Cornerstone Ballet

For families and aspiring dancers in Simpsonville and the broader Upstate South Carolina region, finding a ballet studio that combines rigorous technical instruction with a supportive and values-driven environment can be a true gem. Look no further than Cornerstone Ballet, a distinguished local institution dedicated to providing exceptional classical ballet training. This isn't just a place to learn dance steps; it's a vibrant community where students are not only meticulously trained in the art of ballet but also empowered to grow as confident, disciplined, and compassionate individuals.

Under the guidance of Director Amy DeShong, Cornerstone Ballet has cultivated a reputation for excellence that resonates deeply within the local community. Amy, who began her serious classical ballet studies at age 10 and even trained at the National Academy for Dance in Kiev, Ukraine, brings a wealth of experience and a genuine passion for teaching. She opened her studio in 2013, at just 19 years old, driven by a calling to share her love for classical ballet. Her dedication is clearly reflected in the glowing testimonials from both parents and fellow educators. As one pleased parent shared, "Our family is so pleased with Cornerstone Ballet. The director, Amy, is organized, poised, and professional. The staff is qualified and encouraging. I love the classical, technical instruction that helps children grow in their skills in a fun and nurturing environment. The families here seem to share similar values."

This sentiment is echoed by a former teacher who had the pleasure of working with Amy: "From a teacher’s perspective, this is the most well-run dance studio I’ve ever been a part of. Amy DeShong has created an environment that is positive, celebrates successes, pushes the students, and provides the highest level of classical ballet training in the area." These reviews consistently highlight the studio's commitment to creating a positive culture where students are respectful, hardworking, and dedicated to their training. At Cornerstone Ballet, students learn far more than just ballet; they learn kindness, compassion, perseverance, self-belief, and goal-setting, all within a program that truly fosters self-esteem and responsibility.

The mission of Cornerstone Ballet is clear: "To instill a great love of dance, while inspiring self-confidence, discipline and respect of the performing arts. We provide a solid technical foundation for the developing dancer." This holistic approach ensures that dancers are not only well-prepared should they choose to pursue the arts professionally, but also equipped with invaluable life skills that will serve them in all aspects of their lives.

Cornerstone Ballet is conveniently located at 116 Pride Drive, Simpsonville, SC 29681, USA. This easily accessible address positions the studio as a central hub for dance education for families in Simpsonville and the surrounding communities within Greenville County. Simpsonville is a vibrant and growing city, making it an ideal home for a dedicated arts institution. The location on Pride Drive offers straightforward access from major thoroughfares, simplifying commutes for parents bringing their children from various neighborhoods across the area. Ample parking is typically available at the facility, contributing to a smooth and stress-free experience for drop-offs and pick-ups. For locals seeking a high-quality ballet program without extensive travel, Cornerstone Ballet's accessible location is a significant advantage, allowing more time for training and less time on the road.

• Classical Ballet Training: Cornerstone Ballet specializes in classical ballet, offering instruction based on methods such as the Vaganova (Russian) technique, ensuring a strong foundation in proper terminology and technique from the earliest levels.

• Classes for All Ages and Levels: The studio provides age-appropriate dance classes for students starting as young as two years old, extending through elementary, middle school, high school, and even adult dancers. Classes are available for beginner, intermediate, and advanced (pre-professional) dancers.

• Pointe and Pre-Pointe Training: For eligible and advanced students, specialized pointe and pre-pointe classes are offered, focusing on the strength, technique, and artistry required for dancing en pointe. Pointe is typically for ages 12 and up and by teacher approval only.

• Jazz Classes: Cornerstone offers jazz classes that focus on proper dance techniques like isolations, improving performance quality, and developing complex rhythms, exposing students to various jazz styles including Broadway, Street, and Contemporary.

• Tap Classes: Students can develop their rhythm and musicality through tap dance classes, which emphasize intricate footwork and percussive expression.

• Tumbling Classes: Available for younger students, tumbling classes introduce flexibility and limbering skills, often combined with jazz technique.

• Lyrical/Contemporary Dance: These classes combine elements of ballet and jazz, focusing on emotional expression and fluid movement, often performed to lyrical music.

• Hip Hop Classes: Catering to younger students (e.g., ages 8-11), these classes focus on rhythm, coordination, and musicality in an energetic and fun environment.

• Musical Movement & Intro to Musical Theater: For the youngest dancers (Tykes - 2nd grade), these classes introduce dance, voice, and acting through games and fundamental elements, often including a princess-themed ballet class for imaginative play.

• Performance Opportunities: Every dancer is eligible to perform at the annual recital, and dancers aged 5 and up are eligible for the Performance Group. The studio also holds auditions for large-scale productions like The Nutcracker, making classical ballet accessible to the community.

• Pilates Conditioning for Dancers & Athletes: This highlights a focus on cross-training and injury prevention, which is crucial for dancers' long-term health and performance.

• High-Quality Classical Ballet Instruction: Cornerstone Ballet is celebrated for providing the "highest level of classical ballet training in the area," with a curriculum based on methods like the Vaganova (Russian) method. This technical precision is a core distinguishing feature.

• Nurturing and Professional Environment: Reviews consistently praise the studio's positive, encouraging, and respectful atmosphere. It's an environment where students feel safe to grow, make mistakes, and celebrate successes.

• Experienced and Dedicated Leadership: Director Amy DeShong's extensive background in classical ballet, including international training, coupled with her passion for teaching and nurturing students, is a significant highlight. Her professionalism and commitment set the tone for the entire studio.

• Holistic Development: Beyond dance technique, Cornerstone Ballet focuses on character development, instilling values such as kindness, compassion, self-esteem, responsibility, discipline, hard work, and goal-setting. This holistic approach prepares students for life, not just for the stage.

• Strong Sense of Community: Many families describe feeling "like family" at Cornerstone Ballet, indicating a strong, supportive community where similar values are shared among students and parents.

• Performance Excellence: The studio offers meaningful performance opportunities, including annual recitals and large productions like The Nutcracker, allowing dancers to showcase their skills and experience the joy of performing.

• Non-Profit Status and Scholarship Fund: Cornerstone Ballet Performing Arts is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. This commitment means they focus on making classical ballet accessible to children of all income levels in the Simpsonville area through a scholarship fund (both need and merit-based). This demonstrates a strong commitment to community involvement and accessibility.

