Classical Ballet of Mobile

Classical Ballet of Mobile is a non-profit school teaching traditional classical ballet to students from age 3 through 19. The school is organised into two divisions: Petite Dancer classes for ages 3–6, and the Academy for ages 6–19. All Petite and Academy level students perform in the Spring Showcase, and Academy students are eligible for additional performance opportunities throughout the year.

The Academy curriculum is structured by level, starting with Level 1 (ages 6–7) and progressing through Level 5 (ages 13+). All levels require at least one ballet class per week. Younger Academy students take ballet, contemporary, and acro classes. From Academy 3 onwards, the schedule expands to include Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT)—a 45-minute conditioning programme using exercise balls and resistance bands—alongside pointe work, variations, Horton Technique, and contemporary dance. Academy 5 represents pre-professional training and students at this level are encouraged to audition for the Company. Non-CBM students are welcome to audition for performances; if accepted, they must enrol in at least one weekly ballet class at CBM and pay a $200 performance fee.

Petite Ballet is offered at $75 per month on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3:45–4:30 p.m. Students learn proper classroom etiquette, coordination, musicality, and spatial awareness through preparatory ballet movement set to classical music. The school emphasises safe, age-appropriate training for developing bodies and minds, honouring childhood through its choice of technique, music, and costuming.

The faculty brings years of high-level training, performance experience, and teaching background. Pamela Thompson, Founding Academy Director and Artistic Director from 1952–2026, trained with Alexandra Danilova, Melissa Hayden, James Eaton, and others, and performed with Mobile Civic Ballet and Birmingham Concert Ballet. Winthrop Corey, Artistic Director Emeritus (1946–2023), was a principal dancer with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and the National Ballet of Canada, danced opposite Rudolf Nureyev, taught master classes across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, and served as summer faculty at The Joffrey Ballet School and American Ballet Theatre.

The school is located in Park Center at 4621 SpringHill Avenue, Suite C, near Langan Park, accessible from both Spring Hill Avenue and Museum Drive. Hours are Monday–Thursday 8 a.m.–7 p.m., Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Classical Ballet of Mobile is a proud member of the Mobile Arts Council.

New Academy students are evaluated by the Academy Director for level placement. Petite Dancers are placed by age and skill level at faculty discretion. All classes follow traditional classical ballet technique with emphasis on proper posture, placement, and artistic expression. The school maintains a family-friendly, nurturing environment with positive instruction and encouragement.

The faculty has many years of training at high levels, performance experience, and teaching background. Pamela Thompson, Founding Academy Director and Artistic Director, trained with Alexandra Danilova, Melissa Hayden, and James Eaton, and performed with Mobile Civic Ballet and Birmingham Concert Ballet. Winthrop Corey, Artistic Director Emeritus, was a principal dancer with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and National Ballet of Canada, danced opposite Rudolf Nureyev, and taught at The Joffrey Ballet School and American Ballet Theatre.

Petite Dancer classes (ages 3–6) introduce ballet through preparatory movement; Academy Level 1 (ages 6–7) establishes foundational technique and terminology. Adult Beginner Ballet classes are also offered.