The Frederick Quinney Lawson Ballet West Academy, the official school of Ballet West, is one of America’s premier source of classical ballet and performing arts training. Ballet West Academy is dedicated to developing and inspiring the whole child, both as an accomplished artist and a healthy individual, professionally and recreationally.

Beginning & Elementary

The Beginning Division is for our youngest dancers ages 3 to 9. Classes are offered by age and are carefully developed in accordance with a child’s physical and cognitive abilities. Classes are designed to encourage students to explore the elements of dance with a focus towards ballet in a fun and nurturing environment while setting the stage for future training.

Student Division

Ballet Levels 1 through 8 are designed for students ages 9 and up. Placement in these levels for new students requires an audition. End of season advancements are considered on an individual basis and determined by class observation and exam classes. Students in this division can expect to spend more than one year in each level. Students perform in the Ballet West Academy Winter, Spring, and Contemporary Showcases. Students in this division are also expected to participate in Ballet West Academy’s summer Accelerated Ballet Workshop and/or a Ballet West summer intensive or other approved ballet intensive program.

Professional Training

Ballet West Academy’s Professional Training Division is designed for serious ballet students, 14 years old and up. The PTD program is comprised of three female and two male levels and is designed to carry students through their high school years. The Professional Training Division is by audition or invitation only and each dancer commits to a contracted year of study with the program. PTD students are considered for a Trainee position.

Summer Intensives

The Frederick Quinney Lawson Ballet West Academy Summer Intensive is recognized as one of the top programs in the nation, attracting the highest caliber of dancers. Under the supervision of Ballet West Artistic Director Adam Sklute and Academy Director Evelyn Cisneros-Legate, dancers are provided the opportunity to learn from principal faculty, guest artists, choreographers, and ballet masters from throughout the world. The BWA Summer Intensive focuses on developing well-rounded dancers through exposure to a wide variety of disciplines with an emphasis on classical ballet technique and key elements.

Adult Classes & Seminars

Each class is carefully cultivated by one of our world-class instructors or Ballet West company dancers. All adult ballet and tap classes are open to the public ages 13 years and older.

Regardless of prior experience, if you are brand new to ballet we recommend our Starter Series. Call 801-869-6912 for more information.

We offer beginner, intermediate, and advanced ballet classes at all of our locations.

Artistic Leadership, Staff, and Faculty

Upcoming Events

  • Musical Passport

    March 12 (7:30pm), March 13 (7:30pm), March 14 (2:00pm, 7:30pm) 2026
    Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center
    2525 Taylorsville Blvd, Taylorsville, UT 84129


    Students of the Fredrick Quinney Lawson Ballet West Academy present contemporary works with the theme of exploring the world's music in this year's Contemporary Showcase: Musical Passport. Students from Utah County, Trolley Corners, the Ballet Centre, and the Peggy Bergmann Park City Campus will join together for two programs across four performances.

I am impressed by the level of our students and am committed to offering opportunities. In fact, 75% of the current company trained with Ballet West Academy. Under Evelyn Cisneros-Legate, I feel the level has increased further and I’m looking forward to the next chapter for these programs.
— Ballet West Artistic Director, Adam Sklute