Why Performing Is An Essential Part of Ballet Training
At AOCBallet, performing isn’t just the reward at the end of the season — it’s an essential part of every dancer’s training. Dance is, after all, a performing art, and we believe that stepping onto the stage completes the circle of a dancer’s education.
Bringing Stories to Life
Each year, our students have the opportunity to perform in two-act story ballets presented at the historic Campbell Theatre — a beautiful, professional setting that allows dancers to share their artistry with the community. Our performances are open to the public, giving students the full experience of being part of a real production.
We’ve presented beloved tales such as Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, and Thumbelina. Some of our ballets are original creations, crafted specifically for our dancers, while others are drawn from the classical repertoire, giving students the chance to learn choreography that has been performed by professional companies all over the world for generations. This combination gives our dancers a well-rounded perspective: the excitement of having choreography set specifically on them, and the honor of stepping into timeless, historic roles.
A Full Theatrical Experience
From the first rehearsal to the final bow, each dancer becomes part of something bigger than themselves. Our handmade costumes — designed and created with care — help bring the characters and worlds of these ballets to life. We rarely use catalogue costumes, because we want every detail to feel authentic and special.
Depending on age and level, students often learn two to four roles within the production. As rehearsals progress, all levels of dancers come together to weave their parts into the larger story. Younger dancers look up to the older ones, while the more experienced students learn to mentor and lead by example. Everyone quickly discovers that every role matters — there are no small parts in a ballet.
More Than Just a Recital
Our performances are not “recitals” in the typical sense — you won’t find a long lineup of unrelated dances where parents wait for a single moment to see their child. Instead, our shows tell a complete story, allowing every dancer to play a meaningful role.
We keep our casts intentionally small and age-appropriate, ensuring that every student gets individualized attention and a chance to shine. Roles and costumes are carefully selected for both artistic integrity and suitability. We don’t focus on “tricks” or flashiness — our emphasis is always on the quality of movement, storytelling, and technique.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Performing teaches lessons that can’t be learned in the studio alone. Dancers gain confidence, teamwork, discipline, and a sense of responsibility. They learn to adapt, to support one another, and to appreciate the collective effort that goes into creating something beautiful.
Unlike competitions, which often focus on short solos and high scores, our performances nurture a deeper understanding of what it means to be an artist. Students learn that dance is not about being the “best,” but about contributing to something greater — about sharing their love of movement and story with an audience.
The Magic of Performance
When the curtain rises and the lights hit the stage, something truly magical happens. The dancers’ hard work, creativity, and dedication come together in a way that transforms both performer and viewer. This is why we perform — to give our students not only the training, but also the experience of being artists.
At AOCBallet, performing isn’t the end goal — it’s part of the journey, and one of the most rewarding parts of all.