ABOUT LAKE ERIE BALLET:

Programs
Programming at the Lake Erie Ballet is three tiered; training, performance and outreach. Each of these program is integral to the other. Our collective of artists, who work most closely with our performing companies also train within the school. Those dancers and guest artists who work and perform with the companies of the Lake Erie Ballet also play an integral role in Arts in Education and Arts in Medicine Programs.

Nutcracker
Every year in September, the Lake Erie ballet invites ballet students from age three and older to audition for the annual production of The Nutcracker. This audition is free and open to public. Each year the Lake Erie Ballet Nutcracker showcases the Lake Erie Ballet Companies, esteemed guest artists, technicians and dancers from the community performing with a live orchestra at the historic Warner Theatre in Erie, PA.

School
The Lake Erie Ballet Academy of Dance offers classes to students ages two and a half and older - providing a consistent curriculum in classical ballet.  This program of training is rooted in the traditions and philosophies of our founders; Statia Sublette, Arlene Ashton Hays, Sharon Filone, Robert Steele and Christina Maria Adelhardt. The training program is offered in two divisions: the Childrens and Student Divisions.

In the Children's Division Program (ages 2 1/2 - 7 years of age), classes are conducted with the National Dance Education Organization standards, while maintaining a focus on classical ballet.  Throughout the Student Division program (ages 7 - 17), students are provided with consistent programming in classical ballet coupled with the disciplines of Jazz, Contemorary and Tap techniques with only the best professionals in the field.  Each year the Lake Erie Ballet affords its student body and companies the opportunity to work and study with artists currently producing work in the field of dance.  Those students enrolled in the Company Track of study are offered the opportunity audition and be contracted with the Lake Erie Ballet Companies in order to work more closely with our artists in residence.

Each season of dance training is offered in three, ten to sixteen week intervals: September though December, January through May and June through August; each culminating in a full length production or public presentation.  Each term students are issued progress reports by their primary instructor.  At this time, the parent or guardian is allowed to observe classes and assess their childs progress.   At the end of each Term the student is tested and evaluated for advancement within the curriculum.  Performance is not mandatory for advancement but encouraged and required of those students enrolled in the Company Track of study.   Advancement within the program is granted ultimately by the Director.  Students of the Company Track are afforded the opportunity to audition for the Lake Erie Ballet Junior Company prior to each production.

Support
There are many ways to support the Lake Erie Ballet. Attend a performance or enroll in a program. Advertise with us in our playbills and on our website. Attend one of our many fundraising events throughout the year. Become a sponsor; support, sustain or secure the future of the Lake Erie Ballet with your gift today.