The Academy
From Mountains to the Studio
Classical ballet training for ages 2 through pre-professional — where technique, artistry, and belonging grow together.
Nutcracker Auditions
Auditions for MBC’s 43rd Annual Nutcracker September 12, 2026 Be part of this beloved holiday tradition, featuring a cast of
Summer Offerings for Ages 12+: DUBS & Balanchine Week
For dedicated dancers, summer is where real growth happens. It’s a time to refine technique, expand artistry, and step more
Thank You for an Amazing Academy Showcase 2026
Dear Academy Families, Thank you for a truly beautiful Academy Showcase Saturday. We were so proud to see our dancers
DUBS 2026: Three Full Weeks Under the Big Sky
DUBS 2026: Three Full Weeks Under the Big Sky Our summer intensive expands to a three-week format, July 20 –
Our Approach
Discover Our Artistic Journey
The Academy, Montana Ballet Company’s official educational facility, provides the finest classical ballet instruction for students ages 2 through pre-professional. With a humanistic approach, the Academy’s professional faculty introduces children and adults alike to the art, discipline, and beauty of classical ballet, enriching the minds and spirits of those who aspire to learn the art form and fostering a profound, life-long relationship with dance.
Our preeminent training focuses on developing technical ability and artistry, as well as teaching meaningful, important life skills.
At MBC, we believe holistic dance training is essential for nurturing not just skilled performers but well-rounded artists. It integrates technique, creativity, physical health, and emotional well-being, empowering dancers to express themselves authentically, sustain their careers, and connect deeply with their artistry and audience.
Training you can trust. Our Academy’s training is informed by the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum, bringing nationally recognized standards to Montana Ballet Company’s classrooms.
Programs
Find Your Class
The Academy, Montana Ballet Company’s official school, offers exceptional classical ballet training for students ages 2 through pre-professional. Our faculty focuses on nurturing each student’s technique, artistry, and confidence.
AGES 2-9
Lower Division
Pre-Primary through Level 3A
Our Lower-School classes introduce children to the brilliant world of dance. The Lower School’s focus is on capturing children’s innate joy of moving and instilling a love of dance. Students learn ballet vocabulary in French, classroom etiquette, and how to work in a group setting, and develop a solid technical foundation.
AGES 10+
Upper Division
Level 4A through Intermediate/Advanced
Upper-School students further solidify and strengthen their classical ballet technique. All dancers may take technique, pointe, and conditioning; level 5A and above may add Modern, Pas de Deux, and Variations. Incoming students take a placement class.
All Ages
Open Division
Adult Ballet, Conditioning & Master Class Series
Our Open Division is designed for anyone. Adult Ballet and Conditioning welcomes beginner- to intermediate-level dancers, while our Master Class series brings world-class guest instructors to the community. Registration is class-by-class.
The Academy, Montana Ballet Company’s official summer programming, offers dynamic open classes and intensives for dancers of every age. Our faculty focuses on keeping technique strong through the summer months while challenging, motivating, and nurturing each dancer in a supportive environment.
Open Classes
Mini Movers, Pre-Primary, Primary
Summer 2026: July 6 – 28, 2026
- Mondays — Pre-Primary (ages 3–5) 4:00–4:45 pm · Primary (ages 5–7) 5:00–6:00 pm
- Thursdays — Mini Movers (ages 2–3) 4:00–4:45 pm
Open Classes for Level 1–3
Summer 2026: June 1 – June 25 & July 6 – July 9, 2026* & August 10 – 13, 2026 (*No classes the week of July 4)
Open Classes for Level 4 – Intermediate/Advanced & Adults
Summer 2026: June 2 – June 26 & July 7 – July 17, 2026* & August 11 – 14, 2026 (*No classes the week of July 4)
Our Open Classes are a wonderful opportunity for students to continue their classical ballet training during the summer months. All of our summer programs are open to continuing Academy students and new students alike.
- Mondays — Level 5 + Int/Adv 5:00–7:00 pm · Adult class 6:00–7:30 pm
- Tuesdays — Level 1/2 (ages 8–10) 4:00–5:30 pm (no classes 7/13–8/9) · Level 3/4 (ages 11–13) 4:00–5:30 pm (Level 3: no classes 7/13–8/9) · Level 5 + Int/Adv 4:00–6:00 pm (+ Pointe)
- Wednesdays — Level 5 + Int/Adv 5:00–7:00 pm (Tech & Pointe)
- Thursdays — Level 1/2 (ages 8–10) 4:00–5:30 pm (no classes 7/13–8/9) · Level 3/4 (ages 11–13) 4:00–5:30 pm (no classes 7/13–8/9) · Level 5 (ages 12–14) + Int/Adv 5:00–7:00 pm · Adult class 6:00–7:30 pm
Summer Dance Intensives
Summer dance intensives are an inspiring opportunity for aspiring dancers to grow, learn, and refine their artistry under the guidance of exceptional faculty. At Montana Ballet Company (MBC), we are proud to offer three distinctive summer programs — Dancing Under the Big Sky, Mini-Dancing Under the Big Sky, and our Adult Intensive — each designed to challenge, motivate, and nurture dancers in a supportive environment.
