Celebrating 70 Years of Ballet in Fullerton and Orange County
Did you know that Lois Ellyn Ballet Studio is the oldest ballet studio in Orange County? Since 1956, our studio has been a home for generations of dancers, providing quality classical ballet training in Fullerton, California in a welcoming environment where students of all ages can develop technique, artistry, confidence, and a lifelong love of dance.
Our Founder, Lois Ellyn
Lois Ellyn founded the studio in 1956 following an illustrious professional dance career that included working with legendary figures in ballet, including Mia Slavenska and George Balanchine. She brought the knowledge, artistry, and discipline of her professional career to Fullerton, where she dedicated the rest of her life to teaching and inspiring generations of dancers.
The original Lois Ellyn Ballet Studio was built by Lois’ father specifically for ballet training. At its heart is an impressive 60-by-40-foot sprung-wood ballet floor, larger than many Orange County theater stages of its time. The spacious studio became a gathering place for dancers throughout the community and remains our home today.
For more than six decades, Lois shared her passion for classical ballet with children, teens, adults, aspiring professionals, and recreational dancers alike. Her influence continues through the many students she trained and the traditions she established.
Continuing Lois’ Legacy
Following Lois’ passing in 2021, the studio continued under the direction of Sheree King, one of Lois Ellyn’s longtime students. Today, we are proud to preserve the traditions and personal approach that made Lois’ studio so special while continuing to grow and welcome new generations of dancers.
Our classes include ballet for children, teens, and adults, with instruction for beginners through advanced dancers, as well as pointe training for qualified students. Whether a student is stepping into a ballet studio for the first time, returning to dance as an adult, or pursuing more advanced classical training, we believe there is a place for them here.
A Fullerton Ballet Tradition Since 1956
In 2026, Lois Ellyn Ballet Studio proudly celebrated its 70th anniversary. While much has changed since Lois first opened the studio, our purpose remains the same: to provide excellent ballet training while fostering artistry, musicality, discipline, friendship, and a genuine love of dance.
We are honored to continue Lois Ellyn’s legacy and to remain a part of the Fullerton and Orange County dance community she helped shape.
Lois Ellyn Ballet Studio — Classical Ballet in Fullerton, California, since 1956.
Performance Opportunities
Lois Ellyn Ballet Studio is also home to Nouveau Chamber Ballet, providing dancers with opportunities to take their training from the classroom to the stage through full-length and repertory ballet performances.
Lois Ellyn founded Nouveau Chamber Ballet in 1988, and has surprised and delighted audiences since. Nouveau Chamber Ballet is a non-profit organization that provides pre-professional and professional dancers with performance and educational opportunities. Aspiring choreographers, composers, artists, and designers work together to provide cultural enrichment to the community through regular performances and education in the arts. The company’s repertoire encompasses traditional ballets, contemporary, and original works. Nouveau Chamber Ballet showcases superior sets, professional costumes, and the dancers’ fine technique. The company frequently collaborates with other artistic groups, including Southland orchestras, ensembles and soloists..
Lois Ellyn Ballet Studio offers many opportunities for students to shine in performances onstage.
- Recital
All students are given the opportunity to perform in the annual year-end recital. Each year students of all levels perform with members of their class and experience the opportunity to cultivate poise and confidence in their performance ability. - Nutcracker and Spring Performance
Students enrolled in the ballet school have the opportunity to audition for the Nutcracker through our non-profit ballet company, Nouveau Chamber Ballet. - Community Events and Outreach
Selected students are invited to community and outreach events including City of Fullerton Events and Symphony performances for students.
- Recital