Speaking of aging with grace, The Ballet Class turned 35 this year.
Speaking of aging with grace, The Ballet Class turned 35 this year.
Six years ago, founder Lynne Stetson turned over the operation of the school to Celeste Morningstar, who started teaching there in 1986. And the classical Balanchine method continues.
“We’re now seeing third-generation students,” said Morningstar with pleasure. She gives credit for the school’s success to the “wonderful and accomplished teachers, all of whom commute from New York City. All of us shared similar teachers and mentors and want to pass on what we learned.” Morningstar gives another reason for their longevity. “We are a serious school and give every one of our students the tools to become professional ballet dancers, and a fair number of them have become professionals,” she noted with pride. For their best students, Morningstar and her instructors hope the School of American Ballet is where they are able to study next.
By the time they are teen-agers, dancers must dance six days a week if they are pursuing their passion seriously. They can add Pilates, swimming, and stretching to their schedule, said instructor Ashlee Knapp, who was with the New York City Ballet for seven years, but their muscles are being trained for one thing — en pointe.
One of the best things about The Ballet Class is that it is open to all children ages 5 through 18. “Some children, boys included, come because a friend did, and find out later how much they love it; some find the opposite, but all receive our knowledge, care, and concern equally,” said Morningstar. “I believe they appreciate the benefits of something that is hard and feel a sense of pride when they advance to a new level.”
For a greater appreciation of all the good work done at The Ballet Class, attend their spring recital June 9 at 1 and 4:30 p.m. at the Rye Country Day Performing Arts Center. They’re performing their version of “Sleeping Beauty,” entitled “Aurora’s Party.”
This month, The Ballet Class is also offering a summer program for the first time. The dates are June 25-July 12.
— Photos by Robin Jovanovich and Ellen Crane
