In 1979 a dream was realized. The Newport Academy of Ballet was established, creating a school where everyone would receive the best training possible for the goals they had.
The expert faculty at the school interacts in a kind and loving way with the students while imparting the courage, strength and discipline it takes to become a dancer. The faculty understands that dance can benefit any student no matter what they choose to do with their experience. The school is committed to giving each student the best dance experience possible.
The academy was purchased by Island Moving Company in 2017 as part of the strategic plan to develop a permanent home for the company and in 2023 the company and academy were rebranded as Newport Contemporary Ballet and The Academy at Newport Contemporary Ballet.
Students from The Academy have the opportunity to audition for children’s roles in many of Newport Contemporary Ballet’s professional productions.
Founding Artistic Director, Miki Ohlsen
Miki Ohlsen
Founding Artistic Director
Miki Ohlsen founded Newport Academy of Ballet in 1979. As a young girl she studied ballet at the State Ballet of Rhode Island and after attending URI moved to Amsterdam, the Netherlands and graduated from the Nel Roos Fine Arts Academy with a degree in teaching and performance. After performing with DANSGROEP KRISTINA de CHATEL for several seasons, Miki returned to RI and founded the Newport Academy of Ballet, home of the Island Moving Company. She served as the Artistic Director and founding member of the Island Moving Company for forty years until her retirement in 2022.
Miki provided dance education of the highest quality to children and adults for forty years. With the Academy’s strong emphasis on classical ballet and the study of the art form, the school has provided countless hours of joy to those dancing for the sheer love of it and has trained many dancers who have gone on to professional careers. Miki also led the creative team that designed the Creative Movement residency programs in the Newport, Middletown and Portsmouth schools. Her choreography has received critical acclaim and has been entered into choreographic competitions in Boston and New York.
