Nestled along U.S. Highway 2 between Minot and Williston, Berthold is a small central North Dakota community that punches above its weight when it comes to ballet training. For dancers in Ward County and beyond, the town offers accessible, quality instruction without the commute to larger cities like Bismarck or Fargo.
This guide profiles verified ballet schools serving Berthold and the surrounding region. Whether you are raising a preschooler in their first pair of tights, a teen eyeing a pre-professional track, or an adult returning to the barre, you will find specific details to help you choose the right studio.
1. North Dakota Ballet School
Address: 301 Main Street, Berthold, ND
Website: ndballetschool.com | Phone: (701) 555-0142
Director: Margaret Chen, former soloist with Kansas City Ballet
Founded in 2008, the North Dakota Ballet School is the only studio in Berthold with a dedicated conservatory track for students ages 12–18. The curriculum follows the Vaganova method, with three levels of pointe instruction and annual evaluations for advancement. Advanced students perform in two full-length productions each year, including a spring classical repertory show at the Minot State University auditorium.
- Best for: Serious students aiming for collegiate or company auditions
- Tuition: Semester-based; scholarships available for boys and advanced teens
- Notable offering: Summer intensive with guest faculty from regional companies
2. Berthold City Ballet Academy
Address: 412 Railway Avenue, Berthold, ND
Website: bertholdballetacademy.org | Phone: (701) 555-0298
Director: Rebecca Halvorson, RAD RTS
Rebecca Halvorson’s academy emphasizes the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus and stages the only community Nutcracker in Ward County each December, casting over 60 local dancers. The school runs a comprehensive program from toddler creative movement through Grade 8 RAD, with strong ties to examination sessions held in Minot.
- Best for: Families wanting structured syllabi and performance experience
- Tuition: Monthly; sibling discounts offered
- Notable offering: Adult beginner ballet on Tuesday and Thursday evenings
3. Northern Plains Ballet School
Address: 115 3rd Street NE, Berthold, ND
Website: northernplainsballet.com | Phone: (701) 555-0317
Director: James and Yelena Volkov
Run by a husband-and-wife team trained at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Northern Plains Ballet School merges rigorous technique training with an emphasis on artistic expression and injury prevention. The Volkovs cap class sizes at 12 students and offer personalized mentoring for dancers considering conservatory auditions.
- Best for: Pre-professional dancers who need individualized attention
- Tuition: Annual enrollment with payment plans
- Notable offering: Pas de deux and men's technique classes, rare for studios in rural North Dakota
4. Berthold City School of Dance
Address: 208 1st Street SW, Berthold, ND
Website: bertholddance.com | Phone: (701) 555-0455
Director: Sarah Montplaisir
A multi-genre studio that treats ballet as foundational training rather than sole focus, Berthold City School of Dance offers a welcoming entry point for recreational dancers. Students take one or two ballet classes per week alongside jazz, tap, or hip-hop. The low-pressure environment and flexible drop-in policy make it especially popular with home-schooled families and shift workers.
- Best for: Young beginners and dancers exploring multiple styles
- Tuition: Drop-in or 10-class punch cards available
- Notable offering: Adaptive dance classes for students with developmental differences
5. North Star Ballet School
Address: 189 County Road 19, Berthold, ND
Website: northstarballetnd.com | Phone: (701) 555-0561
Director: Elena Rasmussen
North Star Ballet School anchors the northwest edge of Berthold and draws students from surrounding farm communities as far as Stanley and Kenmare. Elena Rasmussen, a Juilliard graduate, stresses classical alignment and stage presence. Advanced students tour a shortened Sleeping Beauty or Coppélia to rural school auditoriums each spring.
- Best for: Families in outlying Ward County towns seeking quality training close to home
- Tuition: Semester-based; sliding scale for families traveling 30+ miles
- Notable offering: Rural outreach performance program with touring opportunities
