Mission
The mission of Hickory Ballet & Performing Arts (HBPA) is to inspire our community through classical ballet and the performing arts. Through collaboration and creative expression we affect positive change within the community, one artist at a time.
History
Originally established as a classical ballet school in 2011, Hickory Ballet & Performing Arts underwent a major transformation in 2018 when Leanna Bodnar assumed executive leadership. Drawing on her extensive professional experience, she expanded the curriculum to include a broader range of performing arts classes, performances, and productions. That same year, the studio became a nonprofit organization and officially adopted the name Hickory Ballet & Performing Arts. In 2022, it moved from Foothills Gymnastics to its current location in Downtown Hickory—marking the first time the studio had a “home of its own.” In 2023, HBPA adopted its first strategic plan to define the organization’s mission and vision and identify goals and objectives for growth and future development. This strategic plan runs through 2026 and will be redeveloped to capture HBPA’s next phase beginning in 2027.
Classes
Our current classes include Acro, Classical Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Pointe, Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT), and Tap, with qualified instructors teaching students ages 3 to adult. Because we believe it is never too late to start exploring one’s creativity, we offer our Freshmen level classes for older beginners ages 9 and up. Parents and guardians are welcome to observe classes from the monitor in our studio lobby.
Performance
HBPA students are offered multiple opportunities to perform throughout the year, in collaboration with area community theatres. Our Classical Ballet program includes an annual production of The Nutcracker in the fall, and an additional story ballet each spring. Performing Arts students can showcase their skills in a Junior musical in the fall, and a full-length musical in the spring.
We also promote the advancement of the arts through outreach programming in Hickory and surrounding communities, partnering with such organizations as the Western Piedmont Symphony, Hickory Choral Society, Hickory Museum of Art, and others.
Student Support
There are many ways HBPA supports its students throughout the year, including:
- A full in-house costume shop, so dancers pay a minimal costume rental fee for all performances
- A Parent Guild that works to raise funds and organize needed support for performances and programming
- Affiliation with the National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA), which recognizes student commitment and distinguishes them for future career and college opportunities
- An in-studio boutique for the purchase of dance-related items such as tights, leotards, shoes, and more
At HBPA, our goal is to make arts education affordable. Through a blind application/selection process, we offer partial scholarships to a limited number of students. Applications are available at the front desk.
Supporting HBPA
HBPA is committed to providing a nurturing environment in which to teach impeccable technique and inspired artistry to this area’s next generation of dancers. We are extremely grateful for our season sponsors! As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, we gratefully accept donations to continue to make our mission and the dreams of our students a reality. Please consider partnering with us.
