Ohman School of Ballet

- 74 Hauppauge Rd, Commack, NY 11725

For decades, the Ohman School of Ballet in Commack, New York, has been a pillar of the Long Island arts community, providing an exceptional training ground for aspiring dancers and a welcoming home for all who wish to learn. Rooted in the prestigious tradition of George Balanchine, passed down directly by its founder, the late Frank Ohman (a former soloist with the New York City Ballet), this institution is more than a school—it is a legacy. It's a place where the precision and artistry of classical ballet are taught with a passion that inspires a lifelong love for the art form. The school's mission is to prepare students for a life both on and off the stage, fostering not just technical excellence but also discipline, confidence, and a deep appreciation for dance.

The atmosphere at the Ohman School of Ballet is often described as a family. Students, parents, and teachers form a close-knit community that supports each other's growth and celebrates every achievement. This supportive environment is a key reason why many students, including those who have been attending for years, feel so at home. From the youngest dancers taking their first steps to advanced students in the pre-professional program, everyone is encouraged to be the best they can be. The school, now led by Artistic Director Nicole Loizides, continues to honor its founder's vision while introducing new and exciting programs to enrich its curriculum. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of dance to bring people together and shape lives.

Ohman School of Ballet is located at 74 Hauppauge Rd, Commack, NY 11725, USA. This location makes it a convenient and accessible option for families across both Nassau and Suffolk Counties and the greater Long Island / New York area. The school demonstrates its commitment to accessibility with a wheelchair-accessible car park and a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that all visitors and students can access the facilities with ease. The school's central spot in Commack provides a practical and stress-free commute for those dedicated to a quality dance education.

Ohman School of Ballet offers a wide range of dance programs and services designed to meet the needs of all dancers, from beginners to those with pre-professional aspirations.

• Classical Ballet Technique: This is the core of the school's curriculum, offering a structured training program in the Balanchine tradition for dancers of all ages and levels.

• Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Programs: The school provides a clear and progressive path for students, guiding them from their first steps to advanced and complex choreography.

• Pre-Professional Programme: This program is designed for serious dancers who are considering a career in ballet. It includes rigorous training, coaching sessions, and performance opportunities to prepare them for professional life.

• Pas de Deux and Pointe Ballet: For intermediate and advanced students, specialized classes focus on partnering and pointe work, two essential skills for classical ballet.

• Adult Ballet Classes: The school offers classes for adults, including those with no prior ballet training. These classes are a great way to improve posture, strength, and grace while enjoying the art form.

• Nutcracker Performances: The school is famous for its annual production of "The Nutcracker," a full-scale ballet with a professional non-profit company, the New York Dance Theatre. This provides students with an invaluable performance opportunity.

• Wellness for Dancers: The curriculum includes crucial components like injury prevention, progressive ballet technique, and strength training, reflecting a holistic approach to the dancer's physical and mental health.

• Master Classes and Workshops: The school invites choreographers and archival specialists from prestigious companies to provide students with unique learning experiences.

• Adaptive Dance: This special program demonstrates the school's commitment to making ballet accessible to all children.

Several key features and highlights make Ohman School of Ballet a unique and esteemed institution in the New York dance community.

• A Legacy of Excellence: The school was founded by Frank Ohman, a former New York City Ballet soloist and one of the few remaining direct links to the teaching of the legendary George Balanchine. This ensures a level of authenticity and classical tradition that is rare.

• Renowned "Nutcracker" Production: The annual performance of "The Nutcracker" is a beloved Long Island tradition. It provides students with a professional-level performance experience, complete with custom costumes and parts, as one student enthusiastically shared: "The nutcracker is my favorite show. I have been doing it since 2021 and it’s so fun, I love all the costumes and the parts."

• Strong Community and Supportive Environment: Students and parents consistently praise the school for its family-like atmosphere. A long-time student noted, "All the students there are like family to me and they’re so nice and kind."

• Holistic Approach to Training: The school’s curriculum extends beyond just dance technique, incorporating wellness for dancers, injury prevention, and strength training. This focus on the whole dancer is crucial for both their career and overall health.

• Exceptional and Caring Staff: The teachers are highly professional yet also "so nice and help me improve with my ballet so much," according to a student. This combination of expertise and compassion is a significant highlight.

• Good for Kids: The school is recognized as a positive and nurturing environment for children, with a focus on helping them grow into well-rounded dancers and individuals.

To learn more, inquire about classes, or schedule a visit, you can contact the Ohman School of Ballet directly.

Address: 74 Hauppauge Rd, Commack, NY 11725, USA

Phone: (631) 462-6266

For families and individuals in New York, choosing the Ohman School of Ballet is an investment in an unparalleled dance education experience. What makes this institution particularly worth choosing is its ability to blend the highest level of classical training with an incredibly warm and nurturing community. The school's direct lineage to George Balanchine provides a rare and valuable opportunity for students to learn from a world-renowned tradition, a fact highlighted by the proud parent who mentioned their children and grandchildren being able to perform "Balanchine choreography."

Unlike many high-pressure ballet schools, Ohman School of Ballet fosters an environment where every student is valued, and personal growth is as important as technical perfection. The reviews consistently emphasize the feeling of belonging to a family, a testament to the school's inclusive and supportive culture. The curriculum's focus on the complete well-being of the dancer, including injury prevention and strength training, shows a modern and responsible approach to a demanding art form. The highlight of the annual "Nutcracker" performance is a unique and thrilling experience that provides students with a tangible goal and a chance to perform in a professional production. For these reasons and more, Ohman School of Ballet is the premier choice for anyone in the New York area seeking a world-class ballet education that is both challenging and deeply rewarding. It's a place where dreams are nurtured and legacies are built.

Ohman School of Ballet

74 Hauppauge Rd, Commack, NY 11725, USA