Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Premier Dance Education & Performance Since 1962
Founded in 1962, the North Dakota Ballet has served as the official ballet company of North Dakota for over six decades. Our mission focuses on delivering high-quality dance education while fostering artistic growth and character development for students aged 18 months and older. Through diverse programming in ballet, jazz, modern, tap, hip hop, and contemporary styles, we cultivate technical proficiency and creative expression. Our outreach initiatives integrate dance into academic settings, using movement to enhance learning in mathematics and science. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on community support to sustain our performances, educational programs, and community engagement efforts.Our team of experienced instructors provides personalized instruction in both recreational and competitive dance environments. We offer virtual classes, adult dance programs, and pre-professional training opportunities to serve diverse skill levels. Our Youth Ballet Company and competitive teams provide performance experiences that build discipline and teamwork. Located in Grand Forks, we partner with local businesses and organizations to expand access to dance education. With a legacy of excellence, we remain committed to nurturing the next generation of artists and audiences.
Services
Ballet Classes
Jazz Classes
Modern Dance
Hip Hop
Tap Dance
Contemporary
Adult Programs
Youth Ballet
Competitive Teams
Virtual Classes
Details
- Year established: 1962
Highlights and features
- We offer 60+ years of dance education expertise in Grand Forks
- Our faculty includes certified instructors in multiple dance disciplines
- We provide community-focused programming from preschool to pre-professional levels
- Our outreach initiatives integrate dance with academic curriculum standards
- We maintain strong partnerships with local arts organizations and schools
Services
Ballet Classes
We offer comprehensive ballet instruction from beginner to advanced levels for ages 3 and up. Our curriculum emphasizes proper technique, posture, and artistic expression through structured lessons. Students participate in annual performances to showcase their progress while developing discipline and grace.
Competitive Teams
Our audition-based competitive program provides intensive training for dancers aged 6+. Participants receive specialized coaching in multiple styles and compete regionally while gaining performance experience. The program focuses on teamwork, technical excellence, and artistic growth through structured rehearsals and competitions.
Youth Ballet Company
This pre-professional training program develops ballet skills through advanced technical instruction and performance opportunities. Dancers aged 7-18 participate in three annual productions while building foundational skills for professional dance careers through specialized coaching and stage experience.
Virtual Classes
Our on-demand virtual classes provide flexible dance education for ages 3-18. The library includes ballet, jazz, modern, and musical theater options with professional instruction accessible anytime. This program supports continued training outside regular studio hours with structured lesson plans and technique demonstrations.
Adult Programs
We offer inclusive dance classes for adults aged 16+ at all skill levels. Programs include fitness-focused sessions, technique refinement, and performance opportunities for both recreational and pre-professional dancers. The curriculum accommodates returning dancers and newcomers seeking physical activity through dance.
People
Laura Arneson
Executive Director
Laura Arneson leads the North Dakota Ballet with over 20 years of dance education experience. She oversees artistic programming and organizational strategy while maintaining community partnerships. Her leadership focuses on expanding access to quality dance instruction and maintaining artistic excellence.
Lauren Paulson
Artistic Director
Lauren Paulson directs artistic programming and membership operations at NDBC. With extensive performance and teaching experience, she manages the Youth Ballet Company and develops curriculum standards. She coordinates productions and ensures technical training aligns with professional dance requirements.
Mackenzie Teepen
Finance Director
Mackenzie Teepen manages financial operations and budget planning for the organization. She ensures fiscal responsibility while supporting program development and grant management. Her work maintains financial stability for sustained dance education initiatives and community outreach programs.
Natalie Koch
Competition Director
Natalie Koch oversees competitive programs and student experience initiatives. She coordinates competition teams, faculty training, and performance logistics while developing educational outreach partnerships. Her focus includes dancer development and maintaining competition standards.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We provide instruction in ballet, jazz, modern, tap, hip hop, contemporary, pointe, musical theater, and dance fitness for ages 18 months and up.
How can I register for classes?
Registration is available through our Parent Portal where you can enroll in classes, make payments, and update personal information online.
Do you offer adult dance classes?
Yes, we have multiple adult programs including recreational classes, technique refinement, and pre-professional training options for ages 16+.
Are there performance opportunities?
Students participate in annual productions including Holiday Ballet, Spring Story Book Ballet, and Academy Concert performances throughout the season.
How can I support your organization?
Community support helps sustain our programs through individual donations, corporate partnerships, and sponsorship opportunities that fund performances and educational outreach.
Do you have virtual class options?
Yes, our on-demand virtual library includes ballet, jazz, modern, and musical theater classes accessible anytime for ages 3-18.
