The Norman School of Ballet moved to downtown Norman to better equip its students after three years on Robinson Street.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, owner Stephanie Parks, opened the Norman School of Ballet with about seven students. Originally, practicing in a studio on Tecumseh Road, the company moved into the Robinson Crossing Shopping Center in January of 2022.
While debating whether to up her lease at the end of the year, Parks stumbled across a building she toured in 2019. Parks said the building had been too big at the time, but enrollment had tripled since May.
“I went and looked at it, and I had this vision inside that this is the perfect spot to have three professional ballet classes in the middle of the arts district in Norman,” Parks said. “It just makes so much sense being Norman School of Ballet being downtown.”
Being in downtown Norman may provide more possibilities for the studio. Parks said she’s excited for the exposure Main Street offers and is looking forward to interacting with the community during events like the 2nd Friday Norman Art Walk.
Parks said that Norman has a large pom culture, allowing her studio to stand out due to its concentration on ballet technique. In addition, the Norman School of Ballet offers a variety of dance classes, including hip hop, jazz and tap.
“Having a niche like (ballet) is my passion, and I absolutely love it, and I love that we will always be small,” Parks said. “But it does make it harder to grow, because people have to be looking specifically to want to sign up for a ballet class.”
Parks said that she actively works to create a positive environment and uplift students to combat the stereotype that ballet is strict. She values respectful relationships and is working to change the narrative.
“The students that we have, they appreciate that about us, and they love that, and they stay and they come,” Parks said.
Students as young as 18 months can enroll. Adult classes are also offered in ballet and hip hop.
Enrollment and more information can be found in person at the Norman School of Ballet or on the website.
This story was edited by Madisson Cameron. Riley McDaniel and Mary Ann Livingood copy edited this story.
