About Louis Nunnery
Louis Nunnery spent his lifetime inspiring others to greatness through the graceful art he adored. He instructed hundreds of students in the more than 60 years he taught in Hickory. His passion for dance now lives on through a new generation.
We are Hickory's oldest ballet school, offering classes for all ages. Louis Nunnery School of Ballet caters to all dancers, both male and female, from age four to adult. We pride ourselves on teaching techniques that get students "off the barre" and into being a part of the creative process.
Our emphasis is on classical ballet, taught using the renowned Russian Vaganova method. This training system is designed to involve the whole body in every movement, with equal attention paid to the upper body, legs and feet. Vaganova believed that this approach increases consciousness of the body, thus creating a harmony of movement and greater expressive range.
Whether you are just beginning dance or have years of training, you will find a class here that inspires and exhilarates you! Come join us!
Our Instructors
Gretchen Wilson
Gretchen began her dance career at the age of nine as a student at the Louis Nunnery School of Ballet. She trained professionally at the NC School of the Arts & her career achievements include dancing with the Tarheel Ballet, the Atlanta Ballet, & the Charlotte Regional Ballet.
Throughout the years, she maintained close ties to LNSB & participated in regional and community performances with the goal to inspire a passion for dance.
She currently instructs Ballet 4, Ballet 5, & Adult Ballet.
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Kaylie Raddatz
Kaylie discovered her passion for ballet at the age of 13. She began teaching ballet in 2010 & has been with Louis Nunnery School of Ballet since 2014. She is also 500-RYT yoga certified through Yoga Alliance & offers yoga classes periodically ay LNSB.
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She is also the owner of Bisque Boutique, a pottery painting studio & creative space, on Union Square. There she runs the studio, teaches art workshops, & sells her own work. This is where she can be found when not at LNSB.
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Kaylie currently instructs Ballet 4, Ballet 5, & Adult Ballet.
Babbie Walker Bolick
Babbie was a member of one of Mr. Nunnery's 1st classes in Hickory. In high school, she was selected to study ballet at the NC Governor's School at Salem College with renowned instructors Richard Englund & Vinnie Fredericks. Her training earned her a role for many summers in the famous outdoor drama, "Horn in the West," in Boone, NC. Throughout her teen years, she assisted Mr. Nunnery with instruction of his ballet & ballroom classes. As an adult, she established her own ballet schools in Lenoir, Morganton, & Granite Falls & was also on the faculty of the Suzuki School of the Arts.
Babbie currently instructs the morning Adult classes.
Gretchen Heavner
Gretchen started ballet when she was 3 & instantly fell in love with it. Her first ever teacher was Mr. Nunnery himself & he taught her so much. She loves teaching kids ballet & watching them love it how she always has. She has performed many roles at LNSB & has made so many memories here. She's so thankful to be a part of our school.
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Gretchen is currently attending Cosmetology School at CVCC & plans to graduate this summer.
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Gretchen currently instructs Ballet 2 & Ballet 3.
Sara Sprinkle
Sara began dancing at the age of 3. She began training at Louis Nunnery School of Ballet in 2018 & is currently in Ballet 5. She has been to several summer intensives, training virtually from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts & in person at the University of South Carolina Summer Dance Conservatory.
Some of her roles include Clara, Scarecrow, Snow Queen, March Hare, Dew Drop, Mermaid Princess, & Sugar Plum Fairy. She loves dancing & being at the ballet studio. She plans to continue dancing throughout college & her life.
Sara currently instructs Pre-Ballet & Ballet 1.
Skye Sutherland
Skye is one of our ballet 5 dancers here at Louis Nunnery School of Ballet. She has been dancing since the age of five, & has attended both Cary Ballet Conservatory & Ballet Magnifìcat summer dance intensives.
Skye has danced many different roles since coming to LNSB, including Toto, the Doormouse, Tinkerbell, Clara, & the Snow Queen. She plans to attend Ballet Magnificat's trainee program post-graduation.
Skye currently instructs Ballet 3.
Our Owners
Tiffany Brittain
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Paige Levin
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Tina Taylor Miller
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Gretchen Wilson
