Northwest Ballet Academy was founded in 1985 to provide quality ballet training. We have since expanded to offer training in jazz, modern, character and tap as well as Pilates, but our belief has never wavered that ballet is the foundation for all other forms of dance. Proper ballet is taught with live piano accompaniment, and is based on a disciplined approach throughout class.

 

We believe that each student is an individual and deserves individual attention. Thus, we have always maintained a limited number of students in each class. We know that students move at different rates. Some are ready for pointe, jazz or character earlier than others. We personalize our recommendations for the proper class or classes for each student.

 

We don't offer "combination" classes. Ballet is the foundation for all types of dance. Students should not be confused by mixing various dance forms in a single class session. Combo classes are too often offered because the quality of the ballet training is weak and cannot hold a student's attention. Taught properly, ballet is motivating, fun, and provides life long skills. Once the basic ballet foundation is built, other forms of dance come easily, and are done properly. Even professional jazz and modern companies take ballet class every day!

 

We also believe that performance is important. It is fun to perform. The opportunity to participate in quality dance performances is a wonderful experience. But...we do not sacrifice quality class time for lots of rehearsal. Our younger or more basic students are included in our spring show, which is done each May at the Prairie Center for the Arts in Schaumburg. We usually do an original story ballet in which the less experienced dancers get the opportunity to dance and interact with the higher level dancers and build confidence.

 

In addition, students over the age of 8 are encouraged to audition for the Schaumburg Dance Ensemble. Co-directed by Michele Holzman, the Director of Northwest Ballet Academy, Schaumburg Dance Ensemble is a community dance company which stages two major productions each year. During the holiday season, The Nutcracker is performed. There are usually 14 performances which include over 100 student dancers, plus 10-12 professionals. Each March the Ensemble's production plays to packed houses and has presented dance performances like Peter and the Wolf, Alice in Wonderland and Cinderella.