Since 1962, Omaha Academy of Ballet (OAB) has been inspiring
dancers and enriching the Omaha community through quality dance education. We
believe in the transformative power of dance to build confidence, encourage
creativity, foster discipline, and create meaningful connections that last a
lifetime.
Today, OAB serves more than 300 dancers annually, offering
over 75 classes each week at two Omaha locations. With a rich history and a
vision for the future, we continue to build a vibrant dance community where
everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
A Legacy of Dance Since 1962
Since 1962, Omaha Academy of Ballet (OAB) has been inspiring dancers and enriching the Omaha community through quality dance education. We believe in the transformative power of dance to build confidence, encourage creativity, foster discipline, and create meaningful connections that last a lifetime.
For more than six decades, Omaha Academy of Ballet has
played an important role in shaping the dance community throughout the Omaha
metro area. Thousands of dancers have trained with us over the years, and many
have returned to share their knowledge and passion as teachers.
Our commitment to excellence, education, and community
continues to guide everything we do. Whether a student is taking their first
dance class, pursuing advanced ballet training, or returning to dance as an
adult, we strive to make every experience meaningful.
A New Chapter in Artistic Leadership
In 2025, Omaha Academy of Ballet welcomed Rachel Vickrey
as Artistic Director, marking an exciting new chapter for our organization.
Rachel brings more than 22 years of professional performance
experience and 27 years of teaching experience. Her distinguished career
includes performing with Ballet Omaha, Tulsa Ballet Theatre, and Charlotte
Ballet. She has also worked with renowned ballet artists Suzanne Farrell and
Victoria Simon and served as Director of Dance Outreach at The Rose Theater.
In 2014, Rachel founded Heartland Conservatory of Dance,
combining her extensive experience in professional dance with her background in
fitness and Pilates. She also led Heartland Youth Ballet to membership in The
Ballet Alliance, a respected national organization of pre-professional ballet
companies.
Rachel holds a unique distinction as Nebraska's only
American Ballet Theatre® (ABT®) National Training Curriculum Certified Teacher,
with certification spanning Pre-Primary through Levels 6/7 and Partnering.
Her leadership, expertise, and vision strengthen OAB's
commitment to artistic excellence, exceptional instruction, and opportunities
for dancers throughout our community.
Growing Together: One Unified Dance Community
In 2025, Omaha Academy of Ballet began an exciting
partnership with Heartland Conservatory of Dance, bringing together shared
expertise, resources, and a common vision for dance education.
This collaboration creates a unified dance community under
the Omaha Academy of Ballet name, with instruction aligned with the American
Ballet Theatre® National Training Curriculum.
Our two Omaha locations provide greater opportunities for
students and families throughout the metro area. Heartland Conservatory of
Dance's former location near 132nd and Center Street now serves as OAB's West
Omaha location.
Heartland Youth Ballet will continue to provide enriching
performance opportunities, supporting the development of aspiring young artists
and bringing the beauty of dance to our community.
Together, we are building a stronger foundation for the
future of dance in Omaha.
Excellence in Education: The ABT® National Training
Curriculum
At Omaha Academy of Ballet, we believe exceptional dance
education begins with strong foundations. Our commitment to the American Ballet
Theatre® National Training Curriculum provides students with a comprehensive,
developmentally appropriate approach to classical ballet training.
The ABT® National Training Curriculum emphasizes the
development of the whole dancer, nurturing both physical ability and artistic
expression.
Key elements of the curriculum include:
- Holistic
Development: Encouraging the physical, artistic, and personal growth
of every dancer.
- Anatomy
and Body Awareness: Teaching an understanding of anatomy, proper body
alignment, movement mechanics, and coordination.
- Classical
Ballet Foundations: Integrating principles from the French, Italian,
and Russian schools of ballet.
- Age-Appropriate
Instruction: Providing structured, outcome-based guidance tailored to
each stage of a dancer's development.
- Versatility
and Artistic Growth: Building a strong classical ballet foundation
while developing skills that support success in other dance styles.
Through thoughtful instruction and progressive training, we
help students develop the technique, confidence, and artistry to reach their
individual potential.
Making Dance Accessible to All
We believe every dancer deserves the opportunity to
experience the joy and benefits of quality dance education.
As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, Omaha Academy of
Ballet is grateful for the generosity of individuals, foundations, and grant
partners who help sustain and enhance our programs.
Contributions to our Financial Aid and Scholarship Fund
help make dance education more accessible to families by providing financial
assistance to students who might otherwise face barriers to participation.
Every gift helps nurture talent, create opportunities, and
strengthen our dance community.