About Us

Mission

Holt Ballet Conservatory is dedicated to enriching Nevada County through exceptional classical ballet education, artistic excellence, and meaningful performance opportunities. Our mission is to provide authentic, professional-quality training in a nurturing and disciplined environment where students of all ages may develop technical skill, artistry, confidence, and character.

We serve aspiring pre-professional dancers pursuing advanced conservatory, collegiate, and company pathways, as well as individuals seeking the lifelong benefits of ballet as an enriching artistic discipline. Through high standards of instruction, mentorship, and community engagement, Holt Ballet Conservatory fosters a culture of respect, teamwork, wellness, and appreciation for both classical and contemporary ballet traditions.

As a community-based conservatory, we are committed to making high-caliber ballet education and performance experiences accessible locally while upholding standards comparable to professional training institutions in major metropolitan areas.

Specifics

At Holt Ballet, students of all ages and experience levels are welcomed into a nurturing and inspiring classical ballet environment. Our curriculum begins with joyful entry-level classes for children ages three and up, while also offering a comprehensive training program for dancers seeking a more serious or pre-professional path.

Beginning students build confidence, coordination, musicality, and a love for dance in an encouraging atmosphere. Intermediate and advanced dancers have access to an extensive weekly curriculum that includes daily technique classes, pointe training, variations coaching, and performance opportunities through Production Ballet, Musical Theater, and Saturday rehearsals.

Holt Ballet proudly presents two major productions each year: Clara and the Nutcracker in December and a full-length story ballet in June. Our repertory has included beloved classical works such as Coppélia, Paquita, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, excerpts from Firebird, Les Sylphides, Giselle, Swan Lake, Don Quixote, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Whether a student is dancing for joy, artistic enrichment, or professional preparation, Holt Ballet offers a place to grow in artistry, discipline, confidence, and community.

The Training

At Holt Ballet Conservatory, dancers of every age and aspiration are encouraged to grow, achieve, and experience the joy of ballet at the highest level appropriate for them. From a child’s very first class to advanced pre-professional training, every student is valued as an important part of our artistic community.

Students in our Children’s and Youth Divisions participate in full ballet productions, while Junior and Senior Division dancers perform as corps de ballet members, featured soloists, and, when earned, principal performers alongside professional faculty artists. Our nurturing yet disciplined approach allows each dancer to develop confidence, artistry, technical excellence, and a strong work ethic in a supportive environment.

Whether a student trains with us for one season or many years, they receive thoughtful, high-quality instruction and meaningful performance opportunities. Holt Ballet Conservatory alumni have continued on to elite college dance programs, pre-professional conservatories, and professional careers, while many others carry with them a lifelong appreciation for ballet, wellness, teamwork, and the arts.

We believe exceptional ballet training nspires every student — from those seeking a joyful weekly class to those pursuing professional aspirations.