At St. Matthew’s Conservatory of Classical Dance, we believe that dance is more than movement—it is a discipline of the mind, a refinement of the body, and an expression of the soul. Inspired by the words of St. Matthew (5:14-16), our mission is to be a light in the world, illuminating lives through the beauty, grace, and rigor of classical ballet.

Under the artistic direction of Mr. Cole, our conservatory upholds the highest standards of excellence in ballet training. Rooted in the Balanchine tradition, our curriculum merges technical precision with the artistry and athleticism required of today’s most accomplished performers. We are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of elite dancers, preparing them for professional careers on the world’s most prestigious stages.

Admission to St. Matthew’s Conservatory is by audition only, as we work exclusively with dedicated dancers who aspire to professional careers. Our rigorous training program is designed for those who seek not only to refine their technique but to embody the discipline, artistry, and perseverance required of today’s top performers.

Beyond technique, we cultivate dancers who are scholars of their craft. Our progressive syllabus and comprehensive study guides ensure a deep understanding of anatomy, kinesiology, injury prevention, dance history, music theory, and ballet terminology. Through structured competency testing, students gain not only technical mastery but also an intellectual appreciation of the art form.

St. Matthew’s Conservatory is a place where dedication meets inspiration. Here, dancers push their limits, refine their artistry, and embark on a transformative journey—one that shapes not only their careers but also their character. We are committed to fostering a community of discipline, passion, and excellence, empowering each student to shine their brightest on the world stage.

A child in our pre-professional ballet school in Grapevine, TX

Our Philosophy

Pre-Professional Ballet School in Grapevine, TX

St. Matthew's Conservatory of Classical Dance was named by our founder in honor of his Patron Saint, St. Matthew. Inspired by his call in Matthew 5:14-5:16 to be a light in the world, our conservatory strives to illuminate lives through the beauty, discipline, and grace of classical dance.

Founder & Artistic Director

Mr. Cole

Matthew R. Cole brings an unparalleled depth of experience to his role as Artistic Director of St. Matthew’s Conservatory of Classical Dance. A distinguished performer, educator, and arts executive, he has dedicated his career to the pursuit of excellence in classical ballet, classical voice and performing arts education.

As a classical artist he was the first to double major in classical voice and dance at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, in Los Angeles. He studied with luminaries of the LA Opera, and dance greats such as Don Bondi and Ardie Bryant. He would go on to graduate from the University of the Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ballet Performance and Dance Education, Mr. Cole was awarded the Full Director’s Talent Scholarship and earned a place on the Dean’s List. His early training was shaped by some of the world’s most esteemed ballet institutions, including The Rock School of the Pennsylvania Ballet, where he was offered a position with the ABT Studio Company. He further honed his craft under the mentorship of ballet luminaries such as Fernando Bujones (ABT), Daniel Duell (NYCB), Miranda Weese (NYCB), Suzanne Slenn (PAB) and Natalya Zeiger (Bolshoi).

As a performer, Mr. Cole has danced extensively in classical and contemporary works, including the lead dance role of the ‘Magical Mister Mistoffelees’ in Cats the Musical, for which his dancing was hailed as “exceptional” by the Indianapolis Star. His experience spans ballet, jazz, and modern disciplines, with professional engagements in equity musicals, operas and renowned dance companies. He also choreographed for the opening of the Kimmel Center in Center City Philadelphia, a prestigious milestone in the city’s cultural history. In recognition of his artistic contributions, he is featured on a mural in Philadelphia as part of a citywide beautification project celebrating young artists.

Beyond performance, Mr. Cole has cultivated a reputation as an elite instructor, choreographer, and program director. He has taught at esteemed institutions such as the Madison Ballet School, The Logrea Academy of Westchester Ballet in NY, Millikin University, and has served as a guest lecturer and dance educator for The Lyric Opera of Chicago, where he met and befriended the late great Maria Tallchief. His pedagogy, informed by Balanchine, jazz, and contemporary methodologies, emphasizes both technical rigor and artistic expression.