Dancing Under The Big Sky (DUBS)
July 20 – August 8, 2026
MBC’s Annual Dancing Under the Big Sky (DUBS) is an immersive three-week summer dance intensive that offers dancers an extraordinary opportunity to advance their technique and artistry. This year, we are updating the program to a three-week format to give our students even more training time with these wonderful guest teachers. The intensive features exceptional instructors, professional-level training, and a holistic curriculum that nurtures the whole dancer—mind, body, and spirit.
MBC is delighted to welcome Isabella LaFreniere, Carla Stallings, and David Ingram for DUBS 2026, to be held Monday, July 20, through Saturday, August 8. Classes run Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with short breaks and a lunch hour each day.
The DUBS curriculum includes ballet technique, pointe and pre-pointe, variations, modern and character dance, Pilates, physical therapy, and nutrition. With three full weeks of training, dancers will experience deeper growth, expanded repertoire, and a greater sense of confidence and artistry.
The intensive will culminate in a special performance at the 49th Annual Sweet Pea Festival on Saturday, August 8, giving participants the unforgettable opportunity to share their hard work and passion with the community.
DUBS Junior Intensive
July 20 – August 1, 2026
This updated program is a junior version of our Dancing Under the Big Sky (DUBS) and is designed specifically for dancers ages 8–11 who are ready to commit to an intensive. Our new standalone schedule will offer students the opportunity to immerse themselves in classes and perform in a final in-studio showing. In addition, we are offering interested dancers the opportunity to return and perform again at the Sweet Pea Festival on August 8, 2026.
DUBS Jr. will take place July 20–August 1, 2026, and run Monday–Friday from 9:00 am–2:00 pm. This two-week intensive is a unique opportunity for dancers to immerse themselves in a variety of dance forms, focusing on technique, artistry, musicality, and expression. Along with ballet technique, dancers may have modern, character, mime, injury prevention, and body conditioning.
This program will be led by our outstanding MBC Faculty, featuring guest teachers Isabella LaFreniere, Carla Stallings, and David Ingram.
Our Dancing Under the Big Sky Junior Intensive exemplifies our belief in nurturing the “whole dancer,” mind, body, and spirit.
Sleeping Beauty Summer
June 15 – 18, 2026 & June 22 – 25, 2026
Based on Montana Ballet Company’s ballet Sleeping Beauty, this program offers dancers aged 4–6 and 7–8 the opportunity to participate in themed classes, choreography, and crafts. Come dance with us!
Adult Intensive
August 3 – 8, 2026
This new program is designed for the adult dancer who takes their training seriously. Each day is specifically designed to help optimize your training and take your technique to the next level. We are excited to announce that our guest ballet faculty, Isabella LaFreniere, Carla Stallings, and David Ingram, will also be teaching in this program.
Classes may include:
- Ballet Technique
- Character Dance
- Variations
- Contemporary
- Body Conditioning
- Pilates
- Yoga
- Lectures (Dance History, Nutrition, Mindfulness, and Breath)
- Repertoire and optional final performance at the Sweet Pea Festival — for dancers who would like to perform and are participating in the full week
Classes run 9:00–5:00 pm Monday–Friday, with the performance on Saturday.
Two attendance options:
- Option A — Monday–Friday 9:00–5:00 pm + Saturday 9:00–10:30 am (8/3–8/8/2026) with optional Sweet Pea performance
- Option B — Thursday–Saturday (8/6–8/8/26), classes run 9:00–5:00 pm & Saturday 9:00–2:00 pm
Shape Up for Nutcracker
August 17 – 20, 2026
This fun program offers students the opportunity to get back in shape and start learning and working on MBC’s Nutcracker choreography. This program runs Monday–Friday and has two levels:
- Ages 12–18 — Technique class 9:30–11:15 am + 11:30–1:00 pm Nutcracker Rep
- Ages 9–11 — Technique class 1:30–2:45 pm + 3:00–4:00 pm Nutcracker Rep
Montana Ballet Company has created an Adaptive Dance Program (ADP) inspired by a successful program established in 2002 by the Boston Ballet and Boston Children’s Hospital.
Our Adaptive Dance Program is designed to provide creative movement and introductory ballet instruction for children ages 5 – 12 with Down syndrome. Classes are taught by Montana Ballet Company Faculty, who have attended a training on working with individuals with Down syndrome, in conjunction with Board Certified Physical Therapist, Kelsey Wadsworth, of APRS Physical Therapy, and live Percussionist, Kristopher Olsen.
