North Central Ballet Introduce
North Central Ballet, a well-established institution in Keller, Texas, has been a pillar of the Northeast Tarrant County arts community for over two decades. Founded with a mission to provide pre-professional classical ballet training, the school has consistently aimed to instill a deep love for the art form in its students. Under the direction of its founder, Leslie M. Jordan III, the studio offers a comprehensive range of programs for dancers of all ages and skill levels, from pre-ballet for the youngest students to advanced training for serious dancers. The school prides itself on its focus on classical technique, discipline, and performance opportunities that go beyond typical recitals. It is a place where students are encouraged to not only grow as dancers but also to develop a strong sense of pride and cooperation, enriching their lives through the performing arts.
For many families in the Keller and surrounding Fort Worth area, North Central Ballet is seen as a place where serious training and community spirit intersect. The studio's commitment to providing a professional atmosphere is highlighted through its annual performances, most notably the popular production of "The Nutcracker." While a significant portion of its student body is on a pre-professional track, the school remains accessible to anyone with a passion for dance, offering a variety of classes designed to accommodate different goals and commitment levels. It has a long history of helping students gain acceptance into prestigious summer intensive programs and even go on to perform with professional dance companies, a testament to the quality of its ballet instruction.
North Central Ballet is conveniently located at 12077 Katy Rd, Keller, TX 76244, USA. Situated in a practical and easily reachable part of the city, the studio is a central hub for dancers from across the Northeast Tarrant County area. Its location makes it a feasible option for families in Keller, Southlake, Colleyville, and other nearby communities. The accessibility of the facility is a clear priority, as the studio features both a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot. This ensures that everyone, regardless of their physical abilities, can access the building and participate in or observe the activities within. The studio’s central location and focus on accessibility reflect its commitment to serving the diverse needs of the local Texas community, providing a welcoming space for all aspiring dancers.
In addition to its physical accessibility, the studio's location on Katy Road places it within a network of local businesses and amenities, making it a convenient destination for families. The ease of navigation and ample parking contribute to a stress-free experience, allowing parents and students to focus on the art of dance. This logistical convenience is an important factor for families with busy schedules, making regular attendance and participation in the school's various programs much more manageable.
Youth Classes: A full spectrum of ballet classes for children, including pre-ballet for the youngest students and training programs for more advanced dancers.
Adult Ballet: Classes designed specifically for adults, catering to various levels of experience from complete beginners to those looking to refine their technique.
Beginner's Classes: Foundational ballet instruction that focuses on the basics of classical technique for students of all ages just starting their dance journey.
Intermediate and Advanced Classes: Progressive courses for students with prior ballet experience, offering more complex choreography and technical challenges.
Adaptive Classes: Specialized programs designed to accommodate students with unique needs, making ballet accessible to a wider community.
Pointe Classes: Dedicated instruction for advanced students on pointe work, an essential part of classical ballet training.
Summer Dance Intensives: Rigorous summer programs that allow serious dancers to immerse themselves in intensive training over a short period.
Performance Opportunities: Students have the chance to perform in full-length productions, including the annual "Nutcracker" and other classical ballets.
Ballet Performances: The school hosts and stages its own ballet performances, providing students with valuable stage experience in professional-style productions.
Free Trial Class: An option for new students to experience a class firsthand before committing to a full program.
Other Programs: The studio also offers dance workshops, a conditioning program, private instruction, a homeschool program, and studio rental services.
Pre-Professional Training: North Central Ballet is recognized as a pre-professional school, meaning it focuses on providing a high level of classical ballet training designed to prepare students for a potential career in dance. This specialized approach sets it apart from more general "dance studios."
Annual "Nutcracker" Production: The school's annual production of "The Nutcracker" is a community highlight and a significant feature for students. It provides a unique opportunity to participate in a full-length, classical ballet with historically accurate choreography.
