History of Ballare Teatro Performing Arts Center

Developing Great Dancers for Over 25 Years

Founded in 1998 and meaning “Dance Theater” in Italian, Ballare Teatro was owned and operated by Ann Williams for 27 years in the very building Ballare calls home. Ann has a BA in Dance and Mass Communications from the University of Minnesota. She has been dancing and performing for over 30 years and has taught for over 15 years at several different studios in the Twin Cities area. She has studied and performed with many prestigious institutions, companies, and individuals. Prior to opening Ballare Teatro, Ann was the Jazz Program Director at Dance Works Performing Arts Center in Lakeville, where she was artistic director of the annual Jazz Festival in honor of Black History Month.

Dance is our lifelong passion. We didn’t purchase a franchise or go through a one-week training course to "qualify" us to teach your child dance. All of our instructors have degrees in dance, professional dance experience, and have been teaching for at least 5 years.

Ballare Teatro Performing Arts Center has been in South Minneapolis since 1998. In addition to our Preschool Program, which is also offered at our school, we provide classes in ballet, tap, jazz, and modern for all ages and levels. If your child comes to Ballare Teatro, they may brush shoulders with professional dancers!

In 2025, Ann sold Ballare Teatro to Timothy Herian, who serves as the Director of Ballare and has continued his teaching career there of over a decade. Ann has developed a valuable mentorship with Timothy and is excited to see Ballare continue under the leadership of another passionate dance educator.

Looking for more information? Check out this article in the Longfellow Nokomis Messenger!