Founded in 1997, the primary goal of the Otto M. Budig Academy is to provide excellence in technical and artistic training and to inspire a love of dance. With a curriculum based in the Vaganova tradition, instruction is also infused with the 20th & 21st century influences which have developed in classical ballet over the past 60 years. Academy students enjoy the opportunity to enrich their lives through dance while developing grace, poise, mental and physical discipline as well as an appreciation and awareness of the arts. The guiding principles of the Academy are to teach, challenge and inspire students to achieve their highest goals in a nurturing and positive environment.

The unique connection to Cincinnati Ballet provides unparalleled performance opportunities for selected students as well as invaluable networking and employment resources for advanced students. Led by Sarah Hairston, Director of Academy Training, and Ginger Johnson, Director of Academy Administration, the Otto M. Budig Academy provides classical ballet training at its finest.