The Ballet Academy

- 102 Airport Rd, Frankfort, MI 49635

For residents across Northern and Western Michigan seeking world-class classical ballet training in a supportive, focused, and safe environment, The Ballet Academy in Frankfort stands as a distinguished local institution. Located in the beautiful Frankfort area, this is not a typical recreational dance school but rather a serious and supportive training environment dedicated to the long-term development of young dancers. It is one of only four Royal Academy of Dance (RAD)-certified schools in the entire state of Michigan, and uniquely, the only one serving the northern and western regions. This certification is a critical assurance for parents and students, guaranteeing a global standard of excellence in ballet pedagogy.

The Academy welcomes students of all ages and abilities, from young children taking their first creative movement steps to advanced students progressing en pointe. While the standards are high, emphasizing discipline, focus, and correct technique, the atmosphere is deliberately caring and wholesome. The instruction, often led by a phenomenal teacher like Arlene, is praised by local customers. As one parent noted, their child "loves her class" and has "learned different ways to use her body," underscoring the personalized and effective instruction provided. The core mission is to develop not only superior dancers but also individuals who benefit from the mental discipline, advanced coordination, artistry, and gracefulness that classical ballet instills.

Unlike many schools that focus heavily on recital routines and expensive costumes, The Ballet Academy prioritizes the overall education and safe technical development of the dancer. This commitment means time and financial resources are invested in building a solid, safe foundation for dance—critical for protecting the growing skeletons and ligaments of young dancers—rather than one-off performances. For Michiganders seeking a serious, professional, and globally recognized curriculum for their dance education, The Ballet Academy offers an unparalleled opportunity close to home.

The Ballet Academy is conveniently situated near the scenic Northern Michigan community of Frankfort, making it a highly accessible hub for families throughout the region. The studio's commitment to accessibility ensures that a variety of physical needs are met, providing a welcoming environment for every student.

The address for the physical location is:

102 Airport Rd, Frankfort, MI 49635, USA

For in-person attendance, the facility offers practical features important to local Michigan users:

• The studio provides a dedicated Wheelchair accessible parking lot, offering ease and convenience upon arrival.
• A Wheelchair accessible entrance ensures all students and visitors can enter the building safely and comfortably.
• For those who live outside the immediate Frankfort area, or whose schedule demands maximum flexibility, the Academy offers various online learning options, including both Internet Lessons and general Online Lessons, effectively extending its reach across the wider Michigan region.
• The location is set up to welcome children and is noted as being Good for kids, a reassuring detail for parents in the community.

The Ballet Academy provides a comprehensive suite of classical dance education and training services, structured to support students from their very first class through to advanced, pre-professional levels. The offerings are rooted in a systematic, certified curriculum.

• Ballet Classes: Core instruction in classical ballet technique, emphasizing correct body alignment, positions, and essential steps.
• Movement Classes: Introductory lessons for young children, ages 4 and up, focused on natural and fundamental movement to build body awareness, musicality, and coordination.
• Ballet Training: Continuous, systematic training programs designed to advance the student through increasing levels of complexity, technique, and artistry.
• Dancer's Education: A holistic approach that integrates elements like character dancing and free movement, essential parts of a rounded classical education.
• Training Program: A full-semester commitment to study, offered in Semester I (September–December) and Semester II (January–June), with Summer Classes (Mid-June–July) also available.
• Weekly Classes: Regular, ongoing group instruction forming the backbone of the training program.
• Single Classes: Drop-in options available, though students are generally expected to enroll for the full semester for optimal progression.
• Internet Lessons / Online Lessons: Live-streamed and remote learning opportunities for individuals who cannot attend in person, ensuring training continuity.
• Private Lessons: One-on-one sessions for highly focused, personalized attention on technique, specific challenges, or skill refinement.
• Semi-Private Lessons: Small group lessons (typically two or three students) offering a balance between personalized instruction and a group dynamic.

The distinguishing characteristics of The Ballet Academy position it as a premier destination for serious and safe dance training in Michigan, offering clear benefits over recreational alternatives.

• Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Certified: This is a key feature, as it means the instructor is licensed by a global, professional dance organization. This certification ensures safe, professional, and up-to-date ballet pedagogy based on years of extensive training and passed examinations.
• Focus on Safe, Correct Technique: Training is carefully designed to be safe and age-appropriate, preventing strain or contortion of young bodies. High emphasis is placed on correct technique, which is critical for long-term development, injury prevention, and building proper posture and grace.
• Personalized Instruction and Small Classes: Class sizes are deliberately kept small to ensure each student receives personalized attention and instruction tailored to their individual skill level and rate of development.
• Commitment to Dancer Education Over Recitals: The Academy prioritizes skill development and artistry over learning "routines" for annual recitals, which may or may not be held depending on enrollment. This model ensures that money is not wasted on one-time costumes and lessons that do not build on the student's core technique.
• Options for Global Assessment: Students have the non-mandatory option to participate in RAD Examinations, allowing them to be assessed on a worldwide standard by international professionals, offering a tangible measure of accomplishment.
• Flexible Training Options: The ability to offer private, semi-private, and online lessons alongside regular weekly classes provides maximum flexibility and customized learning paths for Michigan’s diverse student base.
• Accepts Credit Cards: This payment flexibility adds convenience for parents managing tuition payments.

For all inquiries regarding class placement, tuition, or scheduling an audition to join this esteemed Northern Michigan school, please use the following contact details:

Address: 102 Airport Rd, Frankfort, MI 49635, USA

Phone: (231) 882-9314

Mobile Phone: +1 231-882-9314

It is recommended to call the listed phone number, as the instructor often notes that calls will receive a quicker response time for class schedule and tuition inquiries. Prospective students with prior training are required to apply by audition for class placement to ensure the appropriate learning level.

Choosing The Ballet Academy in Frankfort is an investment in professional-grade dance education unparalleled by most local offerings in Northern Michigan. Michigan parents should choose this Academy because of its foundation in the internationally respected Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) curriculum. This certification is the gold standard, ensuring that every student, regardless of whether they dream of a professional career or simply wish to enjoy dance for fitness, receives training that is not only elite but also safe. The emphasis on correct technique over fast-tracking through "cute" routines protects the developing bodies of children and provides the strongest possible foundation for future skill acquisition.

Furthermore, the school's philosophy respects both the student's time and the parent's financial investment. By minimizing focus on expensive, one-time recital production costs and prioritizing quality classroom instruction, students gain the best value for their time and money. The small class sizes and personalized instruction allow the teacher to cater to the needs of each student, maximizing growth in coordination, artistry, and mental focus. This is a crucial distinction—The Ballet Academy is dedicated to producing well-rounded, disciplined, and graceful individuals who possess a lifelong appreciation for the art of dance, regardless of their ultimate career path. For families in Michigan seeking the highest standard of classical ballet training in a focused, caring, and accessible environment, The Ballet Academy is the definitive choice.

The Ballet Academy

102 Airport Rd, Frankfort, MI 49635, USA