The International Ballet School sits in a nondescript suburban strip mall between an auto repair shop and self-storage. But step inside, and you've been transported to a downtown warehouse studio. Modern and industrial in its design, white walls contrast with black furnishings and billowy curtains.
The aesthetic of this space is reminiscent of ballet itself. Sophisticated and graceful, urban and poised.
Dancers of all skill levels come here to refine their craft. The corner studio is flooded with natural light and flanked with wall-to-wall mirrors. The other two large studios have garage doors and exposed pipes, adding to the sophisticated, urban vibe.
International Ballet School was founded in 1997 in Colorado Springs by Mark Carlson. In 2000, he and Sandra Kerr opened the International Ballet School in Littleton after the birth of their son. Before opening their own school, Mark danced for 20 years as a professional ballet dancer in principal roles and soloist all over Europe. Sandra too danced as a soloist in Dusseldorf, Germany, as well as the Colorado Ballet.
After moving back to the United States, Mark worked as the associate artistic director of the Colorado Ballet Two as well as company teacher for the Colorado Ballet. until he founded the International Ballet School. Both Mark and Sandra have won multiple teaching and choreography awards. Mark has coached students for the prestigious Prix de Lausanne and the U.S.A. International Ballet Competition, where his students have received numerous scholarships and company traineeships. Sandra’s students have regularly placed in the Denver regional Youth America Grand Prix and Denver Ballet Guild, as well as finalist to the New York YAGP. Along with teaching and coaching, she designs the costumes and stages for the International Youth Ballet.
“We call ourselves International Ballet School because we train stylistically versatile dancers who go on to dance all over the world. Our students have been invited to dance in Monoco, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and much more, even the Lincoln Center in New York City,” Sandra says.
Given Mark’s and Sandra’s success in their dance and teaching careers, it isn’t hard to understand why students travel a good distance to dance at International Ballet School. While about 35 percent of their students are Highlands Ranch residents, they also have students who travel up to 60 miles to dance with them.
“Many young children dream of becoming a professional ballet dancer. The reality is that only three to 10 percent percent of students studying for a professional career will ever make it,” Mark says. “Statistically speaking, you have a higher chance of becoming a professional football player than a professional dancer.”
The first steps towards dancing professionally begin when students are very young, training many hours a week with highly accomplished instructors who themselves have studied with renowned teachers, in a comprehensive program like that at the International Ballet School.
“We have about 70 students here, and we know all of them,” says Sandra. “One very special thing about International Ballet School is we are one of only a few schools that hold performances in venues such as Gates Concert Hall and the Newman Center. And our costumes are all exceptionally professional. The Nutcracker costumes are all from London Festival Ballet.” When performing Peter Pan, they hire Flying by Foy, the first company that flew Mary Margaret in the Broadway Production. This gives all students the experience of a professional production.
Additionally, the International Ballet School partners with the Highlands Ranch Community Association to produce its annual Nutcracker performance during the holidays. In 2020, they offered a virtual performance of the ballet because live performance wasn't available due to Covid-19 restrictions.
The International Ballet School also has classes for students who love ballet, but don’t aspire to a career in dance. Mark and Sandra wish to provide a dance school where all students fall in love with dance.
“Not everyone in our studio is aiming at a professional career. A lot of kids graduate high school and go on to college and other careers. Whether or not you want a professional career, dance teaches you discipline, hard work, dedication, creativity, and passion for the arts.”
One student who has the potential to break into professional dance is Olivia Daugherty, who travels from Falcon, Coloraod, to dance at International Ballet School. Olivia started dancing at the age of 4 and has now danced for 14 years.
“I knew I loved to dance after my first competition about seven years ago. I love performing and the feeling of being on stage,” Olivia says. “Ballet is an art form that allows you to portray different characters and express a story through movement rather than words.”
Olivia was invited back to the Prix de Lausanne this year, after being a finalist in 2019. She is one of four Prix de Lausanne finalists from International Ballet School over the years.
“At International Ballet School, I am offered such great performance opportunities with professional set designs and overall production. IBS also offers an extended program where I can train at a more pre-professional level. I was also drawn to this school for the faculty members, including the international teachers, that allow the students to learn new techniques and perspectives.”
So whether headed for the grand stage in Europe, or as a recreational experience, the International Ballet School offers all students the chance to experience the beauty and splendor of ballet. Find them internationalballetschool.net.