Queen Emma Ballet

Queen Emma Ballet has taught Hawaii's young dancers for over three decades from its downtown Honolulu location. Founded in 1989 by co-directors Eve Walstrum and Suzanne Rowland, the studio is dedicated to providing students with a strong foundation in classical ballet technique in an atmosphere that encourages personal growth, artistic appreciation and a love of dance.

The studio distinguishes itself at the intersection of classical training and contemporary, cutting-edge choreography. All choreography is specifically created to advance dancers' technical limits and artistic expression. Classes are offered in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Contemporary and Conditioning for ages 2 to adult, beginner to professional. Young students start with Wee Dance classes for ages 2.5–3.5 years (with caregiver) and Keikidance for ages 4–6, progressing through early-stage foundation work.

With class sizes of 8–16 students, personal attention by instructors with distinguished professional credentials is QEB's hallmark. The regular faculty includes Therese Wendler, Jose Silva, Anna Motteler, Lindsay Kosasa, Beth Muaina, Chiara Ferrari-Wong, and Alyssa Schoenfeld. The studio has hosted guest teachers including Bruce Marks (former director of the Boston Ballet), Finis Jhung (renowned New York City master teacher), and Lawrence Rhodes (Director, Juilliard Dance Division).

Students have the opportunity to perform in annual fall and spring productions at local theaters and public venues. New students are accepted in the summer and fall on a space-available basis. Registration begins in April for the eight-week Summer Term and in June for the 18-week Fall Term. Scholarships for boys are available. The studio's alumni include professional dancers with companies such as the Brian Brooks Moving Company, National Ballet of Canada, Peridance Contemporary Dance Company, and Modern Dance Theater of Istanbul, as well as graduates of Juilliard's Dance Division and the North Carolina School of the Arts.

Classes are held at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in downtown Honolulu in groups of 8–16 students. Instructors provide personal attention within a nurturing environment that emphasizes both technical development and artistic growth. The studio runs summer (8-week) and fall (18-week) terms; new students are accepted on a space-available basis during registration periods.

Regular faculty include Therese Wendler, Jose Silva, Anna Motteler, Lindsay Kosasa, Beth Muaina, Chiara Ferrari-Wong, and Alyssa Schoenfeld. The studio is led by co-directors Eve Walstrum and Suzanne Rowland, who founded it in 1989. Guest teachers have included Bruce Marks, Finis Jhung, and Lawrence Rhodes.

The studio welcomes beginners of all ages, from 2.5 years through adults, with early-stage foundation focus for young learners.