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MOVE WITH HEART, ACHIEVE THE EXTRAORDINARY
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Where Ballet Meets Heart
Ballet Kalamazoo | Est. 2016
We believe ballet is more than just movement — it’s a path to confidence, creativity, and community. Founded in 2016 in the heart of downtown Kalamazoo, our youth ballet company is built on a simple idea: that every child deserves exceptional training in a space where they feel supported, inspired, and truly seen.
Ballet Kalamazoo specializes in classical ballet, offering expert instruction for children as young as three, all the way through our pre-professional Conservatory Ballet program for dedicated dancers pursuing a future in dance.
Our training is grounded in excellence. We proudly combine the AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE® National Training Curriculum with the Proven Teaching Syllabus© of Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, blending structure and artistry to help each dancer grow with strength, grace, and purpose.
But technique is only part of what makes us unique.
At Ballet Kalamazoo, we foster a culture of kindness. Our studio is a vibrant, welcoming place where young artists and their families feel at home — a place where lifelong friendships begin, and big dreams take flight.
We are committed to cultivating not only skilled dancers, but compassionate, confident individuals who carry themselves with integrity in and out of the studio.
Our performances bring stories to life with heart and imagination. From the magic of The Nutcracker to original productions and exciting collaborations with guest artists, our dancers shine in works that challenge and celebrate them.
We train artists — not just performers. Through goal-setting, mentorship, and consistent support, our dancers learn the value of discipline, resilience, and self-expression. Every rehearsal, every class, and every moment is part of a journey that helps them discover what they’re truly capable of.
Come dance with us.
Experience the joy, the beauty, and the belonging of Ballet Kalamazoo.
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We’d love to meet your dancer - text us to schedule a free trial!
From Studio Dreams to Global Stages
At Ballet Kalamazoo, we don’t just train dancers. We shape resilient artists with courage, discipline, and vision. Every pirouette, every rehearsal, every breakthrough is a reflection of our commitment to excellence, and it shows when our dancers take the stage — here at home and far beyond.
Our students don’t follow a path; they carve their own.
Whether it’s stepping into the spotlight at the Youth America Grand Prix, exploring the legacy of the Royal Danish Ballet, or earning spots at world-class institutions like Joffrey Ballet Chicago, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Interlochen, or University of Michigan, our dancers pursue their passions with purpose and pride.
They train in studios from New York to Switzerland, spend summers with professional companies, and many continue their journey through prestigious year-round programs. But no matter how far they go, they carry the heart of Ballet Kalamazoo with them — a foundation built on integrity, artistry, and a deep love for the work.
What sets them apart?
Not just skill — but spirit.
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Children's
Ballet Classes
Classical ballet Lessons for
ages 3-9yrs
Boys dance FREE!
Conservatory Ballet Training
Pre-Professional Training Program
ages 10-17yrs.
By audition only
Kalamazoo Youth Ballet
Ballet Kalamazoo's performance company for dancers ages 10-17.
By audition only
Ballet Performances
From The Nutcracker, Fairytale Ballets and the Ballet Classics
WHAT WE OFFER
Youth America Grand Prix Training
Train to experience dancing in the prestigious ballet competition
Emerging Artist Mentorship Program
Apprentice Instructor Program and a platform to choreograph new works ages 18+
Private Lessons
Take your ballet training to the next level through focused, customized one-on-one lessons
Summer Program
Fairytale Ballet Camps,
3 week Ballet Classes, and Summer Intensives
SAVE THE DATE
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The Nutcracker Kalamazoo
A Holiday Tradition with a Magical Michigan Twist!
Presented by Ballet Kalamazoo
Comstock Community Auditorium
December 6th at 2:00 PM & December 7th at 2:00 PM
Join us this December for The Nutcracker Kalamazoo—a whimsical reimagining of the beloved holiday ballet set right here in our hometown. Follow young Hattie as she journeys from a joyful holiday party at the historic Kalamazoo House, through a magical battle of life-sized mice led by a fierce Mouse Queen, and into a winter wonderland filled with Michigan Snowflakes, Whitetail Deer, and Michigan’s favorite holiday treats: donuts, Blue Moon ice cream, gingerbread, candy canes, and lollipops.
We are proud to include Special Guest Artists:
Matthew Rusk as the Nutcracker Prince — Professional Dancer with St. Louis Ballet
Seyong Kim as Drosselmeyer — Renowned choreographer, dancer, and Western Michigan University Professor of Dance
Tickets go on sale in September!
Stay tuned for updates, sneak peeks, and behind-the-scenes magic as we prepare to bring this enchanting Kalamazoo tradition to life.
Whether you're a lifelong ballet lover or discovering the magic for the first time, The Nutcracker Kalamazoo is a festive celebration for the whole family.
