WHY CHOOSE THE SCHOOL OF FIRST STATE BALLET THEATRE?
Named in the Top 5% of U.S. Ballet Academies*
Outstanding ballet training by highly-qualified faculty since 1999
Affiliated with Delaware's ONLY professional ballet company
Opportunity to perform for thousands of patrons in our annual production of The Nutcracker at The Grand Opera House
NO performance fees
Competitive tuition
Financial aid available
FSBT is the first performing arts organization in the country to implement child protection policies in partnership with the Beau Biden Foundation for the Protection of Children
Private coaching available for competitions
FSBT students have been accepted at prestigious ballet schools/programs including American Ballet Theatre (NYC), the School of American Ballet, Kirov Academy, Ballet West, Birmingham Royal Ballet, Houston Ballet and San Francisco Ballet. FSBT students have also danced professionally with various ballet companies, such as, Festival Ballet Providence, Milwaukee Ballet, Alabama Ballet, Philadelphia Ballet, Staatsballett Berlin, Washington Ballet, Universal Ballet, Ballet du Capitole, Tulsa Ballet, and First State Ballet Theatre.
Learn more about our history here
Frequently Asked Questions
Interested in enrolling yourself or your student in our school? Below are the most common questions we receive during the enrollment process.
Further questions may be director to Kristina Kambalov (Wilmington students): kkambalov@firststateballet.org OR Aynsley Inglis (Whitehall students): ainglis@firststateballet.org
Can students start anytime?
Students may enroll at anytime throughout the year.
Can students try a class before they register?
Student may try a free class before registering.
What are the class sizes?
Class sizes range from 6 to 20 students.
Where can I park?
Wilmington location: Indoor parking is available at the Doubletree hotel, diagonally opposite the rear of the Grand Opera House at 8th and King Streets. On-street, metered parking is also available and is free after 6:00 pm weekdays and all day on Saturday and Sunday.
Whitehall location: We are pleased to offer free parking in the lot at the rear of our building, as well as free street parking.
Does the school have a waiting area?
Wilmington location: There are two waiting areas with seating located on floor 3R.
Whitehall location: There is one waiting area at the main entrance.
What level will my student be?
Your student will be evaluated by our faculty and placed in the level to which he/she is best suited based on their current knowledge, ability and age.
Must students take the full amount of classes for their level?
In order to make optimum progress, students are encouraged but not required to take the full amount of classes. For older students, FSBT offers two scheduling options for those wishing to enroll in fewer classes per week.
What do I do if my student misses a class?
Missed classes should be made up within one month. Please contact the School Director to schedule a make-up class. This will be based on what classes are running and space available.
Are family discounts available?
FSBT offers a 10 percent discount to all children other than the oldest child in a family.
Will students have performing opportunities?
Students are encouraged to perform in the end-of-year School Showcase, and may be invited to audition for main stage performances with FSBT’s professional company. Students ages 7 and up may audition for FSBT's production of The Nutcracker at the Grand Opera House.
Where are FSBT’s studios located in the Grand?
FSBT’s three spacious state-of-the art studios are located on floor 3R in the Baby Grand.
Where do students enter the Grand?
The double doors to the right of the box office entrances on Market Street. A guard will be stations at the doors in the elevator lobby.
Can parents observe classes?
Parents are invited to observe class during the scheduled Parents’ Observation Week near the end of the school year. Your school director will notify you of those dates a month in advance (min).