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“When observing my daughter in the pre-ballet class, I was amazed at the ability of our youngest students to follow directions for 45 minutes and continue to keep pace with the instructor. What an excellent preparation for Kindergarten! Our students are not only learning ballet skills, but listening and behavioral skills as well!”
- Katy, NVB parent

Mission & Philosophy

Mission

Napa Valley Ballet is dedicated to enriching the youth of our community by providing a quality classical ballet school for those seeking an education in dance. We are committed to maintaining high standards of technical training, fostering the love for ballet as an art form, and promoting individual growth, respect, and personal discipline. The quality of our program is designed for both the serious student seeking a career in dance or teaching as well as for the student who wants the benefits of ballet training that will last a lifetime.

Napa Valley Ballet was founded by, and is operated by our families. We are a 50l (3)C nonprofit organization.

Teaching philosophy

Students are offered professional level training that both challenges and nurtures.  Students are encouraged to work to their own personal potential, learning how to use ballet technique to strengthen the needs of their individual body types. While serious training is offered, the joy and freedom found in dance is also important, stressing artistry and the beauty of movement.  Our classical ballet program teaches focus, builds confidence and self-esteem, and improves posture and physical strength.

Student Advancement

Our curriculum can only provide a solid foundation in dance by taking into consideration each student's own physical and emotional maturity, coordination skills, and personal body mobility and strength. Of primary concern to all NVB instructors is the safety involved in the proper development of the muscle groups. Students may advance only when they are ready to take on an additional set of challenges. This policy may differ from how students are typically  expect their year-to-year promotions in school (and parents may be called upon for gentle reminders to "keep working" while thier bodies are growing!). It is always good to remember that whereas requieted expectations for advancement are disappointing initially, the prospect of injury at a higher-level class is never and alternative.

Please note that when a student does not attend the recommended curriculum for each level, promotion with classmates is not guaranteed. It is only in the very basic levels that age is ever considered a criterion  for promotion. NVB level placements always seek to insure the very best learning environment for each child individuduly.

Napa Valley Ballet Non-discrimination Policy

Napa Valley Ballet admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs. Napa Valley Ballet is a nonprofit 501(c)3.