Highlands Ballet

About Highlands Ballet

Highlands Ballet, located in Abingdon, Virginia, has been a cornerstone for aspiring dancers for over 25 years, fostering a deep appreciation for the fine art of ballet and music. Established in 1994 as Highlands Ballet Company, the organization provides vital support and education. Dedicated to classical ballet training, Highlands Ballet offers programs designed to build a strong foundation in ballet technique, emphasizing artistry and discipline. While the studio is renowned for its ballet programs, it also embraces early childhood development through Kindermusik of Abingdon, a division of Kindermusik International. This program offers music and movement activities for children from birth to age seven, fostering cognitive, language, physical, creative, and social-emotional development. Esteemed faculty members include Amanda Johnson, Ali Fletcher, and Liana Gensler, who guide students through a structured curriculum. Highlands Ballet nurtures potential professional dancers and offers advanced students unique training and performing experiences through its civic dance company. The artistic vision and original choreography of directors Deanna Cole-Roberts and Deirdre Cole define the hallmark of Highlands Ballet Company's productions. The company enriches Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee with cultural, educational, and entertaining programs, presenting multiple full-length ballets annually, including classics and original works. Highlands Center for Ballet Arts, the company's feeder school, mirrors the professional format of company productions in its yearly recital. Dancers regularly engage in additional performance opportunities at events like the Virginia Highlands Festival and Abingdon Community Christmas.

Styles offered at Highlands Ballet