Business Details
45 Years
experience
Premier Ballet Instruction in Bend, OR
Central Oregon School of Ballet has been nurturing excellence in dance education since 1981. Our institution specializes in classical ballet training for students aged 5+ through adults, offering structured curricula in Ballet Technique, Pointe, Men's Technique, Partnering, and Variations. With a faculty of internationally trained professionals, including Bolshoi Ballet-certified instructors and former principal artists, we combine technical rigor with character development. Our philosophy emphasizes ballet as life training, fostering self-confidence, discipline, and artistic appreciation.Over 35 years of producing The Nutcracker demonstrate our commitment to community engagement through the arts. We provide placement-based progression ensuring technical mastery rather than age-based advancement. With both recreational and pre-professional tracks, we prepare students for careers in dance or lifelong appreciation of the art form. Our alumni have successfully transitioned to professional companies and conservatory programs nationwide.
Services
Ballet Technique
Pointe Training
Men's Technique
Partnering Classes
Performance Preparation
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience in classical ballet education
- Our faculty includes Bolshoi Ballet-certified instructors and former principal artists
- We offer placement-based progression ensuring technical mastery
- We produce Oregon's longest-running Nutcracker production annually
- Our graduates successfully transition to professional dance careers
What people say
World-class instructors
Professional performance opportunities
Structured curriculum
Supportive community
Excellent technique development
Services
Ballet Technique
Our core ballet technique classes develop proper alignment, strength, and artistry through progressive exercises at the barre and in center work. Students master classical vocabulary while building discipline and musicality. Classes emphasize safe progression through foundational positions to advanced pirouettes and petit allegro.
Pointe Training
Pointe classes focus on proper placement and strengthening for en pointe work. Students learn to execute turns, balances, and choreographic sequences safely while maintaining classical form. Training includes foot care education and gradual progression to ensure long-term technical development and injury prevention.
Performance Preparation
Performance classes prepare students for stage productions through rehearsal of classical repertoire and original choreography. Participants learn theatrical presentation, character development, and ensemble coordination. This training culminates in annual performances like The Nutcracker with professional guest artists and community collaborations.
Adult Ballet
Adult ballet classes cater to both beginners and returning dancers in a supportive environment. Focus includes proper technique, flexibility improvement, and artistic expression without performance pressure. Classes accommodate varying fitness levels while maintaining classical ballet standards for those continuing their training post-high school.
Private Lessons
Private instruction offers personalized attention for technical refinement, competition preparation, or role coaching. Sessions focus on individual goals with customized exercises and immediate feedback. Available for students seeking accelerated progress or specific performance preparation with our professional faculty.
People
Joshua D. Deininger
Artistic Director
BFA in Dance Performance from Southern Methodist University with performance experience at Olympic Ballet Theater. Certified instructor with teaching expertise in ballet, modern, and pas de deux. Choreographer for The Nutcracker and other classical productions.
Elizabeth Voiles
Associate Artistic Director
Bolshoi Ballet-certified instructor and AGMA member with professional experience at Seattle Opera and Olympic Ballet Theatre. Specializes in classical technique training and performance coaching. Co-choreographer for major productions and competition preparation.
Questions
What age can children start ballet classes?
Students can begin Pre-Ballet at age 5, with formal curriculum starting at age 6. Placement depends on skill level and space availability.
Are there performance opportunities for students?
Yes! Our annual Nutcracker production features over 100 students. Performance Division participants join multiple productions with professional guest artists.
What qualifications do your instructors have?
Our faculty includes Bolshoi Ballet-certified instructors, former principal artists from major companies, and nationally recognized dance educators with decades of combined teaching experience.
How does class placement work?
Students are placed by skill level through placement classes rather than age. Performance Division requires audition and director approval for mid-year enrollment.
What performance requirements exist for students?
Performance participants must attend all rehearsals and classes. Excused absences require advance notice, with strict attendance policies to maintain production quality.
Do you offer adult ballet classes?
Yes! We provide Adult Ballet and Contemporary classes for recreational dancers with no performance obligation, accommodating various experience levels.
Reviews (4)
Cody Solomon
Aug 07, 2021
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Positive:Quality
The most incredible and kind teachers and best work environment! The thought and effort put into teaching and productions is nothing short of incredible
The most incredible and kind teachers and best work environment! The thought and effort put into teaching and productions is nothing short of incredible
Bea
Aug 05, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
I have been going here since I was just a mouse in the Nutcracker and the teachers have always been amazing. They do everything they can to help all of us improve. I wanted to do ballet since I was 2 and COSB hasn't disappointed.
I have been going here since I was just a mouse in the Nutcracker and the teachers have always been amazing. They do everything they can to help all of us improve. I wanted to do ballet since I was 2 and COSB hasn't disappointed.
Danielle Morone
Sep 23, 2020
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My daughter has been enrolled at the Central Oregon School of Ballet (COSB) since 2017. We have stayed with the studio through the beautiful and thoughtful transition from the original owners (who operated COSB for more than 30 years) to Josh & Elizabeth, the current owners who bring a dedication and vitality to the studio that is needed for the present day. The classes and studio are professionally run with pride, and with a clear commitment to the craft and art. As my daughter continues to study ballet, I too have returned to the dance floor periodically for the adult ballet classes, which are
Camie Nelson
Aug 01, 2020
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Wonderful teachers, staff is amazing, instruction is everything we hoped for and more! My daughter had been dreaming of attending COSB since she attended her first Nutcracker at 3 years old. She was finally able to do that and it has exceeded both of our expectations!