Experienced Leadership: The school is led by its founder, Leslie M. Jordan III, a long-time professional in the ballet world with extensive training and a background in both performance and choreography. His experience provides a strong foundation for the school's curriculum and artistic direction.
Community and Family Focus: Many families praise the school's family-oriented atmosphere, where parents and students alike make new friends and get involved. The "volunteer" and "lending a hand" culture is a prominent part of the studio's community spirit.
Holistic Training: Beyond standard ballet classes, the school offers athletic training, a conditioning program, and modern dance classes, providing students with a well-rounded and safe approach to their physical development as dancers.
Accessibility and Convenience: The studio's physical accessibility, along with the convenience of accepting credit and debit cards, makes it easy for families to participate and manage their accounts.
Address: 12077 Katy Rd, Keller, TX 76244, USA
Phone: (817) 428-8232
Choosing North Central Ballet means opting for a school with a clear and unwavering focus on classical ballet. For families in North Texas who are serious about their child's dance education, this is a significant advantage. The school’s distinction as a "ballet school" rather than a general "dance studio" means that its curriculum is deeply rooted in the traditions and techniques of classical ballet. This focus provides a solid foundation that can serve as a stepping stone to a professional career, as evidenced by the former students who have gone on to be accepted into prestigious programs and companies. The opportunity to participate in full-length ballets like "The Nutcracker" is a key highlight, providing students with a more authentic and educational performance experience than typical recitals.
While the school is dedicated to a high level of training, it also fosters a strong sense of community. The close-knit, family-oriented atmosphere described by many patrons is an important part of the experience. This environment, where parents and students form friendships and work together, creates a supportive network that is crucial for dancers who spend a significant amount of time at the studio. The availability of adaptive classes also speaks volumes about the school's inclusive philosophy, demonstrating that they believe the joy and benefits of dance should be accessible to everyone in the community, regardless of their needs.
In short, North Central Ballet is a solid choice for those seeking a disciplined yet community-focused environment. It offers a structured path for dancers who want to take their passion seriously, with a curriculum and performance opportunities that are a cut above. The school’s legacy and the success of its alumni are strong indicators of the quality of its training. For a family in Texas looking for a place where their child can receive serious ballet instruction, perform in authentic productions, and grow as a member of a supportive community, North Central Ballet provides a compelling and valuable option.
North Central Ballet Services
Dance School
- Advanced classes
- Beginner's classes
- Intermediate classes
- Youth classes
- Adaptive Classes
- Adult Ballet
- Athletic Training
- Ballet Barres
- Ballet Classes
- Ballet Dance Lessons
- Ballet Dance Training
- Ballet Instruction
- Ballet Performances
- Ballet Programs
- Ballet School
- Birthday Party
- Classical Ballet Technique
- Conditioning Program
- Dance Workshop
- Free Trial Class
- Home School Program
- Intermediate Ballet
- Kindergarten Ballet
- Makeup Classes
- Modern Dance Classes
- Performing Arts
- Pointe Classes
- Pre-Ballet
- Studio Rental
- Summer Camp
- Summer Dance Intensives
- Summer Intensive Programs
- Training Program
North Central Ballet Details
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
North Central Ballet Photos










North Central Ballet Location
North Central Ballet Reviews
studioperformancecommunicationthe nutcrackershowsadvertisedclassical balletfeespaytraining
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1My daughter was at NCB for 10 yrs, as an apprentice & company. We’ve had good memories & friends but I feel a responsibility to share honest concerns for other families considering NCB.Communication is an issue. Rehearsal schedules change or are last minute — sometimes after announced studio closures. In example, Memorial Day weekend a closure was announced, the next day a rehearsal was announced. Thanksgiving week & Spring Break families need to stay flexible in case of late information. Missing last-minute rehearsals, even for valid reasons, reflects poorly on dancers.Paid class time is used as rehearsals — limiting instruction or technical development. When my daughter asked for feedback to improve, the response was vague & unhelpful: “You know what you have to do.”A staff member has commented to young girls about their