Southeastern Michigan Classical Ballet & Southeastern Michigan Children's Ballet is under the direction of Gina Urso-Dudash. Southeastern Michigan Classical Ballet is committed to promoting quality dance education by providing top notch instruction in classical ballet as well as, pointe, partnering, and variations, and all other disciplines such as Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop and Modern. The school is known for its innovative approach to teaching by not just providing one teacher, but bringing in regular guest faculty to teach master classes at the school. Such noted instructors who teach at the school as permanent guest faculty include:

Samantha Shelton ... Wayne State University Faculty, American Ballet Theater Faculty, Summer intensive, Detroit Opera House
Louis Jackson ... Harkness Dance Center New York, Ailey School New York
Mark Kreiger ... Columbia City Ballet.
Melanie Hawks ... Ballet Tucson
Patrick Schultz ... Choreographer, Former Milwaukee Ballet, Western Michigan University

The company performs two full length ballets a year in addition to the annual spring recital as well as guest appearances throughout the metropolitan area such as Festival of Trees, Detroit Renaissance Christmas Festival, Grosse Ile Boars Head Festival and more. Additionally the company has enjoyed performing at Walt Disney World Florida, and performs a full length Nutcracker each holiday season with the Michigan Classical Ballet Orchestra under the direction of Aaron Kalinicki.  Other Ballets in SMCB's repertoire include Swan Lake, The Four Seasons, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, as well as original works; Rondo Caprisioso, and The Twelve Dancing Princesses choreographed by Ms. Urso-Dudash.

SMCB hosts an annual summer intensive study with master teachers for two weeks followed by a performance. SMCB also encourages its students to take auditions with other schools such as ABT Summer intensive and Joffrey Ballet. Many SMCB students have been accepted into such programs. The main school is located at 9505 Groh Rd. North Hangar 2 on the picturesque Island of Grosse Ile with sister schools in Trenton and Brownstown. Students who study within the dance centers of Grosse Ile, Trenton or Brownstown may audition for the SMCB at one of two auditions held annually at the main school. Children from other schools may audition to perform in the ballets as well.

The goal of the company and its sister schools is to promote quality dance education in the Southeastern Michigan and metropolitan areas by providing opportunities for dancers to perform in full length ballets and study with top notch instructors.

Classes at the school begin at age 2 for pre-dance and creative movement and progress through the advanced levels. The school provides the necessary tools for students who wish to pursue a career in dance, while also encouraging the not so serious student to participate in a pre-professional environment. From beginner to advanced, recreational to professional, we have a class designed for you! 

Affiliated with DEA