When it comes to ballet training, New York City is often seen as the epicenter of the dance world. However, just a short distance away on Staten Island, there are several hidden gems of ballet training schools that are producing world-class dancers and shaping the future of the art form.
One such school is the Staten Island Ballet, which has been providing high-quality ballet training to students of all ages and levels for over 30 years. Under the direction of Victoria Mazzarino-Frolova, the school offers a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes classical technique, artistry, and performance skills.
Another standout ballet training school on Staten Island is the Dance Plus School of the Arts. Founded by former American Ballet Theatre soloist Maria Niederlander, the school offers a comprehensive ballet program that includes pre-professional training, as well as classes for younger students and adults.
A third hidden gem on Staten Island is the Riviera Dance Academy, which offers a diverse range of dance styles, including ballet, tap, jazz, and contemporary. The school's ballet program is taught by experienced professionals and focuses on developing strong technique and performance skills.
While these schools may not be as well-known as some of the larger, more established ballet institutions in New York City, they are producing dancers who are going on to have successful careers in ballet and other dance genres. By offering high-quality training in a supportive and nurturing environment, these schools are helping to shape the future of ballet in New York State and beyond.
