Business Details
30 Years
experience
Your Trusted Dance School in Traverse City
Founded in 1996 by Thomas Morrell, Ballet Etc. has established itself as a premier dance education institution serving the Grand Traverse region. Our studio prioritizes a competition-free philosophy, emphasizing the artistic integrity of dance over measurable scores. We provide comprehensive training in ballet and other dance styles, with a focus on building foundational strength, technical proficiency, and performance skills for students of all ages and abilities. Recognizing ballet as the cornerstone of dance education, we encourage all students to incorporate ballet into their training while maintaining flexibility in participation. Our commitment to accessibility is reflected in our cost-effective approach, eliminating expensive costumes, entrance fees, and travel costs associated with performances.Annual spring performances feature simple, class-based attire to highlight students' technical and artistic progress. We cultivate lifelong values including self-esteem, discipline, and poise within a supportive environment. As the home of Northwest Michigan Ballet Theatre (NMBT), we offer professional performance opportunities for dancers aged 9-18, with auditions open to all regardless of studio affiliation. Our faculty comprises award-winning instructors with extensive professional experience, including former principal dancers and university-trained educators. Through diverse programming like summer intensives and community outreach initiatives, we nurture dancers' growth into confident, well-rounded individuals who appreciate dance as both art form and life skill.
Services
Ballet Classes
Summer Intensives
Performance Training
Contemporary Workshops
Aerial Dance Programs
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- Award-winning instructors with professional dance careers
- Home to Northwest Michigan Ballet Theatre performance company
- Affordable pricing with no hidden costs
- Competition-free environment focusing on artistic growth
- Summer intensives with guest artists from major ballet companies
What people say
Tremendous instruction
Sense of family
Caring attention
Professional instructors
Joyful environment
Services
Ballet Classes
Our comprehensive ballet program develops technical proficiency and artistic expression for students of all ages. Classes emphasize proper technique, musicality, and performance skills while maintaining a non-competitive environment. Students benefit from progressive curriculum that builds foundational skills applicable to all dance styles.
Summer Intensives
Annual summer programs feature masterclasses with professional dancers and intensive training opportunities. Participants engage in technique classes, choreography workshops, and performance preparation with guest artists from renowned ballet companies. These programs culminate in public performances showcasing students' artistic growth and technical development.
Performance Training
Through Northwest Michigan Ballet Theatre, students receive professional performance training including classical repertoire and original choreography. The program develops stage presence, ensemble coordination, and production understanding while maintaining educational focus on dance as artistic expression rather than competition.
Contemporary Workshops
Specialized contemporary dance workshops focus on modern technique and choreographic exploration. Instructors guide students through movement innovation, improvisation techniques, and performance interpretation while maintaining technical discipline. These programs emphasize artistic individuality within structured dance education.
Aerial Programs
Aerial dance instruction introduces students to fabric and hoop techniques in a safe, progressive environment. Certified instructors teach fundamental skills, safety protocols, and artistic expression through aerial movement. Programs emphasize body awareness, strength development, and creative performance possibilities.
People
Thomas Morrell
Director, Owner & Instructor
Founder of Ballet Etc. with over 30 years teaching experience. Former principal dancer with Ballet Michigan and Memphis Concert Ballet. Recognized as Michigan Dance Teacher of the Year in 1998. Holds MFA from University of Michigan.
Marleigh Bucenell
Studio Manager
Traverse City native with professional experience at Birmingham Ballet. BFA from Mercyhurst University with honors. Former assistant to dance department chair and study abroad participant in Ireland. Experienced in ballet and contemporary instruction.
Justin Koertgen
Instructor
Former Dayton Ballet principal dancer with extensive performance credits. Experienced ballet master and rehearsal assistant. Has taught nationally at major dance institutions including Interlochen and Mercyhurst University. Award-winning choreographer.
Ari L. Mokdad
Instructor
Multi-award winning choreographer with MFA from Wayne State University. Recipient of Rona Jaffe Foundation Fellowship and Michigan Council for Arts Grant. Currently completing MFA at Warren Wilson College. Has performed internationally and received film festival awards.
Carey Jennette
Instructor
Circus arts specialist with Arise Circus Arts. Provides aerial instruction and performance training. Traverse City native bringing professional expertise in safety and inclusion to dance education programs at Ballet Etc.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer besides ballet?
We offer contemporary, jazz, aerial dance, and Irish dance programs alongside our core ballet curriculum.
Are there performance opportunities for students?
Yes! Our Northwest Michigan Ballet Theatre provides multiple annual performances including The Nutcracker and spring productions.
What are your summer program options?
We offer masterclasses with professional dancers, performance intensives, and themed dance camps for ages 3-18 during summer months.
Do you have flexible payment options?
Yes, we offer semester tuition, drop-in rates, and multi-class discounts up to 20% for frequent attendees.
What makes your studio different from others?
Our competition-free philosophy focuses on artistic growth, with award-winning instructors and affordable pricing structures.
Are there programs for very young children?
Yes! We offer age-appropriate classes starting at age 3, including creative movement and fairytale-themed dance camps.
Reviews (2)
Linda McDonald
Jun 15, 2020
Report
Great studio. Contemporary teachers r so gifted. My daughter does not dance locally and this studio has always welcomed her when she is in town. The local students are warm and inviting and inclusive even though my daughter is not on their competitive team. Such a positive environment! Great job teachers and parents! Thank u for making my daughter feel welcome. We will be back!
Kamla K.
Jan 23, 2020
Report
Awesome dance company!! I stayed during the summer sessions because of my daughters allergy. The staff went out of their way to make me feel comfortable and welcome. I worked but I also had a chance to listen and witness their classes. The kids have a ball!! Theyre singing, doing crafts, games, simple choreography, my daughter loves every minute of it. I HIGHLY recommend this dance company. We love it so much, we wont consider any other place!!