Cincinnati Ballet
Professional ballet company and academy with classes for all ages and abilities
A ballet-focused dance school offering classical ballet training along with related dance disciplines.
Before your first class
Ballet Basics and Pre-Intermediate Ballet are specifically designed for those new to ballet or returning to it; all adult classes welcome all levels on a drop-in basis.
For Barre Fitness: wear socks instead of footwear and bring a yoga mat for floor exercises.
Single class $19; 5-class pass $80 ($16 per class, expires 3 months); 10-class pass $150 ($15 per class, expires 3 months); 15-class pass $195 ($13 per class, expires 6 months).
About this studio
Cincinnati Ballet is both a professional ballet company and the home of the Otto M. Budig Academy, serving the greater Cincinnati area through world-class dance education and performance. The company operates from the Margaret and Michael Valentine Center for Dance, opened in 2021, which functions as a full-service community center for dance.
The Academy serves students from age 2 through adult. For younger students, the Children's Division (ages 2–7) builds confidence and introduces classical ballet fundamentals. The Preparatory Division, Young Dancer Division, and Advanced Division follow, with placement assessments determining entry. The Advanced Division prepares students for future careers in dance or collegiate pursuits. Open Electives support ages 10–17 looking for flexible, individualized scheduling. A Professional Training Division is also available.
Adult programmes are extensive and run on a drop-in basis with no enrollment commitment required. Classes include Ballet Basics, Pre-Intermediate Ballet, Intermediate Ballet, Contemporary, Modern, Street Dance Fundamentals, Barre Fitness, Cardio Kickboxing, Conditioning, Yoga, and The VM Workout (designed by Artistic Director Emeritus Victoria Morgan). New to Cincinnati Ballet adults receive their first class free when registering through Mindbody.
Beyond regular classes, Cincinnati Ballet runs multiple summer intensive programmes: a six-week Summer Intensive for ages 12 and up (with three-week sessions available), a Collegiate Intensive in partnership with the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music for ages 18 and up, a Youth Summer Intensive for ages 9 and up with three divisions, a Summer Dance Workshop for ages 8–11, Kids Dance Camp for ages 4–8, and a Variations Workshop for ages 11 and up. All intensive programs require audition. The company also offers school programmes, including in-school residencies and CincyDance! performances, Master Class Series, Adult Weekend Intensive, CB Moves for Parkinson's, and CB Moves for Adults.
The professional company stages multiple productions each season. The 2026–2027 season includes the world-premiere-packed Kaplan New Works Series, LIVE! (a concert collaboration with Over the Rhine and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra), The Nutcracker, Romeo and Juliet, Director's Vision: Two Voices, and Hansel and Gretel. The company offers free and low-cost events, sensory-friendly performances, and student matinees. Academy students train in the same spaces as professional dancers, have the opportunity to perform in mainstage Company productions, receive exclusive invitations and discounts, and connect to mentorship and career resources.
What to expect
Your first visit
Adult drop-in classes are held at the Margaret and Michael Valentine Center for Dance at 1801 Gilbert Avenue. You can reserve your space online through Mindbody or arrive 15 minutes early to check in in person. Your first class is free. Classes range from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on style and are taught by expert faculty in a relaxed environment. All levels are welcome across the range of offerings.
Instructors
Who teaches here
The company is led by Cervilio Miguel Amador (Katherine and Richard Rosenthal Artistic Director), with rehearsal directors Dale Shields, Yoshihisa Arai, and Erina Noda. Victoria Morgan is Artistic Director Emeritus. Music Director Alyssa Wang and Artistic Collaborator David Morse also shape the company's artistic direction. Academy faculty are described as nationally recognized.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Ballet Basics and Pre-Intermediate Ballet are specifically designed for those new to ballet or returning to it; all adult classes welcome all levels on a drop-in basis.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
What to bring
For Barre Fitness: wear socks instead of footwear and bring a yoga mat for floor exercises. For Conditioning: bring a yoga mat for floor exercises. For The VM Workout: wear sneakers and bring a yoga mat. For Yoga: specific requirements not detailed in source.
Studio history
Cincinnati Ballet opened the Margaret and Michael Valentine Center for Dance in 2021, establishing a full-service community center for dance that serves all ages and abilities.
Styles offered
10 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Cincinnati Ballethasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Cincinnati Ballet, 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 Cincinnati Ballet
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Cincinnati Ballet teach?
Cincinnati Ballet teaches Ballet, Ballet Basics, Pre-Intermediate Ballet, Intermediate Ballet, Contemporary, Modern and 4 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Cincinnati Ballet located?
Cincinnati Ballet is located in Cincinnati, OH. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Cincinnati Ballet offer private lessons?
Contact Cincinnati Ballet directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Cincinnati Ballet teach kids and adults?
Cincinnati Ballet 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 Cincinnati Ballet?
The fastest path is to visit Cincinnati Ballet via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.