Petit Papillon is a Concord-based community school for the dance arts. What sets Petit Papillon apart from other dance education institutions is our dedication to learning, individual development and enjoyment through movement in a positive, non-competitive environment. Founded in 1979 the School was incorporated as a nonprofit in 1988.

For over thirty years, Petit Papillon has earned a well-deserved reputation for excellence in dance education, performance and the promotion of the art of dance. For cultivating and nurturing the talented and the not so talented so that every student may find the artist within. We are committed to educating children and adults of all abilities, and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national/ethnic origin, religion or gender.

The Ballet Theatre of New Hampshire is the performing arm of the school. Dancers ages 11 through 17 may audition for membership in the company. The Ballet Theatre presents one to two major productions each year. In addition, the company also maintains a vigorous outreach program to schools, and benefit performances for hospitals, nursing homes and other non-profit community organizations.


In the spring of 1999 the Ballet Theatre began a series of collaborations with the noted New Hampshire musician and composer Ward Dilmore. Using original scores created by the composer Directors Patricia Walker and Kelly Doremus-Stuart created two major ballets, The Lost Princess of Oz which premiered in Concord, NH in March 2000 and The Snow Queen in 2002. The company took The Lost Princess of Oz to London, England where it was performed for general audiences as well as school children in April 2001. This fall work will begin on another or Mr. Dilmore's scores composed for the story of Rumplestiltskin. This new ballet will premier in March 2010.