The Conservatory Company / The Legacy Ensemble
Wilmington Ballet’s Chrysta Gustwiller in “Afro Blue” by Benjamin Sterling Cannon at The Milton Theatre in 2025
The Performance Tracks:
Conservatory Company & Legacy Ensemble
Bridge the Gap Between Studio and Stage
These company-model programs are masterfully designed to elevate technical training and artistic ability through self produced and sponsored performances in and around the surrounding regions, providing youth and adult dancers an immersive experience into company life. Also providing essential “business of the business” education and intentional advocacy practices to provide an authentic industry aligned educational and performance experience needed to navigate a modern career in the arts.
The Conservatory Company
For Youth Dancers (Ages 10 - 17)
Meeting Times:
September 13, 2026 - June 7, 2027 / Saturdays & Sundays | 4 Hours Each Day (8 Hours Weekly)
Performance Opportunities: Members receive guaranteed casting in the Wilmington Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker at the Playhouse on Rodney Square. Throughout the season, dancers also headline a series of sponsored and self-produced public performances, showcasing their versatility across multiple stages.
The Experience: A rigorous "Company" model combining technical mastery in Ballet, Contemporary, Modern, and Cultural genres with "Artist Business" training to prepare dancers for a professional career.
The Legacy Ensemble
For Adult Dancers (Ages 18–82+)
Meeting Times:
September 14, 2026 - June 7, 2026 / Sundays | 4 Hours (Technique & Repertory)
Performance Opportunities: The Ensemble celebrates the lifelong artist with featured roles in the Wilmington Ballet’s annual production of The Nutcracker. Dancers also participate in publicly staged showcases, providing a professional platform for adult artists to perform and connect with the community.
The Experience: Designed for those returning to dance or discovering it later in life, this track focuses on artistic longevity and technical refinement in Ballet, Contemporary, Modern, and Cultural dance.
Program Pricing
The Conservatory Company
Monthly Installment (10x) $250
Costume Deposit $500
Total Annual Tuition $3000
All Access Status with unlimited weekly classes $4000 Total Annual Tuition
The Legacy Ensemble
Monthly Installment (10×) $200
Costume Deposit $500
Total Annual Tuition $2500
All Access Status with unlimited weekly classes $3500 Total Annual Tuition
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is the weekend commitment mandatory?
A: Yes. This is a company-model program, not a drop-in class. Consistency is vital for both the training, curriculum, and the choreography being prepared for public performances.
Q: Does the tuition include everything?
A: Almost. It covers all weekend training, business seminars, and includes a $500 professional costume budget. It does not cover personal dancewear (leotards, tights, shoes) or travel to regional performance venues.
Q: My dancer is already taking 4 classes a week. Is this too much?
A: We recommend the All-Access Upgrade. This folds their existing weekday technique into a single, comprehensive tuition plan, often reducing the overall cost while providing the elite weekend training.
Q: What happens if we have a family emergency and need to withdraw?
A: Per our policy, a 30-day notice is required and 50% of the remaining balance is due. We commit to our Teaching Artists’ salaries for the full 42 weeks based on enrollment, and this policy ensures the program’s sustainability for the remaining dancers.
Important Billing Policies
Deposit: The non-refundable costume deposit is due upon registration to secure your placement and initiate custom wardrobe orders.
Installments: Monthly payments are processed via Auto-Pay on the 1st of each month (September 2026 through June 2027 ).
Commitment: This is a full-season contract. Per our Withdrawal Policy, should a dancer withdraw early for non-medical reasons, 50% of the remaining annual balance is due immediately.