About the Ballet & Contemporary Dance Conservatory

The Ballet & Contemporary Dance Conservatory offers students in grades 7 through 12 an intensive and specialized pre-professional training in a variety of dance styles and disciplines, including ballet, modern, pointe, men’s technique, composition, choreography, music appreciation, and conditioning. Over the course of a rigorous four years, students commit themselves to their training and education in a nurturing and disciplined environment. Students are exposed to renowned guest dance instructors, university faculty, and leaders in the professional industry, who visit the campus to share their expertise and creativity through residencies and master classes. The Ballet & Contemporary Dance Conservatory also offers unique and exciting performance opportunities, where students have the chance to demonstrate the artistic skills and talents they have gained throughout their time in the conservatory.

Student Experience

Ballet & Contemporary Dance students experience in-depth training in classical ballet and modern techniques. Ballet technique encompasses pointe, men’s technique, pas de deux, and variations, while modern technique encompasses improvisation, release technique, and choreography composition. Students are also exposed to cross-training techniques through the conservatory’s conditioning and Pilates classes. By spending multiple hours each week in technique classes and rehearsals, students develop an appreciation for different dance genres, styles, and history.

  • "The teachers genuinely care about their students and take great pride in their progressive approaches to both classical and contemporary training."
    Ruby Pittman – Class of 2016
  • “The balance of ballet and contemporary dance made me a dynamic, versatile dancer, and working with established professionals helped me create vital connections I still use today.”
    Hayoung Roh – Class of 2014
  • "My six years in the Classical & Contemporary Dance Conservatory taught me a great deal about discipline, bravery, creativity, commitment, and community. My experience inspired me to pursue dance as one of my majors at Emory University and write an honors thesis in dance."
    Julianna Joss - Class of 2013

Preparing Students for the Future

The Ballet & Contemporary Dance Conservatory prepares its students to follow either a professional or collegiate path. The conservatory’s highly qualified faculty members possess extensive professional experience in the dance world, providing students with the technical skills, discipline, commitment, and edge necessary for a professional career in dance or dance-related fields. The conservatory’s Artist-in-Residence program prepares students by working with guest choreographers and exposes them to the demands and skills needed to successfully navigate the industry. For those who decide to follow a non-dance-related path upon graduation, the Ballet & Contemporary Dance Conservatory's emphasis on structure and discipline is beneficial to all fields of study and professional endeavors.

To learn more about the Ballet & Contemporary Dance curriculum, click here.