General Information
The Ballet Center is a curriculum- and performance-based dance studio located in beautiful Bristol, Rhode Island. We proudly offer high-quality dance training in a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment—a place where every student can thrive.
Our studio is home to three divisions: Young Dancer, Main, and Adult, with classes in classical ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, and contemporary. We welcome dancers of all experience levels, from preschoolers (age 3) to adults.
Alongside exceptional instruction from our dedicated faculty, we bring joy to the studio with seasonal parties, spirit weeks, and fun studio-wide challenges—because we believe in balancing strong technique with a sense of community and fun.
During the summer, we offer Summer Dance Workshops for skill-building and exploration, along with several fun dance classes.
Why We Don’t Compete
Competition can a wonderful experience for some dancers, but it isn’t the foundation of our program.
We believe dance is ultimately a performing art.
Our students train to develop technique, musicality, artistry and the ability to communicate with an audience. Performances give them a reason to work toward something bigger than themselves while learning commitment, teamwork & confidence.
For dancers who want excellent training without competition becoming the center of their dance experience, The Ballet Center offers another path.
High Standards. Healthy Dancers.
Children can be challenged without being compared
They can learn discipline without being afraid to make mistakes
They can develop excellent technique without learning to criticize their bodies
We believe strong dance education should build the whole dancer. Our teachers encourage effort, independence, musicality, artistry and respect while helping each student develop a healthy relationship with dance and with themselves.
That is the kind of dancer we’re interested in developing. And more importantly, the kind of person
Performance Excellence
At The Ballet Center, we take great pride in the professional quality of our productions. Each June, our season culminates in a spectacular performance that showcases our entire student body and highlights all dance styles taught at the studio.
Our past productions include beloved classics and original creations, such as:
Jamie and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Les Sylphides, Coppélia, Snow White, Gaîté Parisienne, Pictures at an Exhibition, La Bayadère: Kingdom of the Shades, Cinderella, The Sleeping Beauty Act III, Spartacus, The Wizard of Oz, Harry Potter, Alice in Wonderland, Thumbelina, and Peter Pan.
We encourage responsible and thoughtful participation, ensuring that every dancer enjoys a positive and memorable performance experience.
The Classical Nutcracker
Every other year, The Ballet Center proudly presents a full-length production of the beloved holiday classic, The Nutcracker. All students enrolled in our classical ballet program—from Fancy Feet through Level 7 and beyond—are invited to participate in this magical performance opportunity.
Dancing in a full-length ballet offers students so much more than stage experience. They gain skills in acting, mime, teamwork, and commitment, all while being part of a cherished tradition.
The Nutcracker Beyond Tradition
In addition to our classical Nutcracker, The Ballet Center produces an exciting, non-traditional version of the holiday favorite—featuring the familiar storyline told through Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Contemporary, and other non-ballet styles.
All dancers enrolled in Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Contemporary, or Combo classes are invited to perform in our Nutcracker Beyond Tradition. To ensure an enjoyable experience for our youngest performers, Combo class dancers perform just one style. Dancers in levels 3-7 may not perform every style they take for the same reason.
Participation is always optional—dancers may choose to opt out of any or all of their assigned numbers.
“Wonderful open and affirming dance studio. Small nurturing family feel with quality dance instruction”
— Kristin, Parent & Dancer
The Ballet Center Has Proven Results
The following prestigious professional summer and year-round training programs accepted our students:
- American Ballet Theatre
- American Academy of Ballet
- The American Dance Festival
- Atlanta Ballet
- Complexions
- Dance Theater of Harlem
- Dancing Arts Center
- Festival Ballet Providence
- Hartford Ballet
- Joffrey Ballet
- Joffrey Ballet Trainee Program
- Kirov Academy of Ballet (now Universal Academy)
- Philadelphia’s Ballet Theatre’s Vaganova Festival
- Princeton Ballet
- Walnut Hill School of the Arts
- Boston Ballet