Academy of Ballet is the official school of Tucson Regional Ballet and has been offering quality pre-professional instruction in Ballet, Pointe, Tap, & Jazz for 40 years! We are currently offering drop-in summer classes as we prepare for an exciting fall season! Contact Bridget Wilde for details! We are thrilled to welcome special Brittany De Grofft and Patrick Ogle, current and former dancers with American Ballet Theatre, to our regular staff!
Brittany will be the Artistic Director of Tucson Regional Ballet and will teach Ballet Levels 4-7, as well as overseeing the entire dance education program. Patrick will also be teaching Ballet Levels 4-7 as his schedule allows and will teach a Men's Class for our young male dancers. We are so happy to have them on board!
Brittany will be the Artistic Director of Tucson Regional Ballet and will teach Ballet Levels 4-7, as well as overseeing the entire dance education program. Patrick will also be teaching Ballet Levels 4-7 as his schedule allows and will teach a Men's Class for our young male dancers. We are so happy to have them on board!
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Academy of Ballet was founded in 1981 by Linda Walker, and since then has established itself as one of southern Arizona's premier schools of classical ballet. Under the guidance of our current Artistic Director, Brittany De Grofft, our professional instructors provide students with a positive, focused learning experience, the skills needed to progress as a dancer for professional or personal goals, and a joyful dance experience.
Tucson Regional Ballet distinguishes itself as a school and company that offers pre-professional ballet training complemented by training in tap and jazz. Additionally, the school focuses on students of all ages, with varying degrees of interest and talent, who wish to participate in dance instruction in an inspiring learning environment for the challenge and joy of dance.
Tucson Regional Ballet's Academy of Ballet is proud to announce the achievements of its students who have been awarded scholarships to, or have received professional contracts with, the following dance schools, universities and companies:. Academy of Ballet was founded in 1981 by Linda Walker, who began her dance training at the age of six in California.
Please visit the TRB YouTube Channel for updated videos of company performances, rehearsals, and other material! For safety reasons, we do not post videos of current young students that are not members of our pre-professional company. Please enjoy these excerpts from past recital "A Salute to America" and Heidi, exemplifying the character and culture of Academy of Ballet.
In conjunction with Tucson Regional Ballet, Academy of Ballet students have numerous opportunities to perform throughout the year, depending on their level and desire. All performance opportunities are optional. All students at the Academy, young and old, are invited to participate in our Annual Recital, which takes place Memorial Day weekend and features performances by all our ballet levels as well as a showcase of tap and jazz.
Reviews (12)
Bee
May 30, 2021
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I took my very first ballet classes at this studio when I was in preschool and came back 25 years later to take a ballet leisure class as an adult. I was thrilled to see the familiar faces of the director and instructor. The curriculum was fundamentally unchanged which also brought the feelings of nostalgia that I was hoping for. The studio walls are lined with photos of all the students over the years and it’s so awesome to see the long history of the studio and evolution of it’s dancers.
The reviewers which complain about the strictly enforced dress code and attendance should not be discouraged
The reviewers which complain about the strictly enforced dress code and attendance should not be discouraged
Anonymous
Jan 31, 2019
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After being a student at the Academy of Ballet for multiple years and have had an amazing experience, I think it’s a great studio. Everyone I have been taught by has been very experienced and is serious and passionate with what they do. Although the director can be very strict and could be considered a bit “old school”, I see no problem with this. She is serious about what she does and her actions have helped me and other students learn discipline that will help us in our futures. I believe that after training with the Academy of Ballet and Tucson Regional Ballet, the dancers are very strong
Cassandra Savage
Jan 10, 2018
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I love this school! I grew up dancing at Academy of Ballet, Tap and Jazz from when I was 4 years old until 18. Each faculty member at the Academy takes their role as a mentor and role model very seriously. They are all so inspiring and truly care for their students. It's thanks to the training I received here that I was accepted into (and graduated from) the University of Arizona's dance major program! This dance studio shaped the dancer and dance teacher that I am today and I will be forever grateful to Linda and everyone there.
Carleen Robinson
Jan 09, 2018
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Academy of Ballet has been the greatest experience for our Gracie as well as for us. Gracie looks forward to every Saturday morning. This is our 3rd year, they are very organized and are very attentive to the children during practice and the shows. If you want a great experience for your child then this is the place to go. Thank you Linda, Bridget, and ALL of the teachers and helpers for all that you do.
Yolanda Olvera
Nov 29, 2017
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Academy of Ballet is by far one of the best ballet, tap and jazz schools you can send your child to. My daughter started last year at the age of three and absolutely loves it. She's learned to be social, gain listening skills, discipline and loves to dance. She's always dancing and excited to go to class. The recital was absolutely amazing and Mrs. Linda (Director/Owner) is always happy to answer questions and put any concerns at ease. The instructors are super nice and have tons of dance experience. I highly recommend Academy of Ballet to any parent looking to send their child to dance school
Laura Danker
Sep 24, 2017
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We love the Academy of Ballet. Ms. Linda Walker and all of the teachers are fantastic. My daughter has gained in confidence, discipline and poise while having a great time. This place is like a family, and everyone is great. Parents, students and teachers are all very supportive.
The Academy of Ballet does have high expectations of its students, especially as they get older and more serious. However, it's not a competitive environment and it's more about challenging each student to do their best. Students are expected to follow strict rules in class, but this has resulted in discipline.
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The Academy of Ballet does have high expectations of its students, especially as they get older and more serious. However, it's not a competitive environment and it's more about challenging each student to do their best. Students are expected to follow strict rules in class, but this has resulted in discipline.
There
Victoria Bridges Metzler
Aug 22, 2017
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Rachele Peterson
Jul 25, 2017
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Polly Ann De Grofft
Jul 15, 2017
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My daughter trained at this school from the time she was 6 years old until she was 18. She is now a professional ballet dancer with American Ballet Theatre in New York City. Academy of Ballet provided her with excellent training and the fundamentals necessary to get her to where she is today. We could not have done it without Linda Walker and this school! A wonderful atmosphere and a staff that is helpful, personable and supportive. The best in Tucson!
Nicole Hamilton
Jul 08, 2017
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Academy of Ballet provides by far the best dance education available in Tucson. They offer a variety of levels of dance and are welcoming new students. The school is organized, the instructors foster a foundation of discipline, focus on detail and perfecting dance technique. My daughter has been at the Academy for over 13 years and her love and passion for dance has never been stronger. If you are looking for serious dance training or just a fun way to exercise, this is the place to do it!
Cj Bell
Sep 23, 2013
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My children are blossoming at the Academy of Ballet. The training is of the best quality and every child is given an opportunity to shine. My children have improved dramatically since we have been at the school. I love the teachers. They are very smart about dance and excellent at teaching proper technique. The recital is extremely well organized, as is the Southwest Nutcracker, which is just charming. I have found the prices to be comparable with other dance schools in the area, and Ms. Walker does not charge for unnecessary expenses. We are happy there and I have recommended the Academy to many
M. Gonzales
Jun 29, 2012
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We have been blessed with our experiences with the Tucson Regional Ballet. The director, Ms. Walker is amazing. I never knew how much detail & work went into producing a successful ballet until my daughter danced in The Southwest Nutcracker four years ago. She had such an awesome experience that she has continued to this day with the company. It is also worth noting that the staff and parent support is high. The dancers are encouraged to do their best and be successful. That success is also recognized when achieved.