In addition to his artistic leadership, Mr. Cole possesses a strong business acumen, having completed post-graduate studies at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania in Business Analytics. His expertise in strategic planning, marketing, and financial management has been instrumental in the success of his ventures, including the swank Sculpt New York, Pilates studios on Wall Street and Park Ave, in NYC, which were featured in NY Magazine and the September Issue of Manhattan Magazine. The Grand opening was attended by the who’s who of NYC, including Maye Musk, Manhattan Magazine, members of the Cipriani family, and former NYCB dancers.

As Artistic Director of St. Matthew’s Conservatory of Classical Dance, Mr. Cole is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of elite dancers. His vision merges the technical rigor of classical ballet with the artistry and athleticism required of today’s most sought-after performers. Under his leadership, students receive world-class training rooted in the Balanchine tradition, preparing them for professional careers with top ballet companies, Broadway productions, and beyond.

Mr. Cole has developed a progressive syllabus and comprehensive study guides that provide dancers with a well-rounded education in anatomy, kinesiology, injury prevention, ballet terminology, dance history, and music theory & appreciation. Students are required to test out for competency, ensuring they not only master technique but also develop a deep understanding of the art form.

His students have gone on to train at some of the most prestigious institutions in the country, including The Rock School for Dance Education in Philadelphia and The School of American Ballet in New York City, the official academy of New York City Ballet. With a commitment to excellence, innovation, and individual artistic growth, St. Matthew’s Conservatory offers an unparalleled opportunity for serious dancers to refine their craft, push their limits, and realize their full potential on the world stage.

Ms. Sandra Hennager

Founding Board Chair

Music Theory Educator

Ms. Hennager currently serves as an SVP for a major US global banking institution. She is a classically trained pianist and organist who is looking forward to working with our young dancers on their musical skills and understanding. A former NYCB patron and a huge supporter of the fine arts, we are thrilled to have Ms. Hennager as our founding Board Chair.

Administration & Faculty

Ms. Miranda Weese

Visiting Master Lecturer & Educator

We are thrilled to welcome the renowned ballerina Miranda Weese to St. Matthew’s Conservatory of Classical Dance as a Visiting Master Lecturer & Educator. A celebrated former principal dancer with both New York City Ballet and Pacific Northwest Ballet, Ms. Weese is widely recognized for her exquisite artistry, technical brilliance, and deep interpretative skill.

Trained in the esteemed Balanchine tradition, Ms. Weese captivated audiences with her dynamic performances in some of ballet’s most iconic works, including George Balanchine’s Symphony in C, Theme and Variations, Agon, and Rubies, as well as Jerome Robbins’ In the Night and Dances at a Gathering, and the world-televised New York City Ballet production of Peter Martins’ Swan Lake, among many others.

Her versatility and stage presence made her a beloved figure in the dance world, earning acclaim for her musicality, precision, and compelling stage presence.

Currently a répétiteur for the George Balanchine Trust Ms. Weese stages Balanchine master works all over the world. Ms. Weese’s dedication to the next generation of dancers has led her to become an esteemed coach and educator, sharing her vast knowledge and experience with aspiring artists. Her presence at St. Matthew’s Conservatory offers a rare and invaluable opportunity for our students to learn from one of ballet’s finest interpreters. We are honored to have her inspire and guide our dancers as they refine their technique, artistry, and understanding of the Balanchine legacy.

Mrs. Sara Ives

Visting Ballet Educator

Mrs. Ives hails from Puerto Rico, where she graduated as valedictorian from the Julian E. Blanco School of Ballet. We are thrilled to have such an accomplished artist and current owner and Director of the Las Vegas Downtown Conservatory of Ballet as a visiting guest educator.

