Ainsworth ballet academy finds home in old school

AINSWORTH - Elizabeth's Academy of Classical Ballet has finally found the perfect dance studio location in the old Ainsworth Elementary School.

Owner and instructor Elizabeth Billups has been teaching ballet for 22 years and dancing nearly all of her life. She began dance classes at 7-years-old.

'I just really loved it,” she said. 'Ballet was my favorite.”

After studying dance at the University of Illinois, Billups taught and performed in Philadelphia. She later moved to Portland and became interested in choreography and teaching.

For the last 13 years, she has taught in Ainsworth.

Billups teaches Russian technique classical ballet. She teaches from pre-ballet to advanced-ballet as well as en pointe. The students learn classic chorography and the history behind it, Billups said. They also learn about the classical music and composers.

Billups said she loves the history, stories, costumes and music of ballet.

'It's so beautiful and magical,” she said.

Billups has never had her own space for a studio. She has either taught for other studios or used other spaces.

'For the last seven years, we have either used the home-school office or the Mennonite church,” she said.

When the Ainsworth Elementary School closed and space was available, Billups took the opportunity. The studio was once two classrooms. After tearing down a wall, painting, installing mirrors and installing custom bars, the space was ready to open in September. Billups said working with the Ainsworth City Council was an easy process, and they were very helpful.

There are 50 students in the program ranging from the age of 3 to adults, Billups said. The number of practices vary for each student. Some have lessons four or five days a week.

'Once they're at a certain level, then they're required to take extra technique classes, especially for point,” Billups said.

The academy stages two shows a year as well as summer workshops.

Right now, Billups is hoping to recruit more boys to the program. Starting in January, there will be a free boys-only class.

'We want to do a small ‘Nutcracker' eventually,” she said. 'We need boys for that.”