Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Dance School in Long Beach, CA
Founded in 1956, Long Beach Ballet has been a cornerstone of classical ballet training in Southern California. Our academy provides comprehensive technical instruction through twelve levels of training, nurturing dancers from early childhood to professional readiness. The curriculum emphasizes classical ballet technique while incorporating diverse dance forms like jazz, African dance, and modern dance through our internationally recognized Summer Program. Students gain invaluable performance experience through annual productions at prestigious venues like the Carpenter Performing Arts Center and Terrace Theater. Our mission focuses on enhancing lives through the discipline and beauty of ballet, supported by a faculty of industry professionals with decades of experience.We pride ourselves on preparing students for successful careers in ballet, with many graduates joining major companies worldwide. The school's state-of-the-art facility features four studios with professional-grade equipment, an on-site dance-wear boutique, and climate-controlled environments. Our commitment to excellence has been recognized through international tours, partnerships with global ballet institutions, and consistent production of award-winning performers. Despite challenges like the 2020 pandemic, we adapted swiftly with virtual classes and outdoor studios to maintain uninterrupted training. Today, we continue to uphold our legacy as a premier institution for ballet education and performance opportunities.
Services
Ballet Training
Summer Intensive Program
Performance Opportunities
Faculty Coaching
International Tours
Details
- Year established: 1956
Highlights and features
- We offer 65+ years of continuous ballet instruction with proven training methodologies
- Our faculty includes internationally recognized performers and competition coaches
- Students gain performance experience through two major annual productions
- We maintain professional-grade facilities with four specialized dance studios
- Our graduates have successfully joined major ballet companies worldwide
Services
Ballet Training
Our twelve-level ballet curriculum develops technical proficiency from early childhood through professional preparation. Students receive structured training in classical technique with progressive skill development. The program emphasizes proper alignment, musicality, and artistic expression through age-appropriate instruction.
Summer Intensive Program
This internationally recognized program offers specialized training in diverse dance forms including jazz, African dance, and modern techniques. Participants receive master classes from industry professionals while developing performance skills. The program includes a China tour component for advanced students.
Performance Opportunities
Students participate in two major annual productions at professional venues. The June School Performance features full-scale story ballets while December's Nutcracker offers regional theater performances. These opportunities develop stage presence and ensemble coordination.
Faculty Coaching
Expert faculty provide personalized coaching for competition preparation and role development. Instructors include former professional dancers with international experience. Coaching focuses on technical refinement and performance readiness.
International Tours
Selected students participate in international tours to Asia and Europe. These programs include cultural exchange experiences and performances with global ballet companies. Tours provide exposure to different dance traditions and professional environments.
People
David Wilcox
Artistic Director
Internationally recognized choreographer with seven years professional experience in Germany. Founded Long Beach Ballet in 1981 and produced eight Asian tours. Teaches advanced technique and stages full-length productions.
Ellen Bigelow
Faculty Member
Former Nevada Ballet Theater and Eugene Ballet performer. BFA in dance from University of Cincinnati. Teaches children's levels and performs lead roles in school productions.
Shani Englert
Ballet Mistress
Trained under Audrey Share and David Wilcox. Former principal dancer with Los Angeles Classical Ballet. Manages production elements and coaches Youth America Grand Prix competitors.
Gillian Finley
Faculty Member
25+ years teaching experience with USC Kaufman School of Dance. Former director of Ballet Pacifica's Conservatory program. Certified Stott Pilates instructor supporting dancer conditioning.
Jessica Stone
Faculty Member
Former Eugene Ballet and Ballet Idaho professional dancer. Teaches pre-ballet levels and stages classical repertoire. Brings extensive performance experience in both classical and contemporary works.
Questions
What age groups do you accept for ballet training?
We accept students starting at age four through our twelve-level training program.
Do you offer performance opportunities for students?
Yes, students perform in two annual productions at professional theater venues.
What styles of dance do you teach besides ballet?
Our Summer Program includes jazz, African dance, modern, and character dance instruction.
Are there opportunities for advanced students to tour internationally?
Selected students participate in our China tour program and other international performance opportunities.
What qualifications do your instructors have?
Our faculty includes former professional dancers from major companies worldwide with competition coaching experience.
How did you adapt during the 2020 pandemic?
We implemented virtual classes and built three outdoor studios with professional dance flooring.
