Three Lakes City, Wisconsin, may be best known for its chain of lakes and Northwoods charm, but it also supports a small, committed ballet community. For families and students considering serious dance training here, the options are limited in number yet distinct in philosophy. Rather than chase prestige by reputation alone, prospective dancers should evaluate programs on measurable criteria: faculty background, weekly training hours, performance access, and student outcomes.
We selected the following programs based on faculty credentials, curriculum depth, community reputation, and history of student placement in pre-professional tracks or collegiate dance programs.
How These Schools Compare at a Glance
| Feature | Lakeside Ballet Academy | North Woods Ballet Conservatory | Three Lakes City Ballet School |
|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1972 | 2001 | 1993 |
| Weekly hours (pre-professional) | 15–20 | 10–14 | 12–16 |
| Student-to-teacher ratio | 8:1 | 5:1 | 10:1 |
| Primary focus | Classical Vaganova technique | Personalized progress & performance | Classical + contemporary hybrid |
| Ages served | 8–18 (pre-professional division) | 6–18 | 7–18 |
| Summer intensive | Yes (4 weeks) | Yes (2 weeks) | Yes (3 weeks) |
| Notable alumni pathway | Milwaukee Ballet II, Butler University | Regional company contracts, musical theater | Contemporary BFA programs, Pilobolus |
Lakeside Ballet Academy: The Classical Track
Founded by former Milwaukee Ballet soloist Margaret Hollis in 1972, Lakeside Ballet Academy remains the area's most traditional pre-professional program. Hollis, now artistic director emeritus, trained under Maria Tallchief and brought a rigorous Vaganova-based syllabus to northern Wisconsin at a time when serious ballet instruction was scarce outside Milwaukee or Madison.
What sets it apart: The academy's upper divisions require 15 to 20 hours weekly of studio time, including technique, pointe, variations, pas de deux, and character dance. In 2019, alumna Claire Wenzel entered Milwaukee Ballet II after completing the academy's full pre-professional track. The school also maintains an annual partnership with Madison Ballet, hosting a guest repertory week each spring.
Consider if: You want a conservatory-style environment with clear advancement levels, a proven classical pipeline, and the discipline of a six-day training week.
Tuition range: $3,800–$5,200 annually for the pre-professional division; need-based scholarships available.
North Woods Ballet Conservatory: Intentionally Small
Director James Peller opened North Woods Ballet Conservatory in 2001 after dancing with BalletMet Columbus and Nashville Ballet. With a capped enrollment of 45 students, the conservatory rejects the factory-model approach. Every student receives an annual progress conference with faculty, and class placements are reviewed each quarter rather than annually.
What sets it apart: Performance opportunities are embedded into the training model. Students appear in three fully produced productions yearly, including one original student-choreographed showcase. Peller emphasizes stagecraft and artistic confidence as heavily as technique. Several graduates have moved into regional ballet companies or touring musical theater productions, often after adding voice or acting training locally.
Consider if: Your child thrives with individualized attention, needs frequent stage time to build confidence, or is considering a cross-disciplinary performance career.
Tuition range: $2,600–$3,800 annually; work-study roles for teen students offset costume and production fees.
Three Lakes City Ballet School: Bridging Classical and Contemporary
Opened in 1993 by husband-and-wife team Robert and Elena Voss—he a former dancer with Pennsylvania Ballet, she with Atlanta Ballet—the school deliberately broadens its syllabus beyond the classical canon. Contemporary, modern, and improvisation classes appear alongside ballet technique from Level IV upward.
What sets it apart: The Vosses built the curriculum to prepare students for BFA dance auditions, not just ballet company contracts. Alumni have enrolled at Alonzo King LINES Ballet, Fordham/Ailey, and Ohio University. The school also runs the area's only youth repertory ensemble focused on contemporary commissions from Midwest choreographers.
Consider if: You want strong classical fundamentals but value versatility, or if your goal is a college dance program rather than immediate company placement.
Tuition range: $3,200–$4,500 annually; merit scholarships awarded at spring audition.
What to Do Before You Commit
- Observe an advanced class. Every school here permits prospective families to watch a Level IV or higher session. Note how teachers
