As Ceci Klein watches her students practice at Ballet School of Coeur d'Alene on a Wednesday afternoon, she nods in approval.

"I like what I see," she says.

"Of course, I don't tell them that, though," she adds, smiling.

The class is going through final rehearsals for "A Midsummer Night's Dream," at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at North Idaho College.

It is the school's one public production of the year - and it could be Klein's last.

After 35 years teaching classical ballet - the last 22 operating Ballet School of Coeur d'Alene - and after working with thousands of dancers and sending more on to careers in dance, she is considering retiring.

"It's going to be difficult," she said.

Klein plans to teach this summer, but is looking for someone to take over the school.

So why retire?

"Well, it's time. Sometimes this dance art is for the youth. And when you have a young person that's stimulating and demonstrating, it's inspiring to young people. I'm getting to the age where I just sit and verbalize everything," she said.

"I know my craft and I have a good eye," she adds. "It's time for a young person to take over."

Because "A Midsummer's Night's Dream," could be her last, Klein wants it to stand out. She's confident it will.

Her young students are not professionals, she said, but they dance like it. She hopes the community comes out to see them shine, to see what they're capable of doing.

Jennifer Hansen, 18, plays Oberon, King of the Fairies. She has been training at Ballet School of Coeur d'Alene since she was 8 years old.

Klein, she said, has been a strong influence.

"She's been like my mom. She's always been there for me. Whenever I needed something, she's always got it done," Hansen said. "She's just an inspiration as a teacher and a person."

Kylee Solberg plays Titania, Queen of the Fairies. The rehearsals since October to prepare for Saturday's show have been difficult, but rewarding.

"With Jennifer and I dancing the lead roles, we kind of have to make them our own and set the standards of what we want this to be like," she said.

Like Hansen, the 17-year-old Solberg has studied ballet under Klein since she was 8. She said Klein has had a huge impact on her students and the community.

"It's hard for me to grasp the fact that she can't go on forever and do the amazing work that she does," Solberg said.

Klein has directed many ballets, including "Cinderella," "Sleeping Beauty," "Firebird" and "Magic Flute." She has written and directed her own ballet called "Wings of Ourus."

She has trained many dancers that have gone on to professional careers. This year three of her students are graduating and pursuing dance careers. Hansen will be studying dance at University of Arizona. Lauren Smith is graduating and studying dance at University of Idaho. Marta Nelson is going to Evergreen Ballet Company in the Seattle area.

Preparation for "A Midsummer Night's Dream" started in October with choreography, costuming, props, and rehearsals.

"Year after year audiences are amazed that these young students put on such a professional production," wrote Jami Brooks, a friend and admirer of Klein's. "This is not your average end of the year recital. This is a ballet with several acts. People that have never been to a ballet before will love it."

Klein said putting on "A Midsummer Night's Dream" was frustrating at times.

For a time, she didn't believe they would be ready for Saturday's curtain.

They are.

"And the girls," Klein adds, "are marvelous."

Just don't say that too loud.

If you go:

n Ballet School of Coeur d'Alene will present "A Midsummer Night's Dream," at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at North Idaho College's Schuler Auditorium. Tickets are $20 for adults, $17 for children. They are available in advance by calling 772-6742, or at the door.