Business Details
16 Years
experience
Premier Ballet Training in Cary, NC
International Ballet Academy (IBA) is a premier institution dedicated to cultivating exceptional ballet talent through rigorous training and holistic development. Founded by a team of seasoned professionals with over 50 years of combined experience in professional dance and education, IBA offers comprehensive programs from early childhood to pre-professional levels. Our mission is to prepare dancers for careers in 21st-century ballet while fostering artistic expression, academic excellence, and community engagement. With state-of-the-art facilities in Cary, North Carolina, including three studios with sprung floors and a dedicated conference room, we provide a nurturing environment that prioritizes both technical mastery and personal growth. Our faculty includes internationally recognized instructors and guest artists who bring global expertise to every class.IBA students consistently earn accolades at prestigious competitions like YAGP and ADC|IBC, with many securing scholarships to top-tier institutions and positions in professional companies. Through partnerships with local organizations like the Triangle Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and initiatives such as sensory-friendly Nutcracker performances, we remain deeply committed to making dance accessible to all. Our Pre-Professional Day program bridges academic training with professional rigor, requiring students to maintain high scholastic standards while preparing for careers in performance, choreography, or teaching. With flexible scheduling options and housing support for out-of-town students, IBA serves families across Cary, Raleigh, Durham, and beyond.
Services
Ballet Classes
Pre-Professional Training
Summer Intensive
Competitive Preparation
Community Performances
Jazz & Modern Programs
Men's Division
Nutcracker Production
Faculty Masterclasses
Housing Support
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- Award-winning faculty with 50+ years of combined professional dance experience
- Proven track record preparing students for top ballet companies and schools
- State-of-the-art facility with three specialized dance studios
- Comprehensive training from early childhood through pre-professional levels
- Community-focused programs including free sensory-friendly performances
Associations and certifications
- Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) Outstanding School
- American Dance Competition (ADC) Outstanding Coach
What people say
Exceptional training
National recognition
Community engagement
Professional preparation
Skilled instructors
Services
Ballet Classes
Comprehensive ballet training for ages 3 to adult, covering technique, pointe work, partnering, and variations. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention from internationally recognized instructors. Curriculum prepares students for professional careers or recreational enjoyment.
Pre-Professional Training
Intensive program combining advanced ballet technique with performance opportunities and academic flexibility. Students receive coaching for major competitions and gain exposure to professional choreographers. Requires audition or faculty invitation for enrollment.
Summer Intensive
Seven-week training program featuring daily classes in ballet, pointe, and modern dance. Includes nutrition seminars and injury prevention workshops. Available in flexible session lengths from one to seven weeks with housing options for out-of-town students.
Community Performances
Annual productions including The Nutcracker and spring performances showcase student talent. Offers free sensory-friendly performances for families with special needs children. Collaborates with local orchestras to promote regional artistic talent.
Competitive Preparation
Specialized coaching for Youth America Grand Prix and ADC|IBC competitions. Faculty includes multiple Outstanding Teacher Award recipients. Students have earned regional titles and full scholarships to prestigious ballet academies nationwide.
People
Christina Fanny
Academy Director
Over 25 years of professional dance experience as performer and educator. Oversees curriculum development and housing coordination. Recipient of multiple teaching awards at international competitions.
Nadia Pavlenko
Faculty Member
Internationally recognized instructor with expertise in classical ballet technique. Regular guest teacher at summer intensives. Trained students who have won national competitions and joined professional companies.
Maxim Ponomarenko
Faculty Member
Former professional dancer with extensive teaching experience. Specializes in men's technique and partnering. Participates in guest artist programs and competition judging panels.
Emma Frenette
Faculty Member
Certified instructor with focus on pointe work and variations. Develops curriculum for advanced students. Regularly invited to teach masterclasses at regional dance studios.
Olivier Pardina
Guest Artist
Internationally acclaimed choreographer and master teacher. Leads workshops during summer intensives. Brings European ballet tradition expertise to student training programs.
Questions
What age groups do you accept?
We offer programs for children as young as 3 through pre-professional adults with classes divided by age and skill level.
Are there performance opportunities?
Students participate in annual Nutcracker and spring performances, with advanced dancers performing in community outreach events throughout the year.
How do I audition for the summer intensive?
Auditions occur in-person in February or via video submission with barre and center work samples lasting 7-10 minutes.
Do you offer housing for out-of-town students?
Limited housing is available at $400/week with additional options through host families for summer intensive participants.
What makes your program unique?
Combines rigorous ballet training with academic support, community service requirements, and guest artist collaborations in a nurturing environment.
Are scholarships available?
While we don't offer direct scholarships, our students have earned full tuition awards to prestigious institutions through competition achievements.
Reviews (4)
Gurjeet Kaur
Sep 27, 2021
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During the very first time communication the receptionist was the rudest I have ever seen. Conditions were not cleared ahead of time over the phone for the first time meeting and later she rudely started throwing centre rules during the very first visit, and expecting us to know all of their rules. Expecting a first timer to know all the dance and that child to dance for whole hour for them to assess which level to send the child to. She behaved as if whole one hour is required for assessment. Not a minute lesser than that. Anyway would never go back n would never refer. Joined a different Balet
Isabella
Jul 18, 2020
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IBA has been an incredible experience for me. I started late, and they helped me improve to catch up with the other kids my age. The teachers and staff there are very professional and helpful.
Cp W.
Jul 07, 2017
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The cost is comparable to other ballet schools in the area and the quality of training is outstanding. Classes are also provided in other dance styles. IBA is a great environment for any child or teen, girl or boy, who loves to dance.
Erricca Degraffenreidt
Nov 21, 2013
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My daughter has been in ballet for over 4 years now but the school she previously attended last year was far away and not very friendly so we decided to give IBA a try. When I first told my daughter she was switching schools she begged and pleaded not to..after the first class I never heard her even speak of her old school..lol. She LOVEEESSSS IBA! The staff is so friendly and the teachers are amazing. I'm so glad we made the switch!
