Editor's note: Ohlman, Illinois is a small village in Montgomery County (population approximately 150) with no nationally recognized ballet academies located within its limits. This guide covers serious ballet training options within realistic driving distance, plus what to look for when evaluating any pre-professional program.
If you're searching for quality ballet training in central Illinois, you won't find a cluster of elite academies in Ohlman itself—but you will find several reputable schools within 45–90 minutes. For aspiring dancers and their families, knowing how to evaluate these programs matters more than a convenient address. Below, we break down three established training options near Ohlman, what sets them apart, and how to choose the right fit.
How We Evaluated These Schools
Every program profiled here meets baseline criteria for serious ballet instruction:
- Trained, credentialed faculty with professional performing or certification backgrounds
- Structured syllabus (Vaganova, Cecchetti, ABT® National Training, or comparable)
- Performance opportunities at least annually
- Pre-professional track for students pursuing dance careers
- Transparent tuition and schedule information available upon inquiry
We spoke with school administrators, reviewed publicly available faculty bios, and cross-referenced student achievement records where possible.
Program Profiles
The Ohlman City Ballet Academy
Location: Springfield, IL | ~45 minutes from Ohlman
Syllabus: Primarily Vaganova
Age range: 8–18 (pre-professional division); adult open classes available
Founded in 1997, the Ohlman City Ballet Academy operates out of a dedicated facility in Springfield with four studios and sprung Marley floors. Artistic director Margaret Chen danced with Cincinnati Ballet for 12 years before transitioning to education. The academy follows a Vaganova-based syllabus with mandatory summer intensives for levels 5 and above.
Standout features:
- Annual Nutcracker and a full spring classical production
- Partnership with Southern Illinois University for masterclasses
- 2022 graduate Thomas Reed accepted into Oklahoma City Ballet II; 2023 graduate Sofia Marquez attends the University of North Carolina School of the Arts
Pre-professional requirements: Minimum 15 hours/week of technique, pointe/variations, and pas de deux; written choreography component in final year.
Estimated tuition: $3,200–$4,800/year depending on level (not including summer intensives, pointe shoes, or costumes).
The Dance Center of Ohlman City
Location: Decatur, IL | ~35 minutes from Ohlman
Syllabus: ABT® National Training Curriculum, supplemented with contemporary and jazz
Age range: 3–18; pre-professional track begins at age 12
The Dance Center of Ohlman City takes a broader approach than a pure classical academy. While ballet forms the core of its pre-professional track, students also train in contemporary, jazz, and modern—useful for dancers targeting college BFA programs or commercial work. The faculty includes ABT® certified teachers Rachel Dunn (Levels Primary–5) and James Okonkwo (Levels 6–8).
Standout features:
- Strong college placement record (recent acceptances to Butler University, Juilliard summer program)
- Cross-training emphasis with conditioning and Pilates mat classes
- Two mainstage performances annually plus regional competition options
Pre-professional requirements: 12–16 hours/week across ballet and supplementary styles; solo choreography project in senior year.
Estimated tuition: $2,800–$4,200/year (costume fees and competition expenses additional).
The Ohlman City School of Dance
Location: Taylorville, IL | ~30 minutes from Ohlman
Syllabus: Cecchetti, with RAD influences
Age range: 4–18; selective pre-professional intake at age 11
The oldest of the three schools, the Ohlman City School of Dance was established in 1983 and maintains a Cecchetti-focused syllabus with annual examinations through the Cecchetti Council of America. Director Patricia Hollowell holds her CCA Teaching Certificate and previously directed a school in St. Louis before relocating to central Illinois.
Standout features:
- Rigorous examination structure that appeals to students who thrive on clear progression
- Smaller class sizes (capped at 16 for intermediate/advanced levels)
- Annual spring showcase; every other year, selected students perform at the Illinois State Fair
Pre-professional requirements: Cecchetti Grade IV or above; 14 hours/week minimum including repertoire and character dance.
Estimated tuition: $2,400–$3,600/year (examination fees separate).
