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Western Arkansas Ballet
4.9 ★★★★★ 20 Google reviews · Ballet school in Fort Smith, Arkansas
Plan your first class
- Adult classes classes for grown-ups, including absolute beginners — it's never too late to start at the barre
- Pointe pointe and pre-pointe work for dancers who are ready — the pre-pointe strengthening comes first
- Pre-professional a serious, conservatory-style track for committed students aiming high
- Recitals end-of-year performances and shows — ask about costume and performance fees when you enroll
- Today see hours ·
- Phone +1 479-785-0152
- Website & schedule waballet.org — enroll and see the live class schedule
Hours
| Monday | 1–7 pm |
| Tuesday | 1–7 pm |
| Wednesday | 1–7 pm |
| Thursday | 1–7 pm |
| Friday | 1–7 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The programs they offer
“If you have kids interested in ballet, I highly recommend WAB, my 7 year old loves it, she started going at the age of 4.”
“From children starting at age four all the way to the pre-professional level, Western Arkansas Ballet is top notch at training dancers properly and carefully.”
“My 5 year old is in Creative Movement and wants to do tap next year.”
What families & students say
“This academy is so incredibly patient and encouraging to each student.”
“If you are looking for a place to enroll your child, or if you are considering going to view a live performance, this is the school of excellence.”
“From children starting at age four all the way to the pre-professional level, Western Arkansas Ballet is top notch at training dancers properly and carefully.”
“No one else combines the professional level of dance education and experience with the compassion and understanding of capable teachers like WAB.”
From the reviews
My daughter has taken ballet at WAB for nearly six years, and I took ballet from WAB myself. I would never consider sending her anywhere else. No one else combines the professional level of dance education and experience with the compassion and understanding of capable teachers like WAB.
I love western Arkansas ballet it's like a friendly cozy home where I can hang out with my friends and do what I'm passionate about and express myself while doing it.
Absolutely the BEST Dance Studio in Fort Smith, and dare I say it, the entire state of Arkansas! This academy is so incredibly patient and encouraging to each student.
I'm giving 5 stars...even though the experience was not even close to past experiences. Kudos to the company for going "on with the show" to give Ft. Smith and it's surrounding area an ongoing tradition. Western Arkansas Ballet Company has my love and respect. COVID TAKE THAT!!!
Adult ballet at Western Arkansas Ballet
Western Arkansas Ballet runs classes for grown-ups — confirmed on their own site. If you've never taken ballet, or you're coming back to it after years away, this is for you — and a good studio genuinely welcomes a nervous first-timer. A few things worth asking before you go. First, which class to start in — look for one labeled "absolute beginner" or "adult beginner" rather than an open or "all levels" class, so you learn the fundamentals at the right pace. Second, drop-in or term — many adult programs let you pay per class to try it, then move to a term or monthly package once you're hooked. Third, what to wear — comfortable clothes you can move in, plus socks or bare feet, are plenty for a first class; you won't need a leotard or ballet shoes to walk in the door. It's never too late for first position.
Your first ballet class at Western Arkansas Ballet
Nervous about walking into your first class? Almost everyone is — and a good studio expects beginners, whether your dancer is five or you're returning at fifty. Here's what to know. What to wear: comfortable clothes you can move in, with socks or bare feet; a leotard and tights are nice if you have them, but not required, and pointe shoes are years down the road — never day one. What to expect: class usually starts at the barre with slow, simple movements to warm up, then moves to the center — follow along, copy the teacher, and don't worry about getting it "right" the first time. Arrive early: come 10–15 minutes ahead to change, find a spot, and let the teacher know it's a first class so they can keep an eye out. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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