Omaha Academy of Ballet
Ballet training rooted in ABT and ISTD curricula since 1962
A ballet-focused dance school offering classical ballet training along with related dance disciplines.
Photo: Bryan Hoybook via Google
Before your first class
New students are welcomed; the school encourages reaching out before enrollment to ensure proper class placement.
The studio has a dress code policy; details are available on the website or by contacting the academy.
Free, off-street parking is available at both studio locations.
About this studio
Omaha Academy of Ballet is a nonprofit arts organization founded in 1962, operating two locations in Omaha: the Midtown studio at 319 N 72nd Street and the West studio at 2502 S 133rd Plaza Suite 103. While ballet is the primary focus, OAB offers a variety of dance styles including classical ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, modern, hip-hop, and creative movement.
The school utilizes an enhanced ISTD (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing) ballet curriculum, with particular emphasis on alignment with the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum under Artistic Director Rachel Vickrey, who is an ABT Certified Teacher and the only ABT Certified Teacher in Nebraska to have completed the ABT Teacher Training Intensive through Level 6/7 & Partnering. The faculty includes Senior Ballet Faculty members Sheila Nelson, Lynne Nevin, Robin Welch, and Patti Zukaitis, alongside additional ballet and supplemental faculty. Andrew Parker serves as Artistic Administrator and Senior Full-Time Faculty, bringing over thirty years of teaching and mentoring experience across North America, including previous roles at Canada's National Ballet School, Boston Ballet School, and as Dean and Director of the School of Nashville Ballet.
Classes are organized by age and level: Primary (ages 18 months–7 years), Elementary (Ballet 1–3), Intermediate (Ballet 4/5), Advanced (Ballet 6/7, Pre-Pro, and Open), and Adult Classes. The school year begins August 31st, with the 2026–2027 schedule available; tuition is billed monthly with nine payments per class. Summer classes run June 20–July 18, including Primary Ballet, Secondary Ballet, and Adult options. Both locations feature four studios ideally sized for small, medium, and large classes.
Beyond studio classes, OAB provides dance training and education in the community through after-school programs and community performances. An annual recital offers a performing experience for all dancers. The school operates Heartland Youth Ballet and the Omaha Dance Project, which holds auditions. Scholarships and financial assistance are available, and tuition assistance and work-study options are offered. Free, off-street parking is available at both locations.
What to expect
Your first visit
Classes start August 31st, 2026. New students should email or call the studio to discuss proper class placement. Monthly tuition is automatically billed through Jackrabbit, with nine payments per class year, and multi-class discounts are available.
Instructors
Who teaches here
The faculty is led by Artistic Director Rachel Vickrey, an ABT Certified Teacher with 22 years of professional ballet experience and work with Suzanne Farrell and Salvatore Aiello. Artistic Administrator Andrew Parker brings over 30 years of teaching experience across top North American schools and companies. Executive Director Melanie Epps, who joined in January 2024, is an award-winning choreographer. Senior Ballet Faculty includes Sheila Nelson, Lynne Nevin, Robin Welch, and Patti Zukaitis, with additional ballet and supplemental faculty members listed for the 2026–27 school year.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
New students are welcomed; the school encourages reaching out before enrollment to ensure proper class placement.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
Dress code
The studio has a dress code policy; details are available on the website or by contacting the academy.
Studio history
Omaha Academy of Ballet was founded in 1962 as a nonprofit arts organization. Rachel Vickrey, the Artistic Director, previously served as Artistic Director of Heartland Youth Ballet, helping it become a Regional Dance America Honor Company, and in 2014 re-founded Heartland Conservatory of Dance.
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
Omaha Academy of Ballethasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Omaha Academy of 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 Omaha Academy of Ballet
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Omaha Academy of Ballet teach?
Omaha Academy of Ballet teaches Ballet, Classical Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical Jazz 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 Omaha Academy of Ballet located?
Omaha Academy of Ballet is located in Omaha, NE. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Omaha Academy of Ballet offer private lessons?
Contact Omaha Academy of Ballet directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Omaha Academy of Ballet teach kids and adults?
Omaha Academy of 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 Omaha Academy of Ballet?
The fastest path is to visit Omaha Academy of Ballet via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.
Is there parking at Omaha Academy of Ballet?
Free, off-street parking is available at both studio locations.