Nestled against the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the Lakewood area has quietly cultivated a reputation for exceptional ballet training. Within a 20-minute drive of Lakewood's city center, aspiring dancers can access programs that have launched careers with major companies including American Ballet Theatre, San Francisco Ballet, and Colorado Ballet itself. This guide examines the region's established training institutions—evaluated on faculty credentials, pedagogical approach, performance opportunities, and measurable student outcomes—to help you identify the right fit for your goals and circumstances.
Pre-Professional Training Programs
Colorado Ballet Academy
Location: Downtown Denver (primary campus) with satellite studios in Belmar (15 minutes from central Lakewood)
Training Methodology: Vaganova-based syllabus with Balanchine influences
The official school of Colorado Ballet operates the most extensive pre-professional pipeline in the state. Children's division classes begin at age 3, with structured pre-professional training commencing at 11. The academy's six sprung-floor studios feature Marley flooring, floor-to-ceiling mirrors, and live piano accompaniment for all technique classes.
Distinctive features: Direct pathway to Colorado Ballet's Studio Company; annual Nutcracker casting for qualified students; summer intensive drawing faculty from Paris Opéra Ballet and Royal Ballet School.
Age/Level Range: Ages 3–22, from creative movement to trainee level
Notable alumni: Dancers currently with Colorado Ballet, Ballet West, and Houston Ballet
Rocky Mountain Ballet Academy
Location: Wheat Ridge (10 minutes northwest of Lakewood)
Training Methodology: Cecchetti-based with contemporary integration
This professional company's affiliated school emphasizes classical foundation while building versatility. Students train 15–25 hours weekly across technique, pointe, variations, pas de deux, and contemporary.
Distinctive features: Regular masterclasses with company principals; biannual full-length productions at the Lakewood Cultural Center; adult beginner through professional divisions.
Arts-Integrated Education
Denver School of the Arts
Location: Stapleton, Denver (25 minutes from Lakewood; note: city of Denver, not Lakewood)
Training Methodology: Eclectic, drawing from multiple syllabi
Colorado's only public magnet school combining college-preparatory academics with pre-professional arts training. Admission requires competitive audition and academic screening.
Distinctive features: Tuition-free for Colorado residents; academic coursework compressed to mornings, allowing 3–4 hours daily of studio training; partnerships with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance and Wonderbound for cross-training.
Important consideration: Geographic distance and Denver Public Schools residency requirements affect accessibility for Lakewood families.
Selecting Your Program: Key Questions
Before scheduling visits, clarify your priorities:
| If your priority is... | Consider... |
|---|---|
| Maximum training hours with professional exposure | Colorado Ballet Academy |
| Tuition-free pre-professional preparation | Denver School of the Arts (verify admissions timeline) |
| Flexible scheduling for academic balance | Rocky Mountain Ballet Academy's part-time tracks |
| Adult beginner or recreational training | Community divisions at Rocky Mountain Ballet |
Next Steps
Most programs offer trial classes or observation periods—schedule these between August and May to see instruction in progress. For pre-professional tracks, plan auditions 6–12 months in advance of desired entry.
Have you trained at any of these programs? Share your experience in the comments to help fellow dancers make informed decisions.
