The dancers and level of production is so impressive, bravo Ballet Idaho! Every show I see offers something different- both classical and contemporary dance, always so well done. read more

Boise still has a small town vibe. But Ballet Idaho is all big city culture. The skills of the dancers, the choreographers, and the support staff shine with metropolis standards on their corner of 8th Street and Myrtle. Whether you're attending one of their larger performances like The Nutcracker at the Morrison Center, or something intimate like New Dance at their rehearsal space, you'll get magnificent, emotive entertainment from these talented folks. Personally, I like their traditional shows, but New Dance holds a special place in my heart. Combining dance vignettes along a central theme, Ballet Idaho pulls in numbers from international artists and counterbalances them with local choreographers. The last New Dance I attended was Form and Concept. They wove video components between dance numbers and the segment Particles had my eyes swelling with tears. Ballet Idaho's support staff is welcoming, informative and clearly passionate about the role traditional dance plays in a community. For those who have yet to attend a Ballet Idaho performance, or don't know if they like ballet, I say do it. Do yourself a favor and become a patron of a fine Boise institution. Your community and your cultured self will thank you! read more

11th reviewer of Ballet Idaho. Based on the performance of Swan Lake opening night 4-20-2018 at the Morrison Center at Boise State University. This is my 407th review on Yelp. I've always wanted to visit the ballet. I was at a Yelp event and won tickets to Swan Lake. I purchased additional tickets so that I can take my family (otherwise I wouldn't have reviewed). This show was excellent! I was blown away, literally! The artistic quality was something else. The Boise Philharmonic was live and all dancers were on point. I was super surprised that I got the story without words. This show made me a fan of ballet-- the beauty was superb. The visual effects made me feel as though I was in a movie. My 9-year-old loves the ballet, or so I thought-- Apparently, Barbie and the ballet isn't the same thing-- as there is no words in the real ballet... She drove me nuts with her boredom and you can't have your phone on or get up and use the rr (rules) so I was literally looking at her mouthing (shhh with wide eyes)! So, next time only the older kids, that can understand the beauty. I will always go to the ballet now! Thank you ballet Idaho. read more

Parking: The parking structure was open to all those who were attending the ballet. I was even more impressed we were not charged for parking, and there were spots available for those who were running late. Location: Morrison Center. Conveniently located at 2201 W Cesar Chavez Ln, Boise, ID 83725 Atmosphere: I adored the atmosphere, very quaint. I only have one chief complaint, which that goes for any venue, the seating's are very close together. Ticket Prices: I won my tickets from a Yelp Elite event. I've conducted research, and the ticket prices are between $38- $61 bucks. Wheel Chair Accessible: Yes! Staff: There are several entrances into the Morrison Center. For some reason, we came in thru the back. Never less, there was staff present who graciously informed us where to reach the front. Once in the lobby, we were again met with the inability to know where to get our tickets from will-call. The staff, again, pointed us to the right direction. The staff was incredibly pleasant, and knowledgeable. Concert? The ballet was absolutely exquisite. The performers were on top of their game. We were lost in the beautiful story. I cannot articulate the amount of emotions were felt for and during the ballet. We were whisked away from technology, daily stressors, and into this beautiful distraction. The director, too, did a phenomenal job. Bravo to them. Food/ Drink services: There are several snack and drink options before the play, or during the intermission. The drinks include water, and your favorite soda. I want to recall there was wine, but cannot recall. The snacks also includes candies, cookies, muffins, etc. Restroom Cleanliness: I did not have the opportunity to view the restroom because of the massive line. Star Rating Those who read my reviews often know what a hard ball I am when issuing a five star. However, the night was truly magical. I am giving The Morrison Center a five star. More Importantly, would we ever go back? Absolutely. read more

Life has been challenging without live performances for the arts in the year 2020, but Ballet Idaho adapted quickly and respectfully.....to the community, the students, the dancers and the numerous professionals that it takes to produce an event. Thank heavens for the digital age! I have my fingers crossed for the opening performance of this season with the Nutcracker. There will be lots of smiles, perfect pirouette's, gran-jete's and enthusiasm as we enjoy the new normal! Thanks for hanging in there, providing us with your podcasts, digital shows, digital classes and positivity. read more

