Business Details
20 Years
experience
Your Trusted Dance School in Belmont, NC
Founded in 2006 as an extension of the Charlotte School of Ballet (established in 1968), Belmont School Of Ballet provides comprehensive dance education rooted in classical ballet traditions. Our curriculum integrates the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus, used in 82 countries, and the Cecchetti Method, both renowned for technical rigor and artistic development. With a faculty of internationally trained instructors, we offer training for students aged 3 to adults, emphasizing poise, discipline, and self-confidence. Performing opportunities include community engagements and full-length story ballets, fostering practical application of skills. Our teachers hold certifications from prestigious institutions and bring decades of professional experience in dance and choreography.We maintain partnerships with organizations like the Charlotte Youth Ballet and adhere to structured progression through developmentally appropriate levels. The school supports students through examinations, solo performance awards, and specialized classes in pointe, variations, and contemporary styles. Our facility includes a boutique offering dancewear and custom-fit pointe shoes. With 19 years of service in downtown Belmont, we combine historical legacy with modern pedagogical approaches. Our commitment to quality instruction has made us a cornerstone of dance education in the region.
Services
Classical Ballet
Tap Dance
Jazz Dance
Modern Dance
Pointe Work
Adult Classes
Private Lessons
Dance Exams
Ballet Boutique
Performance Training
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- We offer training from internationally certified instructors with professional backgrounds in major ballet companies
- Our curriculum combines two globally recognized syllabi: Royal Academy of Dance and Cecchetti Method
- We provide performance opportunities in community venues and full-length story ballets
- Our faculty includes former dancers from Louisville Ballet and New York City Ballet
- We maintain strict technical progression with developmentally appropriate class levels
Associations and certifications
- Royal Academy of Dance
- Cecchetti Council of America
Services
Classical Ballet Training
Our classical ballet program follows the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus for ages 3 to adults. Students progress through graded levels with technical precision and artistic expression. The curriculum develops proper posture, placement, and performance skills through barre work, center combinations, and character dance.
Cecchetti Method Classes
Cecchetti Council of America-certified instruction begins at age 9 with structured technique development. Classes follow Enrico Cecchetti's scientific approach to ballet training through progressive exercises. Students prepare for examinations that validate technical proficiency and artistic interpretation through rigorous assessment.
Adult Ballet Classes
Beginner-friendly ballet classes accommodate adults of all experience levels. Sessions focus on fitness, flexibility, and foundational technique. Two weekly sessions provide accessible options for working professionals seeking physical and artistic development through classical dance training.
Dance Examinations
We prepare students for Royal Academy of Dance and Cecchetti Council examinations from primary through advanced levels. The evaluation process includes technical demonstrations, choreographed sequences, and performance assessments. Examinations validate progress and provide objective feedback for continued development.
Performance Opportunities
Students participate in community performances and full-length story ballets. Production experience includes classical repertoire and original choreography. Performances develop stage presence, ensemble coordination, and professional work ethic through rehearsals and public presentations.
People
Gay Porter
Artistic Director Emeritus
Trained at London's Arts Educational School, Gay Porter danced internationally before founding Charlotte Youth Ballet. She received North Carolina School of the Arts' Teacher of the Year award in 1994 and holds advanced teaching certifications from both Royal Academy of Dance and Cecchetti Council of America.
Bridget Porter Young
Artistic Director
Bridget Porter Young performed with Louisville Ballet and North Carolina Dance Theatre. She choreographed productions for Pueblo Ballet and holds teaching credentials from Royal Academy of Dance and Cecchetti Council of America. She directs Charlotte Youth Ballet and chairs the Cecchetti Southeast Committee.
Skyla Caldwell
Instructor
Skyla Caldwell trained at Charlotte School of Ballet and Point Park Conservatory. She danced with Charlotte Ballet and National Ballet of Cuba. As an Associate of the Royal Academy of Dance, she brings professional performance experience to her ballet instruction.
Marisa Lauer
Instructor
Marisa Lauer graduated with a BFA in Dance from Valdosta State University. She completed Royal Academy of Dance examinations through Advanced I and brings contemporary training expertise to her instruction. Her academic excellence was recognized with multiple university scholarships.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
We offer classical ballet, tap, jazz, modern, hip hop, lyrical, and pointe work using Royal Academy of Dance and Cecchetti Method curricula.
What age groups do you accept?
We teach students aged 3 through adults with developmentally appropriate classes from pre-ballet through advanced technical training.
Do you offer performance opportunities?
Yes, students participate in community performances and full-length story ballets including Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty productions.
Are dance examinations available?
We prepare students for Royal Academy of Dance and Cecchetti Council examinations from primary through advanced levels with certified instructors.
Do you have adult dance classes?
Yes, we offer beginner-friendly ballet classes for adults on Mondays and Tuesdays focusing on fitness and foundational technique.
Is private instruction available?
Private lessons can be arranged through the business office with advance notice for personalized dance training opportunities.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Rodney B.
Aug 21, 2021
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Cute place with expert teachers and instruction! Great environment to learn ballet and all types of dance Highly recommend!
Janna Ashley Rheinson
Dec 31, 2019
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We love this dance studio! They focus on skills rather than dance moves for one performance all year. I don't worry about dance costumes being provocative. Costumes and uniforms are classy. Most importantly My daughters love it!
S. Johnson
Sep 24, 2017
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I have 2 girls, ages 9 and 7. We have been taking dance here for 5 almost 6 years. You will not find a better classical dance studio. Ms. Alyssa is a joy to work with my eldest in Ceccehtti. Ms.Bridget and Ms. Porter are two that have been trained in the Royal Academy of Dance how to teach each child effectively. My daughter is meek and for sure could get run over by other girls in the class, but the teachers are excellent at seeing who she is and making sure she gets the attention and same treatment in class. It has been a joy to watch my clumsy, thick 4 year old, who is now almost 10, grow into
Cindy Elmore
Jun 17, 2017
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My daughter has attended the Belmont School of Ballet for 9 years. We have had wonderful experiences there and she has been offered great opportunities to further her dance education. She has had many inspiring and impressive teachers who have guided and nurtured her love of dance.
Saffie Girl
Jan 14, 2016
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This experience happened eight years ago, but I'm pretty certain the woman who caused this incident is still the director. My daughter was so eager to become a dancer. She had attended classes with her older sister and was happy to start her own dancing career. Her instructor (not the same lady) was a gem to work with and assessed her as a quick learner. You can't imagine how thrilled I was when my daughter, having six months of ballet classes, was chosen as one of the soloists for the recital. The next week, however, I was told by one of the "nicer" dance moms that my daughter, having not been
