Katheen Noblin founded the Ballet Ventura School, now renamed the Ballet Academy Ventura in 1992. The Ventura County Ballet Company, in residence at the school, is the non-profit performing arm. The school, which teaches Russian style ballet based on the Vaganova curriculum, has established itself as an outstanding center for the training of young students. The students are accepted into the most prestigious ballet company summer programs such as American Ballet Theater, Pacific Northwest and San Francisco Ballet Company and Ajkun Ballet Repertory Theatre, and given acceptances and scholarships to many outstanding university programs like Butler University and University of California at Irvine, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles.

     Ballet Academy Ventura provides a complete ballet program from the earliest Pre ballet level- three years old, through Pre-Professional and adult. Instruction is offered at the recreational and pre-professional training level. The school has outstanding adult classes at the beginning and intermediate levels. 

     Ballet Academy Ventura’s goal is to instill in each student a love of ballet, and a desire for excellence and a feeling of beauty. The school’s philosophy is that every student should receive the same attention whether they are to be the stars of tomorrow, the scholar at the university or any other member of society. They are taught to feel good about themselves and special in every way. This ballet school is a place where the child attending receives excellent ballet training, and nurturing for their inner self. 

     A wonderful proven staff of instructors supports this philosophy and goal. 

     An outstanding staff of instructors brings their expertise to the classroom in a warm and   loving manner.   
 

     Brett Weidlich was born in the Czech Republic and graduated from the National Ballet School. He received the only full five-year scholarship at the recommendation of the Minister of Culture in the Czech Republic, to study at the Conservatoire of Rimsky-Korsakov in St. Petersburg, Russia. He graduated with a Masters Degree in teaching and choreography and as a Ballet

                 

 Master. He is the Artistic Director and Choreographer of the Ventura County Ballet Company.

     Helena Pokorny was born in the Czech Republic and danced with the Prague National Ballet Theatre. She continues her career as a dancer and now as an instructor. Helena is also guest artist in the Ventura County Ballet Company’s performances.
Mirina Fliagina trained in Russia and danced with the Moscow State Theater “Kremlin Ballet”. She is the Ballet Mistress of State Street Ballet and instructor of ballet and character at the school.

     Colleen O’Callaghan danced professionally with the American Ballet Theater, New York, under the direction of Mikhail Baryshinikov.

     Stephanie Portugal trained with former directors of the Channel Islands Ballet Company, Mara Lysova and Selma Lamb. As a member of this company she was a featured solo performer.

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     Consuelo Moran former dancer with the Harkness Ballet, completes the teaching staff in ballet.

     Anthony Thomas, an outstanding choreographer for Janet Jackson, Winona Judd and others, offers hip-hop instruction at the Ballet Academy School to students, age 7 years through adult.

     The school was successfully associated with the Channel Islands Ballet Company from 1992-1998 which provided the company with the dancers and support for their annual productions of the Nutcracker and their Spring Concerts.      

     Seeking a new and different artistic vision Kathleen co-founded the Ventura County Ballet Company in 1998 with a goal to provide the community with the most prestigious youth-based ballet company and to reach audiences countywide. These goals are being accomplished. Kathleen Noblin has served as executive director of this company since the founding.

     The Ventura County Ballet Company, which is in residence at the Ballet Academy Ventura School, presents two annual productions of The Nutcracker and Spring Ballet at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. The productions feature students from the Ballet Academy Ventura.

     These opportunities provide students with a wealth of experience and knowledge. The productions are family oriented and families are encouraged to participate in the production process. The Ventura County Ballet Company provides an Elementary Dance Education Program to the community and offers ballet instruction for foster youth.

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