American Ballet Academy was founded in Salem, Oregon by Rick Van Winkle in 1991. It has always encouraged working to one’s potential in a loving, fostering environment. The studio has a history of success. Numerous dancers have attended elite dance programs on scholarships, and moved on to dance in professional companies. Others have gone on to college pursuing degrees in dance. The studio encourages dedication while understanding the need of enjoyment to help a person properly grow and appreciate the art of dance.
Anne Joslin took ownership of American Ballet Academy in 2004. With continued emphasis on excellence, Miss Annie welcomes each student and family to American Ballet Academy, and works to make dance a positive experience for everyone who comes to the studio. Under her directorship, the studio has grown to over 250 students from the Salem area. Though large in number, we care for each student individually, and always strive to serve everyone to the best of our ability.
American Ballet Academy is proud to include the AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE® National Training Curriculum, a breakthrough 8 level program that combines high quality artistic training with the basics of dancer health and child development. The ABT® National Training Curriculum consists of a comprehensive set of age-appropriate, outcome-based guidelines to provide the highest quality ballet training to dance students of all ages and skill levels. Primary through Level 7 will be taught by the ABT Certified Teacher, Annie Joslin, who has successfully completed the ABT Teacher Training Intensive in Primary through Level 7 of the ABT National Training Curriculum.
Today, students of the American Ballet Academy have numerous opportunities. They perform Salem’s Annual The Children’s Nutcracker at the Elsinore Theatre, a benefit performance for the Pediatric Ward of the Salem Hospital. ABA students perform an annual spring recital, the theme of which changes yearly. Students also have the opportunity to participate in International Dance Acclaim’s Awards, a program designed to showcase each student’s accomplishments individually. All opportunities presented to ABA students help develop well trained dancers, confident, disciplined individuals, and help foster love for the arts as a whole.