As a Dance Academy student, you’re part of a rigorous program, led by Dean Jenifer Ringer, that develops a select group of talented young dancers between the ages of 14 and 19 into stunning professional dancers and artistic leaders.

We're all really supportive of each other. We try to build off one another's strengths and weaknesses. And it's really cool to be taught and mentored by dancers I've always admired. Leah Upchurch, Dance Academy student

The rigorous Dance Academy curriculum is designed to prepare students for careers as dancers, focusing on classical ballet while providing instruction in other styles. By exposing students to choreographic masterworks with coaching by faculty who themselves are leaders in the field, the Dance Academy gives its students the tools they need to find a new richness in their dancing and become successful artists.

Such notable names as Wendy Whelan, Peter Boal, Helgi Tomasson, Mikko Nissinen and the Dance Academy’s own Artistic Advisor, Benjamin Millepied, have led Dance Academy master classes providing unique access and exposure to leaders in the field. As a result, graduates of the Dance Academy currently perform with New York City Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, National Ballet of Canada and numerous other professional companies, trainee programs, and university dance programs.