I brought a friend to a Ballet Idaho performance recently who had never been and I had such a difficult time conveying why I love it so. And, now to write a review and further convey to anyone reading why it's so wonderful? So, it's a little unorthodox but here's the best way I can describe it: You know when you were little and you saw Disney's Cinderella for the first time? You know, the moment when the fairy godmother waves her wand and suddenly there's Cinderella in this gorgeous gown and tiara and your little eyes were delighted, dazzled, and utterly enthralled? And, then, also, do you remember the first time you saw something so athletically impressive--you found yourself inspired and practically tingling with the excitement and awe of it? Maybe it was Michael Phelps as he propelled his body through water with a speed and voracity that seemed nearly impossible. Or, perhaps it was watching BSU's Statue of Liberty play at the 2007 Fiesta Bowl. For me, it was Florence Griffith Joyner's (aka Flo Jo's) 1988 Olympic 100 meter dash. That is what the ballet is like. It's magical, it's dazzling, it's inspiring, it's exciting, and it's one of the more athletically impressive things to witness. And, it's also a story. Oftentimes a grand and classic story told entirely through body movement. You will find yourself utterly entranced as you read the story through the dancer's bodies. You will be transported into an entirely different world. I grew up watching ballet performances in San Francisco and now I have seen a handful of performances put on by Ballet Idaho. Ballet Idaho does a fantastic job. I'm just as enthralled, enchanted, and transported as ever. How lucky we are as Boiseans to have such amazing performances right here in town. Growing up, we drove nearly two hours to get to San Francisco to attend the ballet (and then the parking! oy!) and here, it's 10 minutes (8, with a little love from the traffic gods) from my house with free parking right in the Morrison parking lot. Awesome. If you haven't tried it--do. It'll make for an entirely different sort of evening than the usual run-of-the-mill Saturday night. Quick tip: there's wine and other beverages that can be purchased during intermission and I'm not sure if they take cards? They may--but I would bring cash just in case! Get to it! read more

I think I'm hooked. I've been itching to go to one of Ballet Idaho's shows for years, and I am thrilled that my first experience was with the Christmas classic, The Nutcracker. There were so many components of this performance that won me over--the combination of professional dancers performing with children from Ballet Idaho's Academy, the live music played by the Boise Philarmonic, and the contrast of beautiful dancing paired with humorous bits that got the whole audience chuckling. In my opinion, the first act is mostly storytelling, whereas the second act features the more complex dance pieces. I enjoyed both parts equally and thought that they combined to make for a dreamy entertainment experience--one that was both intelligent and humorous. The entire show had me pulled in with the same wide-eyed wonder my friend's three-year-old daughter had. I think that is perhaps my favorite part of this whole experience, the feel in the building is so child-like. Before and after the show and during intermission, the lobby of the Morrison Center was buzzing with people of all ages. And during intermission, the top balcony overlooking the lobby outside of the auditorium had a group of grade-school kids singing Christmas carols. To put the cherry on top of an already amazing evening, as soon as we stepped out of the building, we experienced our first Boise snowfall of the year. Talk about magical, eh? Pro Tip: If you are parking in the garage right outside of the Morrison Center, try to get there a little early and get a space on the first floor. We parked on the second floor and it took us about half an hour to get out. Eeeeeep. read more

Ballet Idaho offers some of the best live performances in the state. If you're looking for a easy family event I'd definitely recommend one of their shows. I've attended several ballet Idaho performances at the Morrison center and the combination of great seating, live orchestra, and high quality dancers just sets the bar so high for live performance. Would go again and again! read more

Spectacular across the board! A necessary and beautiful experience each time. From the staff, dancers, and varied and dynamic performances, this dance company proves out to be an excellent experience. Alive in the heart of downtown Boise, this staple continues to thrive and grow in unique ways. The company seems to dance seamlessly between experimental and classical. From the genre-bending and multi-media immersive dance choreography of certain shows such as "Form and Concept" which featured brand new world premier choreography which I was lucky enough to be able to see opening night in the intimate Ballet Idaho theater. Also tackling the instant crowd-pleaser with the absolute classic beauty, strength, and grace associated with the big "Tchaikovsky" or "Stravinsky" masterpieces. Getting a chance to chat with several of the dancers, it becomes clear that Ballet Idaho is a very special place to be. This is a thriving community where great art is being created. Go see a show even if you know nothing about dance, you'll be thankful that you did. Boise is better for having Ballet Idaho. read more

I've been to several Ballet Idaho performances over the year and they are okay. With Trey McIntyre in town and Idaho Dance Theater, I'd think Ballet would have improved over the years but that's not true. I just saw the Nutcracker and it was atrocious. Now, I realize that a large part of the performance is to let little kids have time on stage, but a lot of time was devoted to kids running around in circles. Yes, they are adorable, but it's not much of a dance. As for the principle dancers, the choreography was not inspired or creative, so I couldn't tell you how good they were. They might be amazing dancers but they didn't seem to be engaging the music or showcasing technique at all. I am not a dancer: I don't profess to be a professional. But if I think the dances are lame, and the leaps look like the dancers are about to skim the floor, and the everything looks the same, it's not very good. Some of those tutus are pretty snazzy though, and a male ballet dancer without a top earned a third star, for sure. read more

We pins on our diapers and off we goes to the ballet in Boise, Idaho on a Friday night, Feb 10, 2017. Advertisement says it's gonna be a ballet so I figures it might be one. Palookas likes a ballet now and then, respite from all that burlesque. You like what you like. Yas got ta spend a little cabbage for a trip like this. Gas for the boiler, a room to flop in for the night, eats, drinks and the like so yas might expect to see ballet. Ballet Idaho presented a three part ballet. The first they call "Concerto Barocco" and it was good. It wasn't "great" but it looked like a ballet. The violins were superb. The second called "The Monster And The Gift" was a monster all right in five segments. I closed my eyes after the first one and a half as ta not see any more of it. First time I ever saw ballerinas in knee pads doing most of their dancing on the floor. Use to be some folks referred to ballet as "toe dancing". They don't here. Didn't help much to close my eyes, though the orchestra was great, the score, not great. The third presentation called Night Crawlers was a good vaudeville act but it lent little to ballet. If yas wants to see a comedy yas goes to a comedy club right? Does yas go the the ballet for tomfoolery? I don't. "Over the past two decades ballet has come to resemble a dying language: Apollo and his angels are undertood and appreciated by a shrinking circle of old believers in a closed circle of our culture. But beauty is not only about sleep and awakening, the court and classical ballet, it also tells about fragility and breaks in tradition of sleep that may not wake. The story - our story - may be coming to a close." Apollos Angels Jennifer Homan I likes my ballet to be ballet, not modern dance, my steak to be steak not hamburger, my beer to be lager and not some foo foo ale. We all got an opinion, here's mine: if you want to see ballet, go to Oregon Ballet Theatre in Portland, maybe Pacific Northwest Ballet in Seattle just skip Ballet Idaho. read more

Ballet Idaho's The Nutcracker was the first ballet I have attended and I was not disappointed! It was an enthralling performance and I will definitely be a returning patron! Engaging choreography, beautiful sets, and excellent live orchestra. Well done Ballet Idaho! Can't wait to see what you do next! read more

I adore this company and academy! My daughter has attended classes @ BIA since she was three years old and she will be turning nine this month. So we have seen and participated in numerous performances. The standard for technique is always very high and the presentation is breathtaking. We have participated in the last three Nutcracker performances and details such as call times/pick up times etc. seem to be smoother and more organized with every passing year. I really appreciate that the company gives the students a chance to audition for professional productions from an early age. It is a very unique opportunity! I also regularly attend the adult division classes that they offer. They by far surpasses any others I have attended. The teachers give great attention to detail and corrections regardless of age or skill level and really meet you where you are at to help you improve! They take the responsibility of teaching adults just as seriously as the younger students which is a rarity in the ballet field. If you are interested in learning the art of classical ballet, are a balletomane or simply someone who appreciates the artistry and athleticism required for dance, you should check out this company. You won't regret it! read more

I love contemporary dancing but I do love me the ballet. It's like magic time for me. The costumes, the set, the design, artistry and thought that goes into each production. Magic. Took my husband for the first time for a visiting "black swan" show. He fell so bad. He started listening to Tchaikovsky at home and in his car. Just cause it's beautiful. After that, we make sure to catch at least several shows a year. No special occasion. Just cause. Great reason to dress up in your most fancy cloths and catch an early dinner and a show. Joy. read more

Ballet Idaho is one of Boise finest entertainments. All of the performances showcase the strength, technique, and artistry of the dancers. You can enjoy an up close, intimate performance at the Esther Simplot Performing Arts with contemporary pieces or see a full length ballet at the Morrison Center. Some performances include live music by local bands or the Boise Philharmonic. Other performances include their academy students from ages 6-17. Bring the whole family or a date for a special and memorable affair. Ticket deals can sometimes be found on living social, groupon, or in local coupon ads. See a performance this November through April! read more

We love Ballet Idaho- best ballet/dance school in the state! The teachers are amazingly talented and work with great dedication to train the students properly. They dance in beautiful studios. They also get the chance to be in The Nutcracker at Christmas with the Ballet Idaho company dancers. It is such a great experience for the young dancers to be exposed to the talent of the professional dancers. read more

A great little space in downtown Boise. The performance space had a very warm and personal feel to it and the staff is very friendly and easy to talk to. Take a glance to the right next time you're cruising down myrtle at 9th and you'll see the future ballerinas hard at work. Or better yet, stop in and take a class. See if you've got what it takes. read more

A great little dance theatre plus they have classes. Come by and turn your two left feet into dancing soles..!

I would recommend this academy if you want serious ballet training. The director is an amazing, kind, person and represents the academy well. Give them a try! read more

Every performance I've seen here has been beautiful and exciting -- both for myself and my husband, and also for our 4-year old daughter who got hooked at their performance of "Alice in Wonderland" and has joined us for many performances since. It's really worth going to as many as possible, for each performance is so different from each other, all so creative and inspiring. read more

I have had the great opportunity of attending several ballet performances. I always leave feeling inspired and full of joy. The dedication and passion shines through every performer on stage. I feel so fortunate to live in a town that supports the performing arts. read more

My daughter danced at Ballet Idaho when she was very small and through her teen years. Over the years she had a few sub par teachers, but most were pretty good. There were times that teachers let things slide and therefore she went on dancing without having proper corrections. I also noticed that most of the staff did not stick around for any length of time. There seemed to be a disconnect within the organization as far as being able to communicate professionally and work as a unit together. If you are going to enroll your child at Ballet Idaho, and you want him/her to perform, you must be prepared. There are no real standards to progression, as in a checklist if you will. Your child progresses when they decide. If your child is chosen to perform, say at "Nutcracker", they may be subjected to harsh treatment by the artistic director. My daughter did fine with it, however she was freaked out at the name calling and demeaning comments given to others (including the professional company). That being said, this is still a decent option for everyday dance training if you live in this area of Boise. I would also recommend talking to some of the veteran parents of Ballet Idaho to see how it works. I am updating this review (March 2017) to include information about performances. If your child is not selected to participate in The Nutcracker or any other ballet, the only performance you will see them in is the once per year recital in May. That's a lot of money to spend to see your child dance 1 time! For younger, less experienced children, they can audition and perform locally in the Ensemble, however, the older (mostly late teens group) is out of luck there. Initially they were told the older group would be asked to do specialty dances but they haven't been as of this update (my friend has a daughter in this category). Also, the most recent Nutcracker was the lowest we've seen. A few upper academy dancers dancing professional parts with poor technique and form. The February performance of the 3 segments was also not good. Not sure what is going on there but it appears to be in a downward spiral. That being stated, Ballet Idaho still has many talented and beautiful dancers that need to be utilized properly. read more