Central Oklahoma Ballet

- 519 Maple Ave, Yukon, OK 73099

For residents of the Oklahoma City metro area, particularly those in the western communities, the Central Oklahoma Ballet (COB) in Yukon represents a true cultural gem and a vital institution for classical dance training. Originally established in 1993 as the Yukon Civic Ballet, COB has dramatically expanded its vision and impact, evolving into a professional-caliber Ballet School and Company dedicated to enhancing the cultural life of Central Oklahomans. The organization’s core mission is twofold: to develop local talent through quality instruction and to expose children and families of all backgrounds to the beauty and magic of classical ballet and theatre at an affordable price.

Central Oklahoma Ballet is renowned throughout the state for its commitment to high-quality performance opportunities. Most notably, COB is celebrated for its annual holiday tradition, the majestic production of The Nutcracker. This production is a cornerstone of the Yukon Christmas season, consistently breaking audience records and providing a unique, professional forum where local company dancers perform side-by-side with national and international guest artists. The performances are often accompanied by the Oklahoma Community Orchestra, elevating the experience and demonstrating COB’s dedication to a full, professional presentation.

Beyond the main stage, COB serves as a dedicated Ballet School, instilling discipline, poise, and a lifelong love for the art form in its students. The curriculum focuses on building a strong foundation in classical ballet technique, ensuring that dancers are prepared for pre-professional pursuits or simply enjoy the benefits of dance training throughout their lives. COB relies on a committed, community-driven approach, supported by numerous volunteers, patrons, and organizational backing from bodies like the National Endowment for the Arts and the Oklahoma Arts Council, cementing its status as a pillar of arts education and performance in the region.

Central Oklahoma Ballet is ideally situated for easy access by families across the western portion of the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. The facility is located at 519 Maple Ave, Yukon, OK 73099, USA. This centralized address within Yukon makes it a convenient hub for students traveling from surrounding areas like El Reno, Mustang, and Bethany, as well as those in the immediate Yukon community.

The COB facility is designed with community needs and accessibility in mind. Recognizing the importance of ensuring that all Oklahomans can participate in and enjoy the arts, the premises include crucial accessibility features. Specifically, the location offers a Wheelchair Accessible Entrance, ensuring a smooth path for all guests into the studio. Additionally, there is a dedicated Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot, providing convenient and compliant parking for those who require it. These accommodations underscore the organization's commitment to being welcoming and inclusive to children and families of all walks of life, fulfilling its mission to make classical ballet accessible throughout Central Oklahoma.

As a dedicated Ballet School, Central Oklahoma Ballet’s offerings center around rigorous classical training, though the organization’s performance company provides opportunities in related theatrical arts. While specific class names and prices are best confirmed directly, the provided information and the organization’s mission suggest a comprehensive program focused on quality ballet education and performance experience.

Services Offered typically include:

• Classical Ballet Technique Classes: Foundational training in classical ballet is the core focus, designed to teach proper body alignment, French terminology, strength, and grace, suitable for all ages.
• Youth and Children's Programs: Classes structured for younger students, confirming that the environment is “Good for Kids” and aimed at fostering an early love for movement and dance.
• Performance Opportunities: Dancers gain invaluable stage experience by participating in the annual, celebrated production of The Nutcracker and other company events, often alongside national and international professional artists.
• Central Oklahoma Ballet Company Membership: Opportunities for dedicated local dancers to audition for and rehearse as part of the formal performing company, providing rigorous, professional-level performance training.
• Access to Professional Mentorship: Local dancers in the company work directly with seasoned professional guest artists brought in for major productions, offering high-level real-world experience and networking.
• Ticketed Performances and Cultural Events: The organization actively strives to provide local audiences with beautiful, professional classical dance and theatrical experiences at an affordable price point.

The Central Oklahoma Ballet has established a highly positive reputation among local families for its dedication to the arts and its integral role in the Yukon community. Its key Features and Highlights make it a distinctive choice for arts education in Central Oklahoma.

Key Features and Highlights include:

• Community-Focused Non-Profit: COB operates with the mission of enriching the cultural life of Central Oklahomans, utilizing grants, benefits, and volunteers to keep the art form accessible and affordable.
• The Annual Nutcracker Production: The centerpiece of their year, this production is a beloved holiday tradition in Yukon, known for its high artistic quality and the involvement of professional guest artists and the Oklahoma Community Orchestra.
• Professional Performance Experience: Local company dancers gain essential performance experience in a truly professional setting, which is vital for those considering dance careers.
• Focus on Local Talent: The company develops and showcases dancers from the local community, building a supportive, regional arts culture.
• Financial Accessibility: The mission explicitly includes providing classical ballet exposure to children of all walks of life "at an affordable price," demonstrating a commitment to broad inclusion.
• Community Fundraising Events: The organization hosts creative fundraising activities, such as the “Sugar Plum Fairy Tea” and the “Pirouettes & Pearls” variety show, which involve the community in supporting the arts.
• Easy Payment Options: For convenience, the studio accepts Credit Cards, providing flexibility for local families managing tuition and ticket purchases.
• Welcoming Atmosphere: The organization is generally considered a positive and suitable environment for children to learn and grow their love for classical dance.

Interested members of the Central Oklahoma community can easily reach out to the organization for information on class enrollment, performance schedules, and ticket purchases.

Contact Information:

Address: 519 Maple Ave, Yukon, OK 73099, USA

Phone: (405) 373-1531

Mobile Phone: +1 405-373-1531

For families in Yukon and the surrounding Central Oklahoma area, choosing the Central Oklahoma Ballet as a dance school or cultural outlet is a choice to invest directly into a high-quality community arts program. What is worth choosing about COB boils down to the unique blend of professional artistic standards and dedicated local outreach. This is not simply a recreational studio; it is a full-fledged ballet company that uses its performance structure to develop local talent. The experience of performing in a production like The Nutcracker—on the Yukon Fine Arts Center stage, alongside twelve professional guest artists, and with the Oklahoma Community Orchestra providing live music—is an unparalleled opportunity that builds confidence, technique, and lifelong memories for young dancers.

The history of the Central Oklahoma Ballet, which started with humble beginnings as the Yukon Civic Ballet in a small auditorium in 1994 and has since grown to break audience records, showcases a deeply rooted and successful local story. This growth is a direct result of the passionate leadership, such as Artistic Director Debra Doran Vossen, and the committed group of volunteers who ensure the continued development of the organization. The focus on making classical ballet affordable and accessible, as stated in their mission, is a powerful draw for budget-conscious Oklahoma families who still desire exceptional arts exposure for their children.

When you choose Central Oklahoma Ballet, you are choosing a community institution that views dance as a catalyst for cultural enrichment and personal development. The positive feedback and consistent growth in attendance for their performances attest to the quality of their work and the warm reception they receive from the Yukon community. From foundational instruction for children to the grand spectacle of a major annual production, Central Oklahoma Ballet provides a rewarding, accessible, and professional experience right here in our local area. It remains the essential choice for anyone looking to support or participate in classical ballet in Yukon and the wider Central Oklahoma region.

Central Oklahoma Ballet

519 Maple Ave, Yukon, OK 73099, USA