Western Arkansas Ballet is a 501(3)c organization that teaches Classical Ballet to students of all ages. WAB has served the area of Western Arkansas since 1979. Each year, WAB performs two full-length ballets a season for the community, as well as performing throughout the year at public schools and at Regional Dance America Festivals. WAB provides a safe and active environment both after school and during summer camps. Ballet School tuition fees cover approximately 40% of our operating costs; therefore, WAB depends on the generosity of donors and sponsors to provide dance instruction, community performances, and outreach programs to our community. Community donors and sponsors also support our scholarship program for dancers in need, the updating of costumes and sets, and our studio costs. We appreciate your interest and investment in our program and in the lives of our dancers.
Event Sponsorship Packages and Donation Levels
Western Arkansas Ballet has enriched the cultural landscape of Fort Smith through quality dance education, training, and performance for over four decades. Our Dance Academy offers classes in classical ballet, pointe, modern, tap, jazz, and hip hop for dancers ages two through adult. We focus on performance over competition to cultivate creativity, discipline, and beauty through the performing arts. The 2026-2027 season includes : “Shall We Dance: A Night with Tony Bennett”, our 41st annual The Nutcracker, and Alice in Wonderland. Our professional-level productions entertain and inspire audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Western Arkansas Ballet exposes the River Valley to professional ballet dancers from across the country who we hire to perform as Guest Artists in our productions. Our fall and spring ballets include works of original choreography created by our own artistic staff. WAB faculty and dancers participate in community outreach programs including dance instruction to adults with developmental disabilities at Bost, a partnership with Girls, Inc. providing scholarships for dance classes, abbreviated performances of The Nutcracker to nearly 2,000 local third graders every December, and performances at area nursing homes, libraries, and community events. WAB operates financial scholarship programs to make dance classes accessible to those with limited financial means. An investment in Western Arkansas Ballet through a season sponsorship promotes artistic excellence, arts education and access, and helps ensure that classical ballet remains as a vibrant art form in the River Valley.