Business Details
Premier Ballet School in Spokane, WA
Spokane Ballet Studio has dedicated itself to the art of ballet instruction for students aged three to adult since its founding. Our mission centers on cultivating proper classical technique while nurturing each student's personal drive for improvement. With a faculty boasting 98 combined years of teaching experience in Spokane, we offer a structured progression from beginner to advanced levels, emphasizing musicality, discipline, and artistic expression. Our instructors, including internationally recognized professionals, create an environment where students develop both technical proficiency and a deep appreciation for dance history.The studio's commitment to holistic growth is evident in our annual recitals and specialized programs like the Advanced 2 daytime curriculum for aspiring professional dancers. Located in Spokane's Historic 1909 Riegel Building, we've become a second home for families seeking rigorous yet compassionate dance education that builds confidence and lifelong friendships.
Services
Ballet Classes
Adult Dance
Nutcracker Auditions
Advanced Training
Creative Movement
Pre-Ballet
Pointe Work
Choreography Coaching
Highlights and features
- Faculty with 98 combined years of local teaching experience
- Structured progression from beginner to advanced ballet levels
- Annual recitals and specialized performance opportunities
- Instructors include international soloists and university faculty
- Holistic approach combining technical mastery with artistic growth
What people say
Exquisite technique
Kind passionate teachers
Amazing friendships
Confidence growth
Wonderful staff
Services
Ballet Classes
Structured ballet training for ages three to adult with progressive levels from beginner to advanced. Classes develop technical proficiency in classical technique while fostering artistic expression. Specialized programs include Creative Movement for young children and Advanced 2 training for pre-professional dancers.
Nutcracker Auditions
Annual audition process for participation in the Spokane Nutcracker production. Provides students with professional stage experience and performance training. Auditions held in person with limited registration availability.
Adult Dance
Ballet classes designed for adult learners at various skill levels. Focuses on technique development, physical fitness, and artistic expression. Instructed by faculty with professional performance backgrounds and university teaching experience.
Choreography Coaching
Personalized instruction in dance composition and performance preparation. Led by instructors with professional choreography credits including regional and national productions. Available for competition preparation and recital performances.
Pointe Work
Advanced ballet instruction focusing on pointe technique for experienced dancers. Emphasizes proper alignment, strength development, and artistic presentation. Taught by faculty with professional performance experience in classical ballet companies.
People
Sara Donally
Director
Director with 20 years teaching experience in Spokane. Trained locally and professionally danced with Alberta Ballet and Ballet Theatre of Lexington. Founded Spokane Ballet Studio's current program structure.
Emily Grizzell
Instructor
Former Royal Winnipeg Ballet soloist with international performance experience. Teaches classical technique and repertoire. Choreographs for regional productions and coaches students in professional preparation.
Peggy Goodner Tan
Faculty Member
Spokane dance educator with 35 years experience. Founded Ballet Arts Academy and Theatre Ballet of Spokane. Provides classical training rooted in professional performance standards and pedagogy.
Pam Erickson
Instructor
Teaching artist with 30 years local experience. Adjunct faculty at Whitworth and Gonzaga Universities. Specializes in dance history, pedagogy, and technique instruction for advanced students.
Monica Mota
Choreographer
Flamenco specialist and artistic director of Quiero Flamenco. Brings diverse dance perspectives to ballet instruction. Trained in Spain and with Pacific Northwest Ballet. Produces regional dance collaborations.
Questions
What age groups do you teach?
We offer classes for children starting at age three through adult learners, with structured levels from beginner to advanced.
Do you offer performance opportunities?
All students participate in annual recitals and Nutcracker performances, with additional opportunities through our Advanced 2 program.
What qualifications do your instructors have?
Our faculty includes former professional dancers, university instructors, and award-winning choreographers with 98 combined years of local teaching experience.
How do I register for classes?
Registration available online for most programs. Nutcracker auditions require in-person registration during scheduled events.
What makes your studio unique?
We combine rigorous classical training with personalized attention, fostering both technical excellence and artistic growth in a supportive community environment.
Do you offer specialized training for serious dancers?
Our Advanced 2 daytime program provides additional coaching, variations, and strengthening for students pursuing professional dance careers or university programs.
