Project Ballet maintains the highest standards of classical ballet training while still respecting the dignity of each child. This balance is not easily achieved and is often overlooked in elite level ballet schools. It is of paramount importance to our faculty and staff that each student at Project Ballet is respected, encouraged and supported. This environment is what sets us apart from most pre-professional ballet programs. We love ballet and we love this organization. It is our greatest hope that our students and their families will feel and share in this enthusiasm.
History
Founded in 2004 by Artistic Director Beth McLeish, Project Ballet was established with a singular vision: to provide exceptional ballet training while nurturing the whole child. Originally operating under the name New American Youth Ballet, the organization quickly earned a reputation for artistic excellence, rigorous training, and a student-centered approach that distinguished it from traditional dance schools.
As the organization grew, so did its vision. In recognition of its evolving mission and innovative approach to arts education, the Board of Directors announced a new name in 2017: Project Ballet. The name reflects the organization’s commitment to continual growth, adaptability, and improvement. Rather than adhering to a static model, Project Ballet continually evaluates and refines its curriculum and programming to best meet the needs of its students and families. This philosophy is captured in its mission: providing superior ballet training for our region’s youth.
In 2019, Project Ballet reached another major milestone when we were invited to perform at the historic Embassy Theatre. We are honored to be the official Nutcracker performance for this iconic theatre. Today, Project Ballet presents two productions at the Embassy Theatre each season: Nutcracker at the Embassy and our annual spring ballet, providing students with the opportunity to perform on one of the region’s premier stages.
Over the past two decades, Project Ballet has expanded both in enrollment and in reputation. Today, the organization offers a comprehensive ballet curriculum for students ages 3–18 and is recognized as one of the region’s premier pre-professional ballet training programs. Students have received accolades from leading ballet companies, universities, choreographers, and master teachers throughout the country. Graduates have continued their training and careers at some of the most prestigious institutions in the world, including Indiana University, the School of American Ballet, and New York City Ballet.
As Project Ballet’s reputation has grown, so has its regional impact. Families from throughout Northeast Indiana and neighboring states commute – or even relocate – to Fort Wayne to access the organization’s unique programs. This expanding reach has established Project Ballet as a significant cultural and educational resource for the region.
A defining milestone in the organization’s history was the creation of the Academic Conservatory, one of only a handful of programs of its kind in the United States. Designed to support serious young artists, the fully-accredited Conservatory combines elite ballet training with a rigorous college-preparatory education for students in grades 5–12. By housing both academic and artistic instruction under one roof, students can pursue excellence in both disciplines without sacrificing either.
The Academic Conservatory is distinguished by its small class sizes, exceptional faculty, individualized instruction, and outstanding academic outcomes. While many students are dedicated ballet dancers, the Conservatory also serves elite athletes, musicians, performers, and other students who benefit from a flexible, highly-personalized educational environment. The program maintains an exceptional graduation rate and college placement record, preparing students for success in higher education and beyond.
Throughout its history, Project Ballet has remained committed to uncompromising standards of excellence while fostering a family-centered culture. The organization values each child as an individual and prioritizes both physical and mental well-being alongside artistic and academic achievement. These principles continue to guide every aspect of the school’s operations.
Today, Project Ballet stands as a nationally-respected institution that combines superior ballet training, exceptional academics, and a commitment to developing confident, capable young people. What began in 2004 as a small ballet school has become a transformative educational organization serving students throughout the Midwest and beyond, while remaining steadfast in its founding belief that every child deserves the opportunity to pursue excellence in a supportive and inspiring environment.