Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea Howell.
Hi Chelsea, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
At The Children’s Ballet Theatre, founder Chelsea Howell has spent more
than a decade shaping an environment where young people can grow through
dance, not only in skill but also in self-awareness and community. Her approach
is rooted in structure, patience and a belief that each child brings something
unique to the studio.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Only 2020 was the biggest struggle but with innovation and determination we made it through
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Set with uniforms that keep them modest and respecting their bodies and driven with instructors that not only are gen uine in the children’s programs but also experts in technique of ballet, modern, contemporary, progressive ballet training, pointe, pas de deux, variations and performances.”
The structure of the program reflects a long view of each student’s development. It begins with the Children’s Academy for ages 3 to 7, where students build the earliest foundations in movement, musicality and creativity. From there, students move into the Ballet Academy, designed for dancers ages 8 to 18, where training becomes more technical and goal-oriented.
“We start in the Children’s Academy. Ages 3–7 is the very first founda tion of the art of dance,” Howell explained. “8–12 is a crucial growth and building time. They will create good habits in technique and flexibility. Gear up the strength and technique for that proud moment when they test to be en pointe.”
What matters most to you? Why?
Acknowledging that not every dancer is aiming for a professional path and that’s not the only measure of success. “Everyone who completes the journey at TCBT is a success story,” she said.
Part of that success, she believes, comes from expo- sure to more than just dance technique. The Ballet Academy includes book studies covering everything from dance and stretch anatomy to composer and costuming history. Students also learn about theater production and performance preparation.
“Our ballet academy is a training program that not only trains the dancer in the technical aspect but they also have book studies,” Howell said.
Performance plays a major role in a dancer’s expe- rience, and Howell sees it as a way for students to develop confidence and a sense of belonging. “Each performance is a learning avenue towards a path that they are going into,” she said. “They love it so much that when it’s over they are full of tears because they do not want to leave the joy they brought to the community.”
A. Robinson, whose daughter began dancing at the studio at age six, shared how ballet shaped more than just physical strength. “Yes, she has grown tremendously as a dancer, but she has also found areas of grace, discipline, self-confidence
and self-expression that I had no idea she would also grow tremendously in,” Robinson said. “The Children’s Ballet Theatre will always be a second home to my daughter.”
Howell emphasizes that the involvement of fam- ilies and the broader community is central to the theatre’s work. “Our families are a large part of the success of the dancers,” she said. “Support, trans- portation, mentorship, volunteerism and questions keep us evolving and growing with each generation of dancers.”
For many families, that shared sense of purpose has helped them stay grounded in what matters most. Parent H. Westbeld described how their daughter blossomed under Howell’s direction. “We have watched her grow immensely in technique, art- istry, and musicality, but additionally she has grown in confidence as a person, has gained important friendships, and has blossomed under the instruc-
tion of the wonderful teachers at TCBT.” That blend of discipline and warmth is what keeps the doors of TCBT open year after year, not just for the next crop of dancers, but for a community of families that values creativity, consistency and care. At The Children’s Ballet Theatre, the lessons reach far beyond choreography. They’re lessons about resilience, growth and finding one’s place on stage and beyond.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.childernsballettheatre.com
- Instagram: @childrensballet
- Facebook: @childrensballet
