Ballet Idaho and Academy
Professional ballet company and academy in Boise with trainee pipeline
A ballet-focused dance school offering classical ballet training along with related dance disciplines.
Photo: Pomas Taige via Google
Before your first class
Free trial classes are offered for new adult students considering the academy.
Trainee Program is tuition-based; partial and full scholarships available on merit or need.
About this studio
Ballet Idaho is both a performing company and a teaching academy based in downtown Boise. The organisation stages season performances and runs educational programmes from 501 S 8th St. The company itself fields principals, soloists, company artists and apprentices, with dancers represented by The American Guild of Musical Artists, AFL-CIO.
The Academy offers adult classes and summer programmes, including a free trial class option. Beyond drop-in classes, Ballet Idaho runs a Trainee Program established in 2020—a one- to two-year pre-professional bridge programme for dancers aged 18–21. The Trainee Program supplements academy coursework with daily ballet class (including pointe, variations, repertoire and contemporary technique), company class, personal coaching, mentorship and multiple performance opportunities. Trainees shadow company rehearsals and participate in their own performance series and corps work in full-scale productions like The Nutcracker. The programme has proven effective at moving dancers into professional contracts; Ballet Idaho recently hired two trainees into the main company as apprentices. Stephanie Orza directs the Trainee Program and brings training from San Francisco Ballet School, Basel Ballet and the Inland Pacific Ballet, plus choreographic and teaching experience from Portland.
The company stages story ballets including a reimagined Cinderella choreographed by Artistic Director Garrett Anderson and Associate Artistic Director Anne Mueller. Recent and upcoming work involves commissioned pieces and workshops; soloists like Ashley Baker have also choreographed for the trainees. The 2026–2027 season programme is coming soon, and the company holds an annual gala.
Ballet Idaho operates as a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit and welcomes students and artists of all ethnicities, orientations and backgrounds. The organisation emphasises accessible performances, community engagement, and values of compelling artistry, dedication to learning, diversity, commitment to excellence and fostering community.
What to expect
Your first visit
Adult classes are available on a drop-in basis or longer commitment. New students can book a free trial class to experience the academy. The Trainee Program operates on a tuition basis with partial and full scholarships available on merit or need.
Instructors
Who teaches here
The Trainee Program is directed by Stephanie Orza, who trained at San Francisco Ballet School and danced professionally with Ballet Idaho, Basel Ballet and Inland Pacific Ballet before a teaching career in Portland. Faculty includes Artistic Director Garrett Anderson, Associate Artistic Director Anne Mueller, Brett Perry, Courtney Anderson, Lydia Sakolsky-Basquill, Academy Director Jessica Sulikowski, Emily Coello and Pilates instructor Tsarra Bequette, plus company dancers and guest faculty.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Free trial classes are offered for new adult students considering the academy.
Studio history
The Trainee Program was established in 2020. Ballet Idaho previously operated jointly with Eugene Ballet under Artistic Director Toni Pimble, during which the company staged multiple productions of Cinderella—each reflecting the choreographer's unique perspective.
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Ballet Idaho and Academyhasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Ballet Idaho and Academy, claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule in about 2 minutes. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about Ballet Idaho and Academy
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Ballet Idaho and Academy teach?
Ballet Idaho and Academy teaches Ballet, Pointe, Variations, Repertoire, Contemporary technique. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Ballet Idaho and Academy located?
Ballet Idaho and Academy is located in Boise, ID. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Ballet Idaho and Academy offer private lessons?
Contact Ballet Idaho and Academy directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Ballet Idaho and Academy teach kids and adults?
Ballet Idaho and Academy welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at Ballet Idaho and Academy?
The fastest path is to visit Ballet Idaho and Academy via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.