MBC Faculty members provide a safe, thoughtful and nurturing environment for students to develop a lifelong relationship with dance. Students are provided clear expectations and learn dance etiquette, or how to behave in a dance studio setting. Students explore, learn and practice creative movement exercises to diverse musical rhythms. In addition to these artistic and health benefits, students have the opportunity to master movements specifically tailored to their ability, thereby enhancing confidence and self-esteem. It is our goal that each student has an empowering mastery experience.
Through creative movement and introductory ballet instruction, other areas of focus are the enhancement of, among other things, motor coordination, balance, posture, paying attention, following directions, cooperation with others, taking turns, and music appreciation.
Our Adaptive Dance class will conclude with a performance as part of our Academy’s Annual Showcase. Students may also have the opportunity to perform at other local venues and events.
Our People
Meet Our Faculty
Our faculty is made up of professional artists and educators, including every member of our performing company, who are dedicated to nurturing each dancer’s technique, artistry, and confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your questions answered: Here’s what you need to know about our ballet academy.
We offer classes for all ages, starting from 2 to adults. Each program is designed to meet the needs of the specific age group and skill level to ensure everyone can enjoy and benefit from ballet.
No prior experience is necessary! Our beginner classes welcome all students, and our instructors are here to guide you every step of the way.
Enrolling is simple! Find the class for you or your student above. You can also contact our office at 406.582.8702 for assistance or questions.
Classes vary by level and age group. Check our class calendar for specific days and times, or reach out to our team for personalized schedule inquiries. Class times are also mentioned on the registration page for each class.
There is no dress code for open classes, but we recommend comfortable clothes that you can dance in and ballet slippers or socks.
For the Pre-Primary through Intermediate Advanced, uniforms are required. The leotard requirement for each level is listed below. Uniforms, tights, ballet slippers, and knitwear are available for purchase at the studio.
The leotard requirement for each level is listed below. Uniforms, tights, ballet slippers, and knitwear are available for purchase at the studio.
All students should have elastics sewn on their ballet slippers and not tied in a knot or safety pinned. Please ask the instructor should you have any questions.
Girls — pink tights, pink ballet slippers. Hair should be pulled back off the face, with longer hair secured neatly in a bun
- Pre-primary A & B: Wear Moi LINA dress w/MBC logo (White)
- Primary A, B & C: Wear Moi LINA dress w/MBC logo (Lilac)
- Level 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5: Wear Moi FAUSTINE leotard w/MBC logo (Prune)
- Intermediate/Advanced: Wear Moi FAUSTINE leotard w/MBC logo (Dark Grey)
*Optional
- Additional for 3+ classes/week: Wear Moi FAUSTINE leotard w/MBC logo (Black)
- Adult Ballet: Wear Moi FAUSTINE leotard w/MBC logo (Navy)
Boys — white T-shirt, black tights, jazz pants or shorts, black ballet slippers
For all levels of Conditioning, PBT, Pilates, Yoga, Contemporary, and Modern:
- Girls — leotard, jazz pants/capris, and sneakers, jazz shoes or instructor preference. Warm-ups may be worn. Hair should be pulled back off the face, with longer hair secured neatly in a bun
- Boys — t-shirt, jazz pants or shorts, and sneakers, jazz shoes or instructor preference
Our uniform leotards and shirts are only available in person at our shop. Our shop also has a selection of tights and shoes for every dancer, though these are available elsewhere online.
Attendance is taken in every class. Students are asked to attend classes regularly and to inform the Academy at 406.582.8702, or info@montanaballet.org, if going to be absent.
Montana Ballet Company (MBC) is a nonprofit, 501c(3) arts organization that includes an Academy, which focuses on classical ballet instruction, and a tiered performing Company, which provides dancers the ability to enrich their knowledge of our art form and improve their artistry and technique through additional training and performing opportunities.
Academy classes are open to all dancers and all levels. Academy students have the opportunity to perform in:
– MBC’s Annual Nutcracker in December — open audition in September for all students aged 6 (on or before September 10) and above who are available for all scheduled rehearsals and performances.
– The Academy’s Annual Showcase performance in May — open to all students enrolled for the academic year.
– “Dancing Under the Big Sky” Showcase in August – students age 8 and above present special repertory learned during this two-week intensive.
Our three-tiered performing Company includes a Professional, Trainee, and Student tiers. Acceptance into the performing Company is competitive and by audition only. Company auditions are held annually in the spring and again in early September. Dancers accepted into the Company will have their own unique qualities that lend themselves to the repertoire of Montana Ballet. Company members will have the opportunity to perform in MBC’s productions as well as participate in various engagement programs and events throughout the Season, such as Tea with Clara, Share the Dance & Dinner, senior community living outreach, and State of Play appearances.
Advancement to the next class level depends on each student’s individual progress and is at the discretion of the Academy Director. Inconsistent attendance may influence a student’s placement. The Academy Director is available to discuss all questions pertaining to placement, advancement, training, classroom behavior and performing opportunities.
FOR CURRENT FAMILIES
Already Enrolled?
Class schedules, dress code, tuition, policies, and your SessionUp account — everything you need for life at the Academy.
