Indiana Ballet Conservatory — Local services in Carmel

This isn’t a defense. It’s a reflection. On art, imperfection, and the courage to try — even when the audience expects perfection.

From an early age, I was fascinated by Leonardo da Vinci. Like many, I came to know him through textbooks, documentaries, and movies. And then one day, I stood in the Louvre, in front of that painting — the Mona Lisa.

It didn’t hit me like lightning. It was more of a silence — stern, still, haunting. There was something whole and unfinished about it. Something human. I finally understood why people spend centuries trying to copy it.

But the real revelation came later, when I visited the Academy of Arts in Berlin. It happened to be “Mona Lisa Day,” where children were creating their own versions of the painting. Their attempts were clumsy, unbalanced, awkward — and absolutely beautiful. Not because they resembled the original, but because they didn’t. They were honest. Bold. Human. They were trying.

That moment came back to me when I read a recent review of IBC’s “Phantom of the Opera.” I’m not here to argue with that reviewer. I understand the sting of disappointment, especially when you bring your children to something you love. You want to share a legend. A classic. And instead, you’re given… a reimagining. An experiment. A process.

Yes, this was not the Phantom we know. It was imperfect. Sometimes unpolished. But I saw courage in it. I saw young artists trying — not always succeeding — but stepping onto a stage anyway. And there is something noble about that.

Real art, like real people, doesn’t always meet our expectations. Sometimes it just asks: can you sit with imperfection long enough to see the humanity behind it?

I don’t know what others saw. But I saw a spark. And if that spark keeps burning in even one dancer or one student, then maybe — just maybe — it’s more Phantom than we realize. Not the mask. But the mystery.

Wishing all the young dancers and their mentors the strength to keep creating, failing, growing — and trying again. That’s how real...

This ballet studio is an absolute gem! From the moment you walk in, it’s clear that professionalism is a top priority. The instructors bring a remarkable level of expertise and discipline, creating an environment that is both nurturing and rigorously focused on excellence.

What sets this studio apart is its unwavering commitment to developing dancers from the youngest age (as early as 3!) all the way through high school. Despite the wide age range, the level of skill and artistry on display is truly unmatched. Each class is structured, purposeful, and inspiring — and the growth in students is both visible and impressive.

The dancers here aren’t just learning steps; they’re building a foundation in classical technique, musicality, and performance quality that is rarely seen outside of pre-professional training programs. It’s clear the staff genuinely care about the personal and artistic development of each student.

If you're looking for a studio where young dancers are treated with respect, challenged with high standards, and supported in their growth — look no further. This place is...

I am so grateful to the stellar faculty at Indiana Ballet Conservatory. These world-renowned professional dancers had unbelievable performing careers, and they have become equally educated and gifted teachers/coaches. So many people gave so much to ensure these teachers could build a home in Indiana, where they hoped to foster the love of dance and give aspiring professional dancers the quality training that is so hard to find. They clearly have succeeded. At last count, they have alumni dancing professionally in over 40 prestigious companies; this is a crazy wonderful accomplishment. Moreover, there are so many beautiful alumni who have used their lessons from ballet training in other noble professions - healthcare, business, law, board rooms, real estate, etc. Quality ballet training is truly hard to find, and it's no wonder dancers from all over the world (Australia, Japan, Korea, Sweden, Canada, etc.) move to Hamilton County just to train with...