FC Buzz: Inspiring the next generation of dancers

BY MARTI ETTER

Founded in 1998 as a nonprofit, the Ballet School of Stamford is unique in the Fairfield County region. The school works to provide an excellent dance education to students, regardless of their financial situation. Teaching children compassion, discipline and instilling the feeling of success earned from hard work in a safe and encouraging environment are the touchstones of the school”™s program.

Marti Etter
Marti Etter

The arts have become a luxury for too many children in our region. Schools have cut their arts offerings and many after-school programs are out of reach for many families. The Ballet School of Stamford is successfully filling this gap by offering scholarships and free performances at a variety of venues to expose students to high-quality dance education.

The school has earned a reputation of nurturing young dancers through a disciplined and focused training program. The faculty is a dedicated and knowledgeable group of professionals who are passionate about teaching. Currently 280 dancers ages 3-20 years old attend classes in its studios in Stamford”™s historic Old Town Hall along with adults in ballet, barre and yoga classes.

The Ballet School of Stamford”™s outreach program, “Dance for All” began when the school was founded and now provides $100,000 a year in scholarships to deserving families. One of the school”™s main points of pride is that 100 percent of its graduates over the last 10 years have gone on to college, including those who have gone on to dance professionally.

The school”™s next performance is “Next Generation,” Feb. 28, at the Palace Theatre, produced with partners Curtain Call, PROJECT MUSIC, Stamford Center for the Arts, INTAKE Organization and Loft Artists Association. The annual benefit Chefs on Pointe will be held March 8. Visit balletschoolofstamford.org or call 203-358-8853 for information or to arrange a visit.

Marti Etter is executive director of the Ballet School of Stamford, a member of the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County.