The Academy at Peoria Ballet Company
Eureka College and Peoria Ballet, 809 W Detweiller Dr, Suite C, Peoria, IL 61615
About
The Academy at Peoria Ballet Company offers pre-professional ballet training that includes pointe, partnering, repertoire, variations, modern, lyrical, jazz, and tap. The Academy provides over 50 classes per week to more than 170 students, ranging in age from three to adult. Since its founding, more than 2,200 students have trained in the academy.
• Ages: 3–18 years old
• Schedule: Class options Monday–Thursday afternoons and evenings, and Saturday mornings
For 60 years, Peoria Ballet has brought the finest in classical dance to Central Illinois through inspiring performances and exceptional training. Summer themed camps combine ballet with fun activities, and a summer session keeps students moving forward in their training until the new school year starts in the fall. A Summer Intensive offers an immersive experience with full days of training across various dance styles. Peoria Ballet is well known for its iconic annual production of The Nutcracker, which features live orchestral music, professional guest artists in the roles of Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier, and more than 100 dancers from the Academy. Each season also includes a full-length spring theater production at Five Points Washington, and the Academy Performance in May concludes the season and showcases all of the dancers at the Academy. During the 2024–2025 season, over 3,500 students enjoyed performances of The Nutcracker and Coppelia.
Peoria Ballet collaborates with other arts and non-profit organizations in the community. Educational and community outreach programs for children take place at various locations, including area schools and public libraries, and local schools have the opportunity for their students to attend special performances of Peoria Ballet productions at a significantly reduced ticket price. The organization’s leadership includes Executive Director Wendy Thomasson and Artistic Director Ian Thatcher, along with a Board of Directors that includes officers and members such as Dr. MaryElizabeth James, Ina Becraft, Katherine Swise, Chanel Hargrave-Murry, Holli Heinz, Mary Horst, Reagan Leslie, Brooke Martin, Gina Morss-Fischer, Ian Thatcher, Chairman Emeritus James A. Maloof (1919–2013), and Director Emeritus Zan Ransburg.
Last updated May 24, 2026.
• Ages: 3–18 years old
• Schedule: Class options Monday–Thursday afternoons and evenings, and Saturday mornings
For 60 years, Peoria Ballet has brought the finest in classical dance to Central Illinois through inspiring performances and exceptional training. Summer themed camps combine ballet with fun activities, and a summer session keeps students moving forward in their training until the new school year starts in the fall. A Summer Intensive offers an immersive experience with full days of training across various dance styles. Peoria Ballet is well known for its iconic annual production of The Nutcracker, which features live orchestral music, professional guest artists in the roles of Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier, and more than 100 dancers from the Academy. Each season also includes a full-length spring theater production at Five Points Washington, and the Academy Performance in May concludes the season and showcases all of the dancers at the Academy. During the 2024–2025 season, over 3,500 students enjoyed performances of The Nutcracker and Coppelia.
Peoria Ballet collaborates with other arts and non-profit organizations in the community. Educational and community outreach programs for children take place at various locations, including area schools and public libraries, and local schools have the opportunity for their students to attend special performances of Peoria Ballet productions at a significantly reduced ticket price. The organization’s leadership includes Executive Director Wendy Thomasson and Artistic Director Ian Thatcher, along with a Board of Directors that includes officers and members such as Dr. MaryElizabeth James, Ina Becraft, Katherine Swise, Chanel Hargrave-Murry, Holli Heinz, Mary Horst, Reagan Leslie, Brooke Martin, Gina Morss-Fischer, Ian Thatcher, Chairman Emeritus James A. Maloof (1919–2013), and Director Emeritus Zan Ransburg.
Last updated May 24, 2026.
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