Wooster’s newest (oldest!) dance program is here! Established under a new name in May 2015, Ballet Wooster strives to maintain its heritage of outstanding ballet and dance instruction in the Wooster and surrounding communities. Our directors and instructors bring to the classroom over 65 collective years of professional experience as successful directors, teachers, performers, choreographers, mentors, and dance educators. Having established a successful ballet school in 1983, our dance program has grown by leaps and bounds. Since 1990, our directors have choreographed, staged, and produced 12 narrative ballets including 13 Nutcracker productions, as well as many contemporary and classical pieces. Each instructor is committed to providing her students with proper technical training and individual attention in a healthy and positive environment, as well as sharing the pure joy of dance!
In April 2016, Ballet Wooster presented its inaugural full-length production, Cinderella, under its new name of Ballet Wooster. In the fall of 2016, a collaboration with Neos Dance Theatre gave Ballet Wooster dancers a unique opportunity to perform alongside professional dancers in Neos’ original production of A 1940s Nutcracker, a twist from the original tale set in the WWII era. Ballet Wooster premiered The Enchanted Toy Shop in April 2017, Summer In Paris in April 2018, The Sleeping Beauty in May 2019 and continues to produce quality performances annually. In January 2017, Ballet Wooster expanded to a location with dual studios on the north side of Wooster and enrollment continues to increase. December 2017 marked Ballet Wooster’s premiere performances of The Nutcracker, with close to 80 performers including Ballet Wooster students, community members, and professional guest artists. With over 1500 patrons in attendance, Ballet Wooster’s premiere presentation of this holiday tradition delighted audience members from around Wayne County and was met with raving reviews. Since then, Ballet Wooster has performed Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, and most recently, Sleeping Beauty, as well as biennial productions of The Nutcracker in 2019, 2021, and 2023.
mission statement
Ballet Wooster’s primary purpose is to provide students and community members with educational and performance opportunities in dance and the performing arts in a safe and encouraging environment. We desire to promote and inspire our community to be more involved in the arts through non-competitive dance education and quality performances that develop an appreciation of dance and the performing arts.
ballet wooster at a glance:
• Established under a new name in May 2015.
• Registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
• Community driven, powered by volunteers.
• Directors have run a successful ballet school since 1983.
• Dance class offerings for ages 3 through Adult.
• Experienced teachers.
• Committed to proper technical training and individual attention in a healthy and positive environment.
• Non-competitive dance education and quality performances.
• Since 1990, our directors and choreographers have staged and produced 12 narrative ballets including 13 Nutcracker productions, as well as many contemporary and classical pieces.
• Alumni consists of dance, creative, and business professionals around the country.
donate
Our talented students depend on Ballet Wooster to provide them with the finest education and performance opportunities. Ballet Wooster, in turn, depends on the generosity of our extended Ballet Wooster family and a broad spectrum of generous donors. Every gift, no matter the size, has a far-reaching impact on the vitality of ballet in Wooster and the surrounding communities.
These are really exciting times as we continue to grow and expand our program. We will continue to invest in studio needs and present quality ballet productions for our dancers and community. Thank you for your past and continued support of your Ballet Wooster family.
Gifts may be mailed to:
Ballet Wooster
5246 Cleveland Rd, Suite E
Wooster, OH 44691
Our Board
Keith Speirs – President
Ray Lengyel – Vice President
Amy Tietz – Treasurer
Sherri Houmard – Secretary
Officers
Jessica Artrip
Terry Carter
Erin Rammel
Elyse Strahinic