exercise

Adult ballet classes are a great form of exercise that, for many of us, doesn’t actually feel like exercise (at least not until we’re rubbing down our sore muscles the next day). Ballet is a whole-body workout. Not only is it a great source of cardio exercise, but it is also fantastic for strength training, balance, and coordination. While traditional adult ballet classes often require that you have some ballet experience, barre fitness classes allow adults a ballet-style workout without having to have knowledge of ballet technique.

Ballet helps to increase flexibility, coordination, and strength, all of which are important to maintain regardless of age. Done properly, this kind of training can help reduce injuries and increase mobility that many adults experience as they age.

2. Ballet Promotes Mental Wellness. 

As with most forms of exercise, ballet helps to release endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. For adults, adult ballet classes are also a good excuse to get out of the house, break away from the day-to-day responsibilities, socialize, and let out emotions in a healthy, productive way. All of these things can help to boost mood and improve attitude.

3. Ballet Can Help Improve Energy

Because of its positive benefits on mental and physical health, another benefit of adult ballet classes is that they can help to improve energy.

4. Adult Ballet Classes Provide Opportunities to Socialize

Adult friendships are difficult to begin and maintain. However, adult ballet classes give you an excuse to get together with other adults who are passionate about dance. It provides a fun, easy environment to socialize and interact with others.

5. Dancing Ballet Can Help Improve Self-Esteem

Adult ballet classes also provide the benefit of helping to improve self-esteem. Regardless of skill level, adult ballet classes can help to improve self-esteem by improving physical health and providing a structured, positive environment for self-expression. As your skills and technique progress, you’ll find yourself feeling a sense of pride and confidence as you execute skills you couldn’t–or that were rusty–before.

Final Thoughts

At Central Utah Ballet, we know that it can be difficult to make a commitment to adult ballet classes. That’s why our adult ballet classes are non-sequential, allowing for drop-ins at any time. Come when it’s convenient for you, or buy an unlimited monthly pass to come as often as you’d like. Explore our classes online or drop in today!

Central Utah Ballet offers ballet classes for children 3+. For toddler and preschool students ages 3-5, explore our pre-ballet classes. For students 6+, please take a look at our children’s ballet classes.

Below are some frequently asked questions about our program. Do you have a question that is not covered in this article? Contact us and we will be happy to assist you!

Central Utah Ballet’s Children’s Dance Program FAQs

Which class should I enroll my child in?

Pre-ballet classes are for ages 3-5 and participation is based solely on the age your child will be by August 1.

• Age 3 – Pre-Ballet 1
• Age 4 – Pre-Ballet 2
• Age 5 – Pre-Ballet 3

Children’s Ballet 1 and 2 are based on age while Ballet 3-6 is based on skill level. Central Utah Ballet offers free placement classes to help determine which class your child will benefit from.

• Age 6 – Ballet 1
• Age 7-8 – Ballet 2 (Placement class required–this helps us determine if your child belongs in Ballet 2 or a later class.)
• Ages 8+ – Placement class required to determine best-fit class

How much is tuition?

Tuition for Pre-Ballet is $40-50/month. Children’s Ballet 1-2 is $75/month and $150/month respectively. Children’s Ballet 3-6 ranges from $175-350 depending on the program you choose. See the full breakdown of our tuition pricing as well as registration and performance fees here.

Where is your ballet studio located?

Our ballet studio is located in Lehi, Utah at 132 S. 1350 East. For detailed driving instructions, visit our contact page here.

Will my child be in performances?

Yes! Every class offers parent observation performances as well as on-stage performance opportunities. For pre-ballet, these on-stage opportunities are optional.

How long are classes?

Class length varies by age and skill level. For our youngest students, classes are only 30 minutes long. For older students, classes range from 60-90 minutes long. For more information about class time, take a look at our class schedule here.

Does Central Utah Ballet participate in competitions?

Competitions are completely optional. Teachers will let you know about relevant competition opportunities if you are interested, or if you would like to learn about specific competitions, please let us know!

How do you qualify instructors for Central Utah Ballet?

Each teacher at Central Utah Ballet is handpicked for their talent and expertise. Jennie Creer-King, the founder and director of Central Utah Ballet has a wide ballet network of experienced instructors across the United States. She has invited the best of this network to instruct at Central Utah Ballet as regular or guest instructors.

Do I have to stay during classes?

Parents are not required to stay during classes. However, you are welcome to wait in the lobby if you prefer.

Am I allowed to watch during class?

We ask parents not to sit in classrooms during class time to avoid introducing distractions to our students. We do invite you to stay in the lobby during class if you’d prefer. However, we do offer parent observation performance opportunities where you’ll be able to experience your child’s progress!

Do you offer discounts for multiple children?

Contact us to inquire about multiple-children discounts!

Does my child have to be potty trained?

Yes, we ask that your child be potty trained before attending our pre-ballet classes.

What should my child wear to class?

Each of our classes require different dress codes. Find the pre-ballet dress code here and the children’s ballet dress code here.

Central Utah Ballet is proud to offer ballet dance classes for adults at our studio in Lehi, Utah. As dancers ourselves, we know that passion for ballet doesn’t diminish with age. Our ballet classes give adult dancers an opportunity to fuel their passion.

What Adult Ballet Classes are Offered at Central Utah Ballet?

We offer a few different adult dance classes at Central Utah Ballet:

• Ballet Technique: Our adult ballet classes help to refresh and refine classical ballet technique. While the class is technically beginner-intermediate, we find that intermediate dancers gain the most from the class. If you’re not sure if this class is the right fit, feel free to reach out or to stop by for a drop-in class!
• Adult Barre: Adult Barre is a great opportunity to improve your flexibility, strength, and technique. This class is for beginner-intermediate dancers. However, we do offer a fitness barre class where no experience is needed!
• Fitness Barre: No experience is needed for this class! Stop by for a great workout where we work on strength, flexibility, and stamina. You’ll walk out feeling taller, stronger, and more confident. Join us for a drop-in class or purchase an unlimited monthly pass for a discount!

Would you like to learn more about these classes or explore our class schedule? Click the button below!

What does our intermediate adult ballet technique class look like? Here is a video from one of our recent sessions! We know that love for ballet doesn’t fade with time, which makes our adult ballet technique classes a great opportunity to fill your soul with dance.

Drop-In vs. Monthly Passes

All of our adult dance and barre classes are drop-in. No registration or notice is required–simply show up for those classes you’re most interested in! We offer a drop-in class fee of only $12/class. You may also purchase an unlimited monthly pass for $50.

Because our classes are not seasonal and are offered on a drop-in basis, we do not currently offer performance opportunities for our adult ballet classes–most of our adults prefer it this way! We find this makes classes more accessible to adults who have difficult schedules and aren’t able to commit to regular classes or routines. It also helps alleviate stress for those dancers who want the opportunity to dance but don’t necessarily want to perform in the public eye.

Are There Opportunities for More Serious Adult Ballet Dancers?

Yes! If you are an advanced ballet dancer and are looking for more serious ballet opportunities, please let us know! We have a professional ballet company at Central Utah Ballet called Chrysalis Ballet. This is a great opportunity for adult dancers who are looking to continue growing their skills while opening up performance opportunities, or for college/university students who are preparing for scholarship or audition opportunities or seeking professional experience. Learn more about Chrysalis Ballet here.

If none of our adult ballet classes are quite what you had in mind, Central Utah Ballet also offers private ballet lessons. If you’re interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact us!