Mrs. Ives and Mr. Cole both trained at the prestigious Rock School of the Pennsylvania Ballet under the direction of Bo and Stephanie Spassoff, with Violette Verdy serving as the school’s Artistic Advisor. As professional dancers, they have shared the stage in various performances.

Upon graduating, Mrs. Ives joined Orlando Ballet’s apprentice program, performing numerous ballets under the direction of the late Fernando Bujones. She later danced as a soloist with several companies, including Ohio Dance Theatre, Brandywine Ballet, and The Florida Ballet. Her repertoire includes roles in works such as the world premiere of 21st & Mozart and the contemporary piece Shadows by Laurie Pincinich-Byrd. She has also performed Balanchine’s Concerto Barocco,, Who Cares?, and Valse-Fantaisie.

With over 15 years of teaching experience Mrs. Ives holds a Vaganova Ballet certification and an Associates of Arts in Ballet education from UARTS, and has previously served as the Artistic Director of Henderson Youth Ballet. In 2006, she moved to Las Vegas to perform in Nicole Durr’s Raw Talent Live at the Sahara Theater. Captivated by the city, she made Las Vegas her home, where she continues to share her passion for ballet.

Tradition. Excellence. Faith.

At St. Matthew’s Conservatory of Classical Dance, we are dedicated to setting the highest standards of excellence in ballet training. As the preeminent pre-professional ballet school in Grapevine, TX, we provide a disciplined and aspirational environment for serious dancers who are committed to pursuing careers at the professional level. Our program is firmly rooted in the Balanchine tradition, a uniquely American style that demands precision, artistry, and integrity.

We believe that true mastery of ballet requires more than technical skill—it requires discipline, knowledge, and artistry. Our conservatory offers a curriculum designed to nurture the whole dancer, encompassing classical ballet, anatomy, kinesiology, music theory, and injury prevention. By integrating these academic components into our program, we equip students with the knowledge and resilience required to thrive both on stage and throughout their careers.

As a Christian dance studio, our mission extends beyond technique. Inspired by the words of Matthew 5:14-16, we strive to be a light in the world. We foster an environment where faith and artistry intersect, encouraging students to develop character alongside their craft. While our conservatory welcomes students of all faiths, our foundation in Christian values provides a purpose-driven framework where discipline, humility, and excellence are held in the highest regard.

Our focus is on students ages 9 to 18 who are committed to rigorous training and aspire to perform at the highest levels. Under the direction of Artistic Director Matthew R. Cole, our conservatory prepares students for acceptance into top ballet companies and dance institutions worldwide. With an unwavering emphasis on discipline, artistry, and professionalism, we cultivate dancers who are prepared to meet the demands of the professional stage.

At St. Matthew’s Conservatory of Classical Dance, we do more than teach ballet—we shape the next generation of artists with strength, grace, and faith.

Begin your journey with us today. Join the pre-professional ballet school where tradition, excellence, and faith unite.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Balanchine technique unique?

The Balanchine technique emphasizes speed, clarity, and musicality in movement, distinguishing it from other classical methods. Its style pushes dancers to extend beyond traditional limits of line and phrasing, cultivating artistry that is both dynamic and distinctly American. Students trained in this method are often more adaptable, preparing them for careers in diverse ballet companies worldwide.

How does the conservatory integrate faith into dance education?

Faith is not taught as a subject but is woven into the culture of our studio. Through mentorship, community, and emphasis on character, students are guided to embody values of humility, integrity, and perseverance. This foundation supports them not only as dancers but as individuals who will carry strength and purpose into every aspect of life.

What career opportunities are available for graduates?

Graduates of pre-professional ballet programs such as ours often go on to prestigious ballet companies, advanced conservatories, and collegiate dance programs. Our emphasis on holistic training ensures that students have both the technical ability and academic knowledge to excel in competitive environments. Many also pursue choreography, teaching, or related fields where artistry and discipline are highly valued.

A George Balanchine Tribute School.

DFW's Preeminent Ballet School in North Texas.