Academy encourages love of the art of ballet

Gary and Jeni Williams' son was taking ballet lessons at a local dance studio when it shut down unexpectedly.

But that didn't deter the couple. They jumped into action to find a way for their son and other students to continue their lessons.

With help from another couple, the Glendale residents founded the Academy of Classical Ballet in Peoria.

"We had to figure out what we could do to keep (the kids) dancing together, so they didn't have to go somewhere far away," Gary Williams said.

Three years ago, the academy began with a core group of 25 to 30 dancers and an instructor. Because there was no permanent home, the students met at a number of locations, including Mountain Ridge High School, Pure Fitness and Arrowhead Country Club.

In October 2007, the Academy of Classical Ballet moved into a 5,100-square-foot building with about 125 students.

"It's amazing how far that we've come, but in the end it's been all about the kids and their love of the art of ballet," he said.

The academy features a full-scale dance studio, office space and a waiting area for parents with a one-way window to watch their children rehearse.

"If you want your child to learn ballet in a traditional sense, then you'll get right here at this academy," Gary Williams said.

The students at the academy are taught by instructors who have danced professionally for companies around the country.

Rodney Jenkins, an instructor, said he's proud to be part of the Williams' training center and help with the development of the students.

"It's been a great experience, and Gary and Jeni worked really hard to build this academy up and they know what they're doing," he said.

Jeni Williams said ballet is not only important for dance skill, but the development of body strength used for sports including volleyball and baseball.

"Ballet is not only a part of the arts but a physical activity that can be used by both dancers and athletes," she said.

With the craze of television shows "So You Think You Can Dance" and "Dancing with the Stars," Gary and Jeni Williams believe they've seen a stronger interest in ballet.

"Even though there are a lot of other dances on that show, ballet is still the root for all of those dances because it's fundamental," she said. "You can do ballet well into adulthood and continue this skill for a long time."

Many of Gary and Jeni Williams' students have gone on to attend prestigious ballet schools and summer camps, including Joffrey Ballet School in New York, Houston Ballet and Royal Winnipeg Ballet in Canada.

In addition to the ballet school, they've formed a nonprofit organization to further promote the dance arts in the Northwest Valley, along with partnerships from other dance organizations.

The Academy of Classical Ballet is accepting registrations for fall classes, which include adult sessions for beginners and advanced dancers. They offer sibling discounts and a 75 percent scholarship for boys who enroll.

Since the opening of the academy, the Glendale couple have split their time between the training center and their full-time jobs. Gary Williams works as a technologies project manager for American Express, while Jeni serves as an internal consultant for Proctor and Gamble.

"It's been a challenge, but we have an excellent staff and family who helps us out and does a wonderful job," said Jeni Williams. "This has been a labor of love, and we see how well these kids dance, it makes us feel so good."

For information, call the Academy of Classical Ballet at 623-572-7222 or visit www.acballet.com.

Mitchell Vantrease may be reached at 623-876-2526 or e-mail mvantrease@yourwestvalley.com.