Business Details
Premier Ballet Training for All Ages in Verona
Ballet U is a dedicated ballet studio committed to making classical ballet accessible to dancers of all ages and skill levels. Founded on the belief that ballet should be inclusive and nurturing, we provide a holistic approach to training that emphasizes anatomical understanding, technical precision, and artistic expression. Our programs cater to toddlers, children, teens, and adults, ensuring each student receives personalized attention in a supportive, non-competitive environment. With a focus on safety, longevity, and joy in dance, our experienced instructors empower students to achieve their full potential while fostering confidence and community.Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned dancer, Ballet U offers tailored classes, flexible scheduling, and performance opportunities to meet diverse needs. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our methodical teaching techniques, which dissect and refine ballet mechanics to enhance proficiency and prevent injury. By prioritizing individual growth over rigid benchmarks, we cultivate a lifelong love for dance while building a welcoming community of learners and professionals alike.
Services
Youth Ballet Classes
Adult Ballet Programs
Private Coaching
Summer Workshops
Nutcracker Participation
Highlights and features
- We offer a unique anatomical approach to ballet technique for safer, more effective training.
- Our instructors provide personalized attention in small, non-competitive classes.
- Flexible scheduling with daytime, evening, and weekend classes for all ages.
- Performance opportunities and project-based ensembles for student growth.
- Inclusive environment welcoming dancers of all body types and experience levels.
What people say
Patient teachers
Inclusive environment
Flexible scheduling
Technical growth
Community focus
Services
Youth Ballet Program
Structured ballet training for ages 2-18 fosters technical skill, creativity, and confidence. Small classes ensure personalized attention while promoting physical development and artistic expression in a supportive setting. Students progress through age-appropriate levels with opportunities for recitals and Nutcracker participation.
Adult Ballet Classes
Five-level program accommodates beginners to professionals with flexible scheduling. Focus on anatomical technique, injury prevention, and artistic growth through barre/center work. Classes emphasize community building while adapting to diverse physical needs and experience levels.
Private Coaching
One-on-one sessions refine technique, prepare for performances, or address specific goals. Instructors tailor lessons to individual needs, focusing on alignment, strength, and artistic development while maintaining injury-preventive practices for dancers of all ages.
Summer Workshops
Themed workshops combine technical training with creative exploration. Offered during summer breaks, these programs include choreography sessions, technique intensives, and performance preparation in an engaging environment for continued growth outside regular sessions.
Nutcracker Participation
Annual production offers performance experience for students aged 7+. Participants learn classical repertoire while developing stage presence, ensemble coordination, and professional work ethic under faculty guidance in a community-focused production setting.
People
Stephanie Tollefson
Founder/Director
Stephanie established Ballet U to create an inclusive ballet environment emphasizing anatomical training. With decades of experience, she develops curricula that balance technical rigor with creative expression while mentoring instructors in the studio's holistic philosophy.
Charmaine
Instructor
Charmaine specializes in youth and teen instruction, focusing on technical foundation and artistic development. Her patient approach nurtures confidence through individualized feedback, helping students achieve measurable progress while maintaining joy in their dance journey.
Questions
What age groups do you teach?
We offer programs for toddlers (2+) through adults, with specialized curricula for each developmental stage.
Do you require prior experience?
No experience needed. Our classes accommodate complete beginners to professional dancers seeking refinement.
What should I wear?
Comfortable exercise clothing is fine. Ballet slippers recommended. Adults may wear traditional dancewear or casual attire.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! Annual Nutcracker production and spring showcases with optional participation for qualified students.
Can I try a class first?
Yes, trial classes available. Contact us to schedule a drop-in session before committing to a full session.
How do I choose class levels?
Instructors help place students based on experience and ability. Adults may start at any level from beginner through advanced.
Reviews (4)
Brienna Tipler
Aug 28, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
As a former dance professional, I greatly enjoyed taking adult classes at BalletU. Instruction was centered on correct technique with a positive environment. Would very much recommend.
As a former dance professional, I greatly enjoyed taking adult classes at BalletU. Instruction was centered on correct technique with a positive environment. Would very much recommend.
Samantha Binnie
Jul 16, 2021
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Our 4 year old looks forward to her class each week. Miss Caroline has been amazing. Shes full of smiles but also keeps kids accountable. Her activities flow together well and no one is ever bored. Miss Stephanie has also been great with responding to our questions and helping us with a make up class time. Ten stars!
Katie Bauckman
Jul 07, 2021
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We found BalletU after searching for a place to have my daughter attend ballet lessons without us (she is speech delayed and needed time with adults who were not her parents). After she aged into older child programs at other studios, we stayed with BalletU due to the amazing instructors - they are kind, engaging, patient, and understand the importance of making ballet joyful and fun!
Magdalena Wijaya
Aug 05, 2020
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We've been part of this studio for six wonderful years. The kids classes are great. They allow progression from little dancers swirling in their tutus all the way to mature dancers on their pointe shoes. I'm impressed by how they can teach ballet technique even to my four-year-old. I witness how my older girls learn perseverance, hard work, and discipline through ballet. The teachers are knowledgeable and they really care about each student. There's a sense of community here -- we've gotten to know many other dancers and their families through the years. The hidden gem of Ballet U is the adult
