In a college town of 66,000, Ames has developed an unexpectedly robust ballet ecosystem—one that has launched dancers onto national stages while remaining accessible to three-year-olds in tutus. Whether you're raising a future principal dancer or an adult seeking your first plié, Ames offers training options that punch above their weight for a Midwestern city of this size.
This guide breaks down four distinct institutions, what separates their teaching philosophies, and how to choose the right fit for your goals and budget.
Quick Comparison: Which Studio Fits You?
| Your Goal | Best Match |
|---|---|
| College-degree dance training or ISU student electives | Iowa State University Ballet |
| Established community roots, multiple performances, pre-professional track | Ames Ballet Academy |
| Cross-training in jazz, tap, and contemporary alongside ballet | Dance Arts Academy |
| Intensive, individualized attention with capped enrollment | The Ballet School of Ames |
Iowa State University Ballet
Best for: Aspiring professionals seeking academic credentials, ISU students, and serious dancers wanting Vaganova-based conservatory training.
Iowa State University's dance program operates at a different altitude than typical studio training. Students pursue a BFA in Dance or a Dance Minor, integrating Vaganova ballet technique with modern dance, choreography, and dance science coursework. The faculty includes former company dancers with credits at American Ballet Theatre, Joffrey Ballet, and regional companies nationwide.
Performance opportunities extend beyond the standard recital. The annual spring ballet production features full-length classical works and contemporary commissions, performed in ISU's 400-seat Fisher Theater with professional lighting and live orchestra accompaniment. University students also gain teaching experience through outreach programs in Ames public schools.
Key details: Degree-seeking students audition for placement; non-majors can enroll in technique courses as electives with instructor approval. Contact the Department of Music and Theatre for current semester offerings.
Ames Ballet Academy
Best for: Families wanting multi-generational community ties, Nutcracker tradition, and a clear pre-professional pathway.
Founded in 1993 by former Pacific Northwest Ballet dancer Margaret Thompson, Ames Ballet Academy has trained three decades of central Iowa dancers. The school's longevity shows in its institutional memory: current instructors include Thompson's former students who returned after professional careers to teach.
The curriculum follows a graded Vaganova syllabus with annual examinations, progressing from creative movement (ages 3–4) through pre-professional levels requiring 15+ hours weekly. The academy's annual Nutcracker—performed at Stephens Auditorium with guest artists from major companies—draws audiences from across the state and serves as a fundraising engine for student scholarships.
Notable alumni have joined Cincinnati Ballet, Tulsa Ballet, and BalletMet Columbus. The school maintains deliberate connections with these companies, hosting summer intensive auditions and master classes.
Tuition range: $65–$385/month depending on level; scholarship auditions held each spring.
Dance Arts Academy
Best for: Dancers wanting versatility, recreational students, and those who view ballet as one component of broader dance training.
Dance Arts Academy occupies a distinct niche: ballet as foundation, not sole focus. While the studio offers leveled ballet classes through advanced pointe, it explicitly markets to students seeking cross-training in jazz, tap, contemporary, and hip-hop. This philosophy attracts dancers who want technical proficiency without the single-style intensity of pure classical academies.
The ballet faculty includes American Ballet Theatre® Certified Teachers in the ABT® National Training Curriculum, providing structured progression through primary through level 7. However, the studio's culture emphasizes individual expression over examination systems—recitals feature student choreography, and participation in local dance festivals prioritizes creative risk over competitive placement.
Performance track: Annual spring recital plus optional competition team; ballet-focused students typically add 1–2 jazz or contemporary classes weekly.
The Ballet School of Ames
Best for: Students needing individualized attention, late starters catching up, and those overwhelmed by large-studio environments.
Owner-director Elena Vasiliev opened this boutique operation in 2015 after dancing with the Bolshoi Ballet Academy and National Ballet of Canada. Her operating principle is radical selectivity: maximum 40 students total, with most classes capped at 8 dancers. This yields approximately 4:1 student-faculty ratios in advanced levels.
The intimacy allows diagnostic precision. Vasiliev describes her approach as "surgical"—identifying and correcting foundational weaknesses that persist unnoticed in larger programs. The school particularly suits dancers who began training after age 10 and need accelerated technical development, or those recovering from injury requiring modified programming.
Training follows Vaganova methodology with Bolshoi stylistic influences—notably more expansive port de bras and grand allegro than typical American training. The annual spring performance is invitation-only for families
