Greater Annapolis Ballet in Annapolis, Maryland, United States

About The Studio Greater Annapolis Ballet

Greater Annapolis Ballet, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, was founded in Fall 2019 by Artistic Director Margaret Russell to provide supplemental classical ballet training. After beginning with coaching and private lessons for homeschool and hybrid learning students, GAB expanded to become a full-time pre-professional ballet school and performing company in Fall 2020.

Today, GAB serves over 100 students annually through three distinct program pathways: the Foundational Program (Creative Movement through Ballet 8), the Pre-Professional Division (Ballet 4-8 Company Members), and Specialized Classes open to all students. Our comprehensive curriculum includes classical ballet technique, pre-pointe, pointe, variations, partnering, contemporary, jazz, tap, and conditioning.

The Foundational Program offers flexible commitment levels designed for younger students building their ballet foundation, those balancing other activities, and dancers developing skills toward future opportunities. The Pre-Professional Division provides rigorous training for serious dancers with required classes, competition opportunities, and performance commitments for those considering dance as a career path. Our Specialized Classes welcome students of all backgrounds to explore jazz, tap, contemporary, conditioning, and our popular Open Ballet class for ages 12+—perfect for tweens, teens, and adults at any experience level, whether they’re beginning ballet or returning to dance.

Our ballet faculty members have all performed professionally and bring diverse training backgrounds and artistic perspectives to their teaching, allowing dancers to develop versatility across classical and contemporary ballet styles. Our commitment to accessibility is demonstrated through our annual scholarship program, which awards over $25,000 in financial aid to ensure that dedicated young artists can pursue excellence in dance regardless of financial circumstances.

GAB students consistently excel at prestigious competitions and festivals, earning recognition at Youth America Grand Prix, the National Ballet Competition in Delaware, and performing at Regional Dance America festivals. As a company member of Regional Dance America since 2021, we provide our dancers with invaluable performance and adjudication experiences that prepare them for professional careers.

Beyond our studio walls, GAB is deeply committed to community engagement through partnerships with military families, the homeschooling community, and the Anne Arundel County Public Schools dance program, extending access to quality dance education throughout our region. Through our GAB & Go program, we collaborate with local businesses to provide exclusive benefits to our families while strengthening connections within the greater Annapolis community.

Our annual performance season showcases the breadth of our dancers’ training through multiple productions. Each December, audiences enjoy our beloved Nutcracker, while our spring season features classical ballet repertoire from works such as Paquita, Swan Lake, La Bayadere, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty, with Firebird gracing the stage this year. The HOPE Dance Concert, a community-focused event supporting suicide prevention awareness, reflects our commitment to using the arts to make a positive impact beyond the studio. Our season concludes with an end-of-year showcase celebrating each dancer’s growth and achievements.

Greater Annapolis Ballet’s mission is to inspire young artists and ensure an everlasting love of dance. We provide a healthy, supportive environment with a strong foundation in classical ballet while exploring other techniques to develop well-rounded dancers. GAB encourages students to pursue all opportunities the dance world offers and provides individualized guidance for each dancer’s unique path. Our goal is to equip dancers with the technical skills, artistic maturity, and professional mindset they need to succeed in any setting—whether they pursue dance professionally or carry the discipline and artistry of ballet throughout their lives.