“The Sun Valley Ballet Foundation, Inc” (SVBF)
The Sun Valley Ballet Foundation, Inc. (a non-profit 501c(3) organization) has supported The Sun Valley Ballet School since it’s inception in 1978. The SVBF has supported the SVBS for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to:
SVBS’ strong volunteer base, especially recognizing the School Directors who donate all of their time.
The artistic inspiration SVBS receives under the guidance of the Artistic Director and Instructors
A strong belief that education in the arts is of paramount importance in providing a healthy outlet for our younger community
A desire to expose the students and community to “professional” dancers in the varied performances and as guest instructors
The SVBS’ commitment to financial assistance and scholarships to all eligible students.
The “School”
Each year, between 120 and 140 enthusiastic dance students will receive dance education and performance opportunities through The Sun Valley Ballet School (SVBS). The students participate in up to three or four different classes every week, plus for the senior dancers, extra rehearsal hours. SVBS is pleased to offer this experience to young people residing in the greater Wood River Valley.
The “Goal” of The Sun Valley Ballet School:
The SVBS strives to provide high-level dance instruction and performance opportunities with affordable tuition, retain small class sizes and make available financial assistance and scholarships.
HISTORY The Sun Valley Ballet Foundation, Inc was established in 1978. At that time it was simply, The Ballet Foundation, Inc. Through the years the Foundation has supported The Sun Valley Ballet School, it too having a few varied names; The Ballet School, The Clara Spiegel School of Performing Arts, The Sun Valley Performing Arts School and now the well established, The Sun Valley Ballet School.
The Sun Valley Ballet School is a non-profit school. School Directors are non-paid volunteers. The school administrator is paid as well as the teachers. In the mid 1990’s the current School Directors Jill Brennan and Nadja Hirner became involved with The Sun Valley Ballet School as involved mothers. Over the next few years their volunteering spirit morphed into running the school as Co-School Directors. That team and alliance continues to this day.
In 2000 when Jill and Nadja took over the operation of the school the first objective was to set up a lasting image. This was done with the now familiar Logo and name, The Sun Valley Ballet School. They also set up fundraising campaigns and community service events. Being a non-profit school these are important issues.
Under the tutelage of Jill and Nadja, the SVBS has doubled the student enrollment and created a production schedule that expands on their vision of providing extraordinary performance opportunities for all the dancers. Performing is the soccer game for soccer players or the ski race for skiers. It’s why they love to dance and an important aspect in setting goals and creating passion for dance.
* Each December the school, under the direction of Artistic Director Miss Sherry Horton, produces and performs a full-length ballet. All the ballet students from age 4 and up perform in the ballet. On even years the school performs the holiday classic “the Nutcracker”. On odd years the school performs another fun, full-length ballet from our expanding repertoire including; Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, Snow White, The Wizard of Oz, and The Little Mermaid.
* On even years we also abbreviate and narrate a version of the ballet and perform it in February free of charge for all of the elementary school children in Blaine County. This is our Biennial Children Series and is the SVBS’s gift back to the community.
* Every spring in the middle of May the entire school performs in our annual “Spring Showcase” which is a fun, fast paced show. The Spring Showcase gives all the dancers an opportunity to step outside the traditional ballet box and perform jazz, modern, and lyrical ballet. The HipHoppers have their first opportunity to perform on stage for the public. And best of all, the 3 year old Creative Movement dancers don their tutus for the very first time and invariably steel the show.
In January 2008 the north valley studio was moved into the new YMCA. The YMCA built a state of the art dance floor in their main studio and our Ketchum dancers have enjoyed this fine studio and facility. In 2008 the SVBS moved their Hailey studio into a newly renovated space at the north end of Hailey on Silver Street just off Main Street. This facility also has a state of the art dance floor and easy access for all middle school, high school and south valley elementary and preschool dancers.
Since 1978, at the SVBS there has always been a continuing vision and passion for dance, in particular ballet. Ballet is more than just dance. It teaches self esteem, confidence and body awareness. These skills transfer to all the activities that the children of the Wood River Valley enjoy. We at SVBS embrace the outside activities of our dancers. We encourage our dancers to lead a full and happy life. We hope that the skills we give them in the dance studio transfer into all aspects of their flourishing lives.
The Sun Valley Ballet School PO Box 274 Ketchum, Idaho 83340 208 . 806 . 1441
The Sun Valley Ballet Foundation, Inc was established in 1978. At that time it was simply, The Ballet Foundation, Inc. Through the years the Foundation has supported The Sun Valley Ballet School, it too having a few varied names; The Ballet School, The Clara Spiegel School of Performing Arts, The Sun Valley Performing Arts School and now the well established, The Sun Valley Ballet School. 
Under the tutelage of Jill and Nadja, the SVBS has doubled the student enrollment and created a production schedule that expands on their vision of providing extraordinary performance opportunities for all the dancers. Performing is the soccer game for soccer players or the ski race for skiers. It’s why they love to dance and an important aspect in setting goals and creating passion for dance.