The Cullman Ballet Theatre School was established by Elaine Brown Willingham in 1972. Due to continued growth, the school is now in its third location. Ballet Theatre School teaches three methods of ballet: Russian, Vaganova, and American Ballet (as taught by George Balanchine). Ballet Theatre School specializes in instruction in ballet, but also includes jazz for enhancement of the ballet student. Recitals are performed twice in a year. One is an informal winter program performed at the school. The second is a stage performance in late Spring. These programs are not to show off costumes, but to give the dancers experience for any future plans of a professional career in dance. Ballet Theatre School highly stresses summer studies for serious students, Master classes with guest teachers of title are planned throughout the year for Intermediate to Advanced students. Students who have studied with Elaine several years have acquired skills that allow them to take classes and perform with renowned places. Some of them include The Rock School in Pennsylvania; AL. High School of Fine Arts; School of the AL. Ballet Company; and Satellite School of the "Kirov" in D.C.; American Ballet Theatre Summer intensive; University of South Carolina Conservatory and Harid Conservatory in Florida. All are invited to visit Ballet Theatre School and observe classes at anytime. There is an excitement in observing these talented young dancers in class. The excitement only grows in attending stage performances. The more one watches, the more the observer learns and appreciates the Art of Ballet. There is then an understanding of that for which the dancers strive. Ballet Theatre School also offers more performance opportunities for the serious student by yearly auditions to the "Cullman Ballet Co." For more information contact: Cullman Ballet Theatre School 1704 Talley Ho Street Cullman, Alabama 35055 256-734-7775 or 256-734-3799 E-mail: info@cullmanballettheatre.com