Our School

the art of dance
Formed in 1985, The Columbia County Ballet celebrates the art of dance through the beauty of the ballet. Dancers desire to move beautifully, with power, speaking through movement in ways that words sometimes fail. The particularly graceful and elegant form of the ballet trained dancer transcends the ordinary and allows the dancer to enter a realm of beauty that feeds the soul. Every child compelled to move from within has the power to take this journey.

a foundation built with care and intelligence
Founding Directors, Ron and Kathleen Jones, understood from the outset the value of establishing a strong and consistent method of training for every one of their students. From the youngest to the most advanced student, our syllabus is structured to address the particular needs and challenges of each level. “ Ballet is approached as an art form here at Columbia County Ballet Academy. We have a deep respect for its traditions and a thorough understanding of its structure. When a child receives proper training in the earliest years, the success of that dancer’s future experience is set in motion.”

the power of the dancer’s voice
There are many dance programs available. Some focus on the recreation of dance, while others strive toward competitions by learning and repeating routines in front of judges. The pure joy of dance and a strong sense of healthy competition thrive within the studios at the Columbia County Ballet because our programs focus on the beauty and power of dance as an art form. When our students develop the necessary skills from proper instruction and training, they are able to develop the ability to speak through movement with the power to captivate an audience and truly be heard.

why columbia county ballet?
Instructors at the Academy are professionally trained and certified through the Academy's Apprenticeship Program. Instructors are selected based upon their comprehension of the ballet technique, it's rich history, and the elements of stage preparation and performance. Apprentices assist within the classroom for a 3-4 year training period. The resulting cohesiveness within the training system at the Columbia County Ballet is the result of this thorough training process.
- Ballet classes for all ages beginning at age 3
- Specially constructed floors for dance
- Limited class sizes
- Voted Columbia County’s Favorite Dance School
- Director of School voted "Artist of Year"
- For Boy’s Only Class
- Special Adult Class
- All students perform in the Roar of Love

the art of dance in performance
Dancers love to perform. This is where the desire to dance is fulfilled. Movements of choreography are the dancers’ voice that communicates something of value and leaves a lasting impression. The power to engage an audience through the expression of the dance gives every dancer a place of lasting impact.
The Columbia County Ballet Performing Company evolved from the school more than 15 years ago for the purpose of offering additional performing experiences for young dancers. The Performing Company is a 501(c)(3) corporation guided by a Board of Directors. Each year the Performing Company presents a season of three major performances: A Mini-Classic, The New Nutcracker, and The Roar of Love. Dancers as young as 10-years-old may audition for the company.
The Performing Company has 4 levels placing each member at the level of their ability. The youngest dancers or those  with the least experience are Les Petites.   Other levels are Junior,  Apprentice,  and then Senior Company.  

Honors and Recognitions
- The Mayor of Augusta signed a proclamation dedicating one full week each year in honor of the Columbia County Ballet.
- State Senator Jim Whitehead presented a plaque to the Performing Company naming it the Official Resident Ballet Company of Columbia County.

The Columbia County Ballet has implemented among it’s company members a new program conceived by one of it’s older dancers, Alyssa Cameron, called Big Sister/Little Sister. This program is part of an on going tradition at the ballet that encourages mentorship of the new younger members by the older more experienced dancers in the company. In the new program each of the younger dancers is assigned to a Big Sister who will help guide her younger apprentice through the initial first years of company membership. The transition from simply attending ballet classes as a student of the academy to company rehearsals and performances involves a considerable time and work commitment.
From proper pointe shoe care to costume and make-up concerns as well as rehearsal approach and finally theater week pacing to balance out school work with the demands of this performing art are some of the elements the Columbia County Ballet Older Sisters help the Younger Sisters through. The goal of this mentorship program is to provide the opportunity for these enthusiastic young dancers to garner the finest dance experience available as they integrate these performance opportunities into the other elements of their lives. Dance students may audition for the Columbia County Ballet Company as young as age 10.