Flagstaff's 7,000-foot elevation and vibrant arts community have nurtured dance training that punches above its weight for a city of 75,000. While lacking the institutional density of Phoenix or Tucson, northern Arizona offers distinct advantages: intensive training without urban distraction, proximity to Native American dance traditions, and access to Northern Arizona University's performing arts resources.
This guide separates established programs from recreational options, with verified details for serious students and curious beginners alike. All information has been confirmed through direct institutional contact or authoritative sources including the Arizona Commission on the Arts and Flagstaff Cultural Partners.
Pre-Professional Training Programs
NAU Community Music and Dance Academy
Affiliation: Northern Arizona University, School of Music
Focus: Pre-professional foundation with university-level resources
The Academy provides the only Flagstaff-based training with direct pipeline access to university dance programs. Unlike recreational studios, its ballet curriculum follows a graded syllabus progressing from Creative Movement (ages 3–4) through Level VI pre-pointe and pointe work.
Faculty & Facilities: Classes are taught by NAU dance faculty and advanced graduate students in the university's dedicated dance studios. Students perform annually in the Clifford E. White Theatre, with occasional opportunities to participate in mainstage NAU Department of Theatre and Dance productions.
Distinctive feature: The Academy's direct connection to NAU's BFA in Dance program allows serious students to observe university-level training and build relationships with faculty before auditioning for college placement.
Contact: nau.edu/community-music-dance | (928) 523-2323
Location: NAU Performing Arts Building, Flagstaff
Established Independent Studios
Flagstaff School of Dance
Founded: 1994
Focus: Classical ballet foundation with performance emphasis
Operating for three decades, this family-owned studio represents Flagstaff's longest continuously running ballet program outside university affiliation. Director Mary Beth Faller trained at the School of American Ballet and brings a Balanchine-influenced approach to the curriculum.
Program Structure: The school divides training into recreational and intensive tracks. Recreational students attend once or twice weekly; intensive students commit to 4–6 hours including mandatory pointe preparation or pointe work for eligible students. The syllabus incorporates Vaganova methodology with American stylistic adaptations.
Performance Opportunities: Annual Nutcracker production at the Coconino Center for the Arts; spring showcase featuring student choreography; biennial participation in Regional Dance America festivals.
Distinctive feature: Faller's New York training connections occasionally bring guest teachers from American Ballet Theatre and Dance Theatre of Harlem for master classes.
Contact: flagstaffschoolofdance.com | (928) 774-3939
Location: 1801 W. Route 66, Flagstaff
Arts-Integrated Education
Flagstaff Arts & Leadership Academy (FALA)
Type: Public charter school, grades 6–12
Focus: Academic-arts integration with dance major option
FALA offers the only secondary education in Flagstaff where ballet training counts toward graduation requirements. Students selecting the Dance Major complete 2.5 hours of daily technique classes alongside standard academic coursework.
Curriculum: The program emphasizes contemporary ballet and modern dance rather than strict classical training. Faculty includes FALA's full-time dance director plus rotating guest artists through partnerships with NAU and visiting companies.
Considerations: Admission is by lottery with no audition requirement for the general student body; Dance Major placement requires technique assessment. The contemporary focus may not suit students seeking traditional pre-professional ballet preparation.
Distinctive feature: FALA graduates have secured placement at California Institute of the Arts, SUNY Purchase, and University of Arizona's dance program—unusual outcomes for a public charter school in a small market.
Contact: flagarts.com | (928) 779-7223
Location: 3401 E. Route 66, Flagstaff
Community Access Points
Coconino Center for the Arts
Operated by: Coconino County
Focus: Community arts access and presenting organization
While not a training institution itself, the Center serves as northern Arizona's primary dance presenting venue and offers periodic ballet workshops. Its 200-seat theater hosts touring companies including Ballet Arizona's education outreach programs and regional pre-professional showcases.
Programming: The Center's Arts in Education initiative brings teaching artists to schools; adult community members can access occasional ballet workshops through the Lifelong Learning series. These are not substitutes for ongoing training but provide exposure and supplementary experiences.
Distinctive feature: The Center maintains the most comprehensive regional calendar of dance performances, making it essential for students seeking to view professional work—crucial for contextualizing their own training.
Contact: coconinoarts.org | (928) 779-2300
Location: 2300 N. Fort Valley Road, Flagstaff
