Ballet Guild of the Lehigh Valley

- 556 Main St, Bethlehem, PA 18018

For more than sixty-five years, the Ballet Guild of the Lehigh Valley has been a cornerstone of the arts community in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. As a non-profit organization, its mission is twofold: to foster a greater understanding of classical ballet and the arts through exceptional dance training and public performances. This dedication has made it a beloved institution for families across the Lehigh Valley, providing a nurturing and professional environment where students of all ages can pursue their passion for dance.

The Ballet Guild's reputation is built on its commitment to providing superior training that blends high-quality artistic instruction with a focus on dancer health and child development. The school’s curriculum incorporates the American Ballet Theatre® National Training Curriculum, a prestigious program designed to provide the highest quality ballet training to students of all ages and skill levels. All teachers are also trained in Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT), an innovative body-conditioning program that enhances dance technique. This blend of traditional and modern methods ensures that every student receives a well-rounded and safe education, preparing them for a future in dance or simply giving them a fun and challenging hobby. The caring and supportive nature of the teachers and staff, praised by customers, creates an atmosphere where students can truly thrive.

Beyond the classroom, the Ballet Guild of the Lehigh Valley is widely celebrated for its annual public performances. Their production of The Nutcracker is a cherished holiday tradition, a magnificent show that has been enchanting audiences for decades and is the longest-running production of its kind in the Lehigh Valley. These performances provide an incredible opportunity for student dancers to perform with and learn from nationally acclaimed guest artists, offering invaluable real-world experience. The Guild also presents a spring ballet, showcasing the talents of their pre-professional dancers in captivating new productions. These events not only entertain the community but also provide a crucial arts education experience for thousands of area students through special, free or deeply discounted performances.

The Ballet Guild's commitment to community and accessibility is a defining feature. They are dedicated to reducing barriers to participation for all children, regardless of socioeconomic background. This ethos is reflected in their need-based aid programs and their policy of offering free classes for boys. The combination of a welcoming front desk staff, spacious studios, and a focus on proper dance flooring ensures that the entire experience, from the moment you walk through the door, is positive and professional. For any family in the Lehigh Valley seeking a place where dance is taught with both technical excellence and genuine care, the Ballet Guild of the Lehigh Valley is a top choice.

Location and Accessibility

The Ballet Guild of the Lehigh Valley is conveniently located at 556 Main St, Bethlehem, PA 18018, USA. Situated in the vibrant city of Bethlehem, the school is easily accessible for residents of Lehigh and Northampton counties and the broader Lehigh Valley region. The location is known for its spacious studios, which are a highlight for students and a valuable asset for quality training. While specific details on accessibility features are not available in the provided information, the school's general commitment to making the arts accessible to all suggests a welcoming environment. The school’s reputation as being "good for kids" also implies that the facilities are child-friendly and safe.

Services Offered

• Dance Training: Provides a supportive and professional learning environment for students of all ages and abilities.
• Pre-Professional Division: An intense course of study for serious dance students with previous ballet experience, with admission determined by audition.
• Community Division: Offers ballet and jazz classes for students from ages three through adult who wish to learn dance without a pre-professional commitment.
• Classical Ballet Technique: Core instruction in ballet fundamentals, emphasizing proper placement, alignment, and musicality.
• Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT): A supplementary body-conditioning program integrated into the curriculum to enhance technique.
• Adult Classes: Classes tailored for adults with or without previous dance experience, focusing on well-being and technical knowledge.
• Summer Programs: Offers summer dance classes and intensives for continued training.
• Public Performances: Produces full-scale ballets, including the annual holiday classic The Nutcracker and a yearly spring performance.
• Arts Education Programs: Provides educational opportunities to area students through specially discounted or free school-time performances.
• Auditions: Offers students from both the Pre-Professional and Community divisions the opportunity to audition for yearly productions.

Features and Highlights

• Caring and Supportive Staff: The staff and teachers are consistently praised for being friendly, helpful, and caring, fostering a positive learning environment.
• Superior Training: The school is known for its high-quality ballet training, including the use of the American Ballet Theatre® National Training Curriculum.
• Spacious and Proper Studios: The dance studios are noted for being spacious and having professional-grade flooring, which is essential for safe and effective training.
• Exceptional Performance Opportunities: Students have the chance to perform alongside nationally recognized guest artists in professional productions at the Zoellner Arts Center.
• Long-standing Tradition: The annual production of The Nutcracker is the longest-running of its kind in the Lehigh Valley, a testament to its quality and community importance.
• Inclusivity: The school provides classes for all ages and genders and is dedicated to reducing barriers to participation for children from all socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Convenient Payments: Accepts a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Contact Information

Address: 556 Main St, Bethlehem, PA 18018, USA

Phone: (610) 865-0353

Mobile Phone: +1 610-865-0353

What is Worth Choosing Ballet Guild of the Lehigh Valley?

For families in the Lehigh Valley considering a dance school, the Ballet Guild of the Lehigh Valley stands out as a top choice for several key reasons. The first and most important is the quality of its dance education. With a curriculum that includes the renowned American Ballet Theatre® National Training Curriculum and modern techniques like PBT, the school provides a comprehensive and professional foundation for all its students. The instruction is not only technically sound but is also delivered by caring and encouraging teachers and staff, as noted in a review praising the "caring teachers and staff" and the "helpful and always friendly" front desk lady.

Secondly, the performance opportunities offered by the Ballet Guild are truly exceptional for students. The chance to perform in a full-scale production like The Nutcracker, complete with a live orchestra and professional guest artists, is an experience that goes beyond a typical dance recital. It provides invaluable stage experience and allows students to learn by example from the best in the field. This commitment to public performance and arts education is what makes the school a vital part of the cultural fabric of the Lehigh Valley.

Finally, the school’s dedication to a positive and inclusive environment is a major selling point. The studios are described as "spacious" with "proper floor," creating a safe and comfortable space for students to learn. The fact that the school offers classes for "all ages and genders" and is committed to making dance accessible to children of all backgrounds demonstrates a strong community-oriented mission. For anyone in the Bethlehem area, whether a child dreaming of a career in dance or an adult looking to learn a new skill, the Ballet Guild of the Lehigh Valley provides a professional, supportive, and enriching environment that makes it an excellent choice.

Ballet Guild of the Lehigh Valley

556 Main St, Bethlehem, PA 18018, USA