Academy
Overview
The Academy, Montana Ballet Company’s official educational facility, provides the finest classical ballet instruction for students age 2 to pre-professional. With a humanistic approach, The Academy’s professional faculty introduces children and adults alike to the art, discipline, and beauty of classical ballet, enriching the minds and spirits of those who aspire to learn the art form and establish a profound and life-long relationship with dance.
Our preeminent training focuses on the attainment of technical ability and artistry, as well as teaching meaningful and important life skills.
At MBC we believe holistic dance training is essential for nurturing not just skilled performers but well-rounded artists. It integrates technique, creativity, physical health, and emotional well-being, empowering dancers to express themselves authentically, sustain their careers, and connect deeply with their artistry and audience.
– Melissa Bowman, MBC Artistic Director
Students from our Academy audition and are accepted to summer programs throughout the United States. Our students have attended American Ballet Theatre, Joffrey Ballet, Ballet West, Harid Conservatory, and other prestigious schools. Their acceptance into these programs is a tribute to their dedication and the high-quality training they receive at the Montana Ballet Company and Academy.
Faculty
Special Guest Faculty
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LESLEY RAUSCH Guest Faculty
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SAMANTHA SHELTON Guest Faculty
Core Values
Culture of Belonging. We create a welcoming, safe space where everyone—dancers, families, and patrons—feels supported, valued, and free to fully engage in the art of dance.
Whole-Person Care. We nurture the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of our dancers, empowering them to grow with confidence, find their voices, and advocate for themselves.
Excellence with Compassion. We are committed to high-quality training and performances, meeting dancers where they are and inspiring growth with care, balance, and respect.
Relevance & Evolution. We embrace change, stay responsive to the world around us, and strive to keep our work fresh, reflective, and meaningful while being grounded in and learning from the history and traditions of dance.
Integrity & Stewardship. We operate with honesty and accountability, ensuring the thoughtful use of resources to build a sustainable, evolving organization that will thrive for generations.
Attendance
Attendance is taken in every class. Students are asked to attend classes regularly and to inform the Academy at 406.582.8702, or info@montanaballet.org, if going to be absent.
