Ballet Technique / Pointe Technique / Rehearsal Coach
Willy Shives
Willy Shives has been recognized as one of the most charismatic dancers of his time and declared by the New York Times as “an astounding dancer.” He danced his way into an enduring and award-winning professional career that included companies in New York, Chicago, Austin, Tulsa, Milwaukee, Minneapolis and Pittsburgh.
Shives held a brilliant 16-year tenure with the Joffrey Ballet, first as a leading dancer before moving into the role of ballet master.
He went on to receive his formal ballet training under George Balanchine at the School of American Ballet in New York City on a Ford Foundation Scholarship. He also trained at the Houston Ballet Academy and at the Harkness Ballet in New York City.
In 1981, Shives married his childhood sweetheart Evie Peña. Today, the Shives’ and their two beautiful daughters have remained steadfast and passionate, choosing to live a life filled with family, faith, art, laughter, and love.
Programs & Classes
Professional Conservatory
The Professional Conservatory (PC) offers daytime and evening programs for members to train with a world renowned professional faculty in a versatile regiment of codified techniques and movement principles to prepare for all aspects of professional and collegiate dance.
The Conservatory
The Conservatory offers multiple training opportunities for ages 8 and up. Conservatory dancers will focus on training in a minimum of two ballet technique classes per week, and have the option to add modern technique, jazz technique and musical theater, contemporary and pointe technique (upon invitation only).
The Children's Conservatory
The Children’s Conservatory offers multiple training opportunities for ages 2-7. Dancers in the Children’s Conservatory will develop a love for dance by building a proper foundation that lasts a lifetime in a warm, nurturing environment. Children’s Conservatory dancers will focus on motor skills, musicality, coordination, personal relationships, responsibility, and more.
If a dancer is interested in performing, they are encouraged to audition for the ADC productions.