PREFONTAINE
BALLET

Classical ballet training for children and pre-professional dancers in Vancouver

Ballet students performing floor barre and conditioning exercises to improve flexibility, core strength, alignment, and body awareness at Prefontaine Ballet, welcoming dancers from North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Vancouver, and the North Shore.

Young ballet students practicing classical barre technique to develop posture, strength, alignment, and musicality at Prefontaine Ballet, serving North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Vancouver, and the North Shore.

Our Mission

We aim to provide a classical ballet education to the community and its children. Through training, discipline, and creativity, we hope to cultivate a passion for the art of ballet that will withstand a lifetime.

Young ballet dancer demonstrating contemporary ballet technique at Prefontaine Ballet, offering professional youth ballet programs for ages 4–17 in North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Vancouver, and the North Shore.

Our programs range from ages 4-17

At Prefontaine Ballet, we’re always looking for newcomers to join us. Reach out for an unforgettable dance experience.

Young ballet dancer demonstrating classical ballet technique and artistic expression during professional training at Prefontaine Ballet, serving North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Vancouver, and the North Shore.

Close-up of a ballet dancer practicing pointe technique to develop strength, balance, alignment, and classical ballet artistry at Prefontaine Ballet, serving North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Vancouver, and the North Shore.

Young ballet students exploring creative movement and artistic expression during a children's ballet class at Prefontaine Ballet, welcoming families from North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Vancouver, and the North Shore.

A woman with long dark hair and brown eyes, wearing a light pink button-up shirt, sitting on a white surface, looking at the camera.

Patricia Prefontaine
Founder & Artistic Director

Dedicated to classical excellence, mentorship, and the lifelong development of dancers.

Testimonials

"Alope had been dancing ballet for 11 years when she met Ms. Patricia Prefontaine, and that meeting has been a true blessing in her dance journey. The individualized mentorship, supportive environment, and exceptional training at Prefontaine Ballet have inspired her to continue pursuing pre-professional dance. The teachers' profound passion for classical ballet is deeply inspiring, and we are forever grateful for their expertise, artistry, and care."

— Mae Thornton Mehra & Atin Mehra
"We have been fortunate to have been affiliated with Prefontaine Ballet for 6 years (so far!), since my daughter was 6 years old. Having a ballet background, at the time I was seeking a teacher who not only had the pedagogical and performance experience needed to instill correct classical ballet technique and artistic sensitivity, but who could also do so in a positive and encouraging manner without inappropriate overtraining (which can be an issue in some ballet programs). In working with Ms. Patricia Prefontaine, we have found all this and more. Her methods emphasize a "slow and steady", thoughtful approach which builds long-term strength, and resilient, knowledgeable and artistically mature dancers. She is also a dedicated mentor who is careful to nurture the whole dancer, leading by example to encourage her students to develop integrity, perseverance, kindness, self-confidence and team spirit, all of which will be important in my daughter's life whether or not she chooses to dance professionally. We are so grateful for the support of Ms. Patricia, Ms. Martina and Ms. Nicole, all of whom demonstrate daily their commitment to creating a supportive and nurturing environment for the pursuit of high quality ballet training."

- Jennifer MacGregor-Greer
“My daughter trained at Prefontaine Ballet for several years, advancing from a beginner to a highly skilled dancer and winning an award at FESTIVAL DU BALLET along the way. I cannot thank Ms. Patricia enough for the incredible dedication, mentorship, and support throughout this journey. This ballet background didn't just teach her artistry; it instilled the discipline and focus that helped her gain university admission with ease.”

—Setareh Sadeghi
"We have had such a wonderful experience with Prefontaine Ballet and Ms. Patricia. Ariana has known Ms. Patricia since she was two years old and when she started ballet, Ms. Patricia was the person she immediately felt safe and comfortable with. Ariana absolutely adores her and has developed such a love and admiration for ballet because of her. Ms. Patricia is incredibly caring, patient, supportive, and professional. It is so clear that she genuinely has Ariana’s best interests at heart and wants her to feel confident, happy, and successful. We feel very lucky that Ariana has such a wonderful teacher and role model in her life."

-Neda Grant

Frequently Asked Questions

Prefontaine Ballet offers professional ballet instruction in a welcoming and supportive environment where dancers of all ages can thrive. Our internationally trained faculty emphasizes strong classical technique, artistic expression, healthy movement, and individualized mentorship, helping every student build confidence and reach their full potential.
We offer a variety of programs for children, youth, and adults, including Youth Ballet, Adult Matwork Pilates, pre-pointe and pointe training, private coaching, Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) examination preparation, performance opportunities, and optional competition training. Programs are designed to support dancers at every stage of their journey.
Our faculty includes internationally trained ballet educators Ms. Patricia Prefontaine, Ms. Martina Prefontaine, and Ms. Nicole Prefontaine (when available). Together, they bring professional performance experience, world-class training, and decades of teaching expertise to provide exceptional ballet education in North Vancouver.

New students begin with a trial class where our faculty assesses age, experience, technique, coordination, and readiness. Based on this evaluation, we recommend the most appropriate class to ensure every dancer receives the best possible training and support.
Yes. We welcome both beginners and experienced dancers. Whether your child is taking their very first ballet class or continuing advanced training, our programs provide age-appropriate instruction in a positive and encouraging learning environment.
Prefontaine Ballet is located in North Vancouver, British Columbia, serving families throughout North Vancouver, West Vancouver, and the North Shore. We are committed to providing exceptional classical ballet education and helping dancers develop strong technique, confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of dance.