Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Premier Ballet Education in Murray, Utah
Ballet Center Utah has dedicated itself to the artistry and education of ballet technique since 1970. Our institution specializes in the Russian Vagonova Method, ensuring students from age 3 to adult develop precision, discipline, and self-esteem through structured training. With a faculty of experienced instructors and accompaniment by professional pianists, we provide a comprehensive curriculum that includes classical ballet, character dance, and contemporary techniques. Our students perform regularly in our own theatre, gaining valuable stage experience while benefiting from cost-free costume access.We emphasize technical excellence, artistic growth, and community engagement through annual performances, summer intensives, and collaborations with local arts organizations like the Murray Symphony. Our policies reflect a commitment to professionalism, inclusivity, and the holistic development of dancers pursuing both recreational and professional paths.
Services
Ballet Classes
Summer Intensive Programs
Performance Opportunities
Character Dance Training
Contemporary Dance Classes
Adult Ballet Workshops
Pointe Technique Instruction
Choreography Development
Costume Rentals
Guest Artist Masterclasses
Details
- Year established: 1970
Highlights and features
- We specialize in the Russian Vagonova Method of classical ballet training
- Our faculty includes internationally recognized instructors and guest artists
- Students perform multiple times annually in our dedicated theatre
- Summer Intensive programs include masterclasses with visiting professionals
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with tax-deductible donations
Services
Ballet Classes
Structured ballet training for ages 3 to adult using the Russian Vagonova Method. Classes focus on technical precision, artistic expression, and physical development. Students progress through defined levels with increasing complexity in barre work, center combinations, and performance preparation.
Summer Intensive
Five-week intensive training program with daily technique classes and special topic workshops. Includes performance opportunities in Children's Matinee and Ballet Under the Lights. Features guest instruction from international professionals like Sasha Lunev and Katelynn Killian.
Performance Opportunities
Annual production schedule featuring A Christmas Dream, Student Showcase, Scheherazade collaboration, and School Recital. Students participate in fully staged productions with professional scenery, costumes, and lighting at our dedicated theatre and community venues.
Character Dance
Specialized instruction in traditional folkloric dance styles from various cultures. Taught by experienced instructors like Joel Cortez, this training develops rhythmic complexity, cultural awareness, and performance versatility through authentic movement patterns and costuming.
Choreography Development
Student-centered choreography program where advanced dancers create original works. Includes mentorship in composition techniques, peer teaching, and production elements. Featured in annual Student Showcase and integrated into mainstage performances.
People
Bill Wright
Business Manager
Overseeing daily operations and financial management at Ballet Center Utah since 2005, Bill brings 30 years of arts administration experience to ensure organizational efficiency and sustainability.
Susan Wright
Administrator
Managing student relations and program coordination, Susan has supported ballet education in Murray for 25 years, maintaining consistent communication between faculty, students, and families.
Michelle Armstrong
Lead Instructor
Principal faculty member with 20+ years teaching experience, Michelle specializes in advanced technique and pointe work. She choreographs original works and prepares students for professional dance careers.
Sasha Lunev
Guest Faculty
Internationally renowned instructor from the Vaganova Academy, Sasha brings decades of performance experience as former Kirov Ballet principal dancer and artistic director of New England Ballet Company.
Elizabeth Armstrong
Teaching Assistant
Lifetime member with performance experience in Russia, Elizabeth assists in character class instruction and ballet technique while holding a Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the University of Utah.
Questions
What ballet training methods do you use?
We specialize in the Russian Vagonova Method, combining classical technique with character dance and contemporary elements for comprehensive dancer development.
Are adult ballet classes available?
Yes, we offer beginning, intermediate, and advanced adult classes with flexible scheduling including weekend and evening options for working professionals.
How do students progress through levels?
Students advance through technical proficiency assessments, with placement classes available for new students and annual evaluations determining class assignments.
What performance opportunities exist?
Our annual schedule includes A Christmas Dream, Student Showcase, Scheherazade collaboration, School Recital, and Ballet Under the Lights performances.
Do you offer summer programs?
Our five-week Summer Intensive includes daily technique classes, special topic workshops, and two public performances with guest instruction from international professionals.
What are costume requirements?
Specific color leotards are required for classes, with performance costumes provided from our collection at no additional cost to families.
Reviews (2)
Lydia Cousins
Oct 06, 2020
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This is an amazing place to learn classical ballet. If you are looking for a place for your child to learn ballet this is it. I have been dancing there since I was 6 and have not regretted it one second.
Carrie E. Gold
Jan 14, 2017
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I took ballet here for some time when I was younger. It is an excellent studio. They have a wonderful curriculum, spacious facilities, and train professional-level dancers. It is also the only studio I've seen in the area where dancers do pas de deux work and where there's a pianist for every class.