weight, including things like “I can see your lunch in your tummy” directed at healthy 5–10 year olds. Dancers feel unable to speak up for fear of being treated differently.The fear is not unfounded. After receiving permission for some missed dates, my daughter was removed from a show without discussion. This happened after we had paid costume fees, met ticket sale quotas, & fulfilled other financial obligations. This is not the first time she was removed from the cast with no chance to talk through the situation or make it right & no explanation for removal but others allowed to continue. There seems to be a yearly pattern where 1 or 2 girls find themselves “on the outside,” without explanation, while others are given more grace.Financial: fees are a part of ballet. I take issue with the messaging. The studio markets performances to the girls as “professional productions,” but only the director is professional. The students pay to audition, perform, rent costumes, sell tickets, & solicit or pay for program ads — all under the guise of participating in a professional company. That is fine, but it should be communicated honestly.Ultimately, my daughter’s love of dance remains, but her confidence was impacted. She tried to improve & prepare for specific roles, asked for coaching & received little support, only abrupt decisions with “there’s nothing to talk about”.To be fair, NCB is a positive studio for many dancers. But if you choose NCB, family often comes second, you get last-minute decisions, & there’s a style that can feel punitive, inconsistent, & unaccountable. If your dancer wants constructive coaching, especially in the upper levels, I’d recommend researching more.Update after owner's reply...I can appreciate the studio’s reply, I stand by my claims. This is public because private requests were met with “no discussion”. This is not a quick decision & we talked with other families with similar experiences.I’m disheartened that the director would claim “limitations” after years of positive feedback — but it supports my belief that she’d landed on the wrong side of the director with no way to recover.Absences were discussed in advance & my daughter felt she had the approval. Importantly, my daughter was removed from the show before those absences occurred. When we tried to accommodate rehearsals, we were told “the decision is final, there is nothing to discuss.” It made no sense to attend future rehearsals. As for communication, the examples are visible on the studio’s private Facebook group.The studio communicates to dancers that performances are “professional shows.” That language is visible on the Nutcracker Facebook posts. I don’t dispute the existence of guest artists or deny that many families accept the structure. We always paid the fees. I question the messaging when dancers fund so much.Lastly, no complaint about tuition or intensives. Pointing out fees are due regardless of participation.I stand by my post & intent to share it: honest feedback so others can make informed decisions. The studio has been a positive experience for many, but our experience deserves to be heard without being reframed as a refusal to accept accountability.
June 18 · matthewbmarshOur daughter has been with Les and his teaching team for 7 years and it has been great. Watching her grow as a ballet dancer with this school has been beautiful. Its a family orientated school and everyone gets involved and lends a hand. Parents and students make new friends. The nutcracker show is the highlight of the school's performance and really boosts the joys of Christmas. They also do many other shows. Les and his team of teachers and volunteers do a wonderful job.
August 23 · Kevin JacksonNorth Central Ballet has been such a loving, supportive dance family for my daughter! We moved to the area a couple of years back and my daughter was so sad to be leaving her other studio, but as soon as she started at NCB, she felt right at home immediately and has grown so much both technically and artistically! If you are looking for a ballet home, definitely give North Central Ballet a try!
August 23 · Tiffany SmithIf you are looking for classical ballet training, this is the place for you. We have been part of North Central Ballet for 31 years. My daughter was privileged to be in the company and participated in many beautiful ballet performances. My granddaughter has danced in several Nutcracker ballets. I highly recommend them!
August 21 · Catherine ShawOur daughter has been with NCB for three seasons now and we have had such a great experience. The staff in incredibly caring and consistent which is so important for the young kids. I wanted a studio with classical ballet training and it was important to me that when it came time to perform, the young children's costumes were age appropriate. We found the perfect fit with NCB and I would recommend to anyone!
August 22 · Catie McCarthy Niederee
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