Academy of Ballet

The Academy of Ballet was established in 1985 in Enumclaw, Washington by Sandra and Glen Hasstedt with a vision to bring high-quality, classical dance training to the local community. Built on discipline, artistry, and heart, the studio quickly became known for its strong technical foundation and meaningful performance experiences.

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In 2016, the Academy transitioned to Buckley, Washington, where Bethany Payne a lifelong Academy dancer, stepped into the role of Artistic Director and Owner. Having trained at the studio since the age of three, Bethany carries forward its legacy while elevating the standard of excellence with a fresh, performance-driven vision.

 

Today, the Academy of Ballet proudly serves dancers ages 3 through advanced levels, offering training in:

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• Ballet

• Jazz

• Contemporary

• Hip Hop​

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Our curriculum blends classical technique with modern versatility, building confident, disciplined, and expressive artists both on and off the stage.

 

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Performance & Season Structure

Our dance season runs September through June, allowing dancers to grow steadily throughout the year before enjoying a well-deserved summer break.

Each season includes two fully produced performances:

• Winter Showcase – A festive, professionally staged production

• Annual End-of-Year Performance – Our highly anticipated full-scale recital celebrating every dancer’s growth and accomplishments

These productions give every student — from our youngest Creative Movement dancers to our advanced performers — the opportunity to experience the magic of the stage.

 

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Competition Team

For dancers seeking an elevated training experience, the Academy is home to a select Competition Team. Our competitive dancers train at a higher intensity level, focusing on advanced technique, artistry, performance quality, and teamwork.

The team competes in regional competitions each spring and has earned numerous awards for technical excellence, choreography, and overall performance quality. More importantly, our competition program emphasizes leadership, commitment, and strong studio values.

 

 

 

For over four decades, the Academy of Ballet has remained dedicated to nurturing confident, disciplined, and passionate dancers continuing a tradition of excellence that began in 1985 and thrives today in Buckley.

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