About Kansas Ballet Academy
Who We Are
Kansas Ballet Academy is a ballet and dance school in Topeka, Kansas, offering classes for children beginning at age 3, teens, and adults. Students can begin with no prior experience, enjoy dance recreationally, or progress into advanced pre-professional training as their interests and abilities develop.
Through ballet, tap, jazz, and contemporary classes, our experienced faculty helps students develop strong technique, artistry, discipline, confidence, and a lasting appreciation for dance. We combine clear expectations with personal attention so each dancer can grow from their own starting point.
What Makes KBA Different
Professional Training
Students receive structured, age-appropriate instruction from experienced faculty. Training is progressive and grounded in a strong classical foundation while supporting each dancer’s individual development.
A Place for Every Dancer
KBA welcomes beginners, recreational students, and dancers seeking more intensive training. Each student is encouraged to grow from their own starting point through clear instruction, personal attention, and appropriate challenges.
Meaningful Performance Opportunities
Students develop confidence and artistry through class presentations, academy performances, community events, The Nutcracker, and advanced performance opportunities.
Growth Beyond the Studio
Dance education develops more than physical skill. Students build focus, perseverance, teamwork, musicality, creativity, self-discipline, and the confidence to work toward meaningful goals.
Kansas Ballet Academy provides year-round dance education, while Kansas Ballet Company is the nonprofit organization that supports classical ballet productions, performance opportunities, and community outreach.
Our Leadership
Alexander Smirnov and Stephanie Heston have built and led Kansas Ballet in Topeka for 15 years. Together, they bring more than 60 years of combined professional experience and guide both Kansas Ballet Academy’s educational programs and Kansas Ballet Company’s performances and community outreach.
Our Teaching Philosophy
KBA combines disciplined training and clear expectations with encouragement, creativity, and respect for each dancer’s individual development. Our ballet curriculum is rooted in the Vaganova Method and thoughtfully adapted for today’s students. Training is carefully sequenced to develop coordination, strength, musicality, artistry, and sound technical habits.
The Vaganova Method
The Vaganova Method is a systematic approach to classical ballet training developed by Russian dancer and teacher Agrippina Vaganova. It coordinates the entire body so technical development, musicality, and artistic expression grow together.
Drawing on extensive professional experience as performers and educators, KBA faculty have developed a comprehensive ballet syllabus informed by this method and adapted for today’s students. Our goal is not only to develop strong dancers, but also confident, independent, and motivated individuals—qualities that serve students well onstage and beyond.
Find the Right Class
Whether your dancer is taking a first class, returning to dance, or looking for advanced training, Kansas Ballet Academy offers a supportive starting point and a clear path for continued growth.