OUr History & future

It all started when…

Ernst Hillenbrand founded the Fremont Ballet School in 1964. Since then, the Fremont Ballet School has taken pride in offering its students the highest quality training in dance. Mr. Hillenbrand has had the opportunity to train dancers and share his love for dance for over 55 years. He has been loved and respected by students for generations!

Before coming to the United States, Ernst studied at the music conservatory in Mainz, Germany. He was a champion gymnast and then became a member of the renowned Raimonda Ballet of Germany.

The Fremont Ballet School has been lucky to have Mr. Hillenbrand as the Owner, Artistic Director and beloved ballet instructor for 55 years. In 2019, Mr. Hillenbrand passed down his role to Lily Adams, after many joyous years of teaching, mentoring, and shaping young dancers into well-rounded individuals who share the same passion for ballet that Ernst does. Lily grew up dancing for Mr. Hillenbrand at the Fremont Ballet School, and is ready to continue his legacy for generations of dancers to come. Read more about Lily on the Teachers page!