The School of Ballet Theatre Company in West Hartford is continuing to accept students for the current session.

Submitted 

The School of Ballet Theatre Company (SBTC) is pleased to announce six new faculty members for the 2023-2024 academic school year. In addition, SBTC will include new class offerings in its program such as Hip Hop. SBTC welcomes new students to enroll today.

SBTC believes that while classical technique should be the foundation of a dancer’s training, it is equally important that dancers be exposed to multiple methodologies and dance forms to assist them in developing their own artistic voice and facilitating their highest level of individual achievement. With a strong focus on discipline and respect, SBTC offers high caliber training in Ballet, Pointe, Pre-Pointe, Variation, Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Strength and Flexibility. SBTC is guided by an experienced group of faculty, several of whom have enjoyed successful careers as dancers with major companies. With the expertise of our faculty members, students receive a uniquely professional experience that allows each to develop to their own highest level of individual achievement. SBTC is thrilled to include five new teachers on its faculty this upcoming year.

Anna Laghezza, a scholarship recipient at the School of American Ballet and former dancer with Miami City Ballet will be teaching Ballet and Variations.

Elizabeth Van Heerden, originally from South Africa, and recent graduate of Butler University is SBTC’s School Administrator and also on faculty as a ballet teacher.

Emily Daly, freelance artist, teacher and choreographer will be teaching contemporary. Daly was also a member of Parsons dance and has performed extensively throughout the United States, Europe, and South Korea.

Ashley Donofrio, a graduate from the Hartford Conservatory with a degree in Dance Pedagogy and Dance Performance, Ashley Donofrio will be teaching Jazz.

Michela Poynter, dancer with Ballet Hartford and Butler graduate, Michela Poynter, will also be teaching Jazz.

And last but not least, Peter Reynolds Jr (P-Boogie) joins us to teach Hip Hop for beginners. Reynolds is one of the original principal dancers of the first “Hip-Hop” Dance Company in Connecticut, “EQuilibrium Dance Theatre,” and co-founder of Studio-860.

To learn more about SBTC’s faculty visit dancebtc.org/faculty.

SBTC’s2023-2024 Academic Year commenced on Sept. 6. However, SBTC is still accepting new students for its program. We welcome interested dancers to register and enroll through the portal.

SBTC is the official school of Ballet Theatre Company (BTC), offering classes for students ages three to adult, from beginner to advanced levels. Its carefully-constructed curriculum emphasizes strong technique, proper alignment, musicality, and expression. Whether SBTC’s students dance for fun and exercise,dream of becoming a professional dancer, SBTC’s curriculum prepares students physically and mentally to embrace their next adventure, cultivating discipline, friendships that will last a lifetime, and an appreciation for the art form.

For any additional questions, please contact School Administrator, Elizabeth Van Heerden at [email protected].

The School of Ballet Theatre Company is part of Ballet Theatre Company is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. The school is supported in part by Ron and Nancy Compton, The State of Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development/Office of the Arts, Connecticut Humanities, The Maximilian E. and Marion O. Hoffman Foundation, The Ellen Jeanne Goldfarb Memorial Charitable Trust, Beam & Barre, Laurel Graphic Design, Cricket Press, and We-Ha.com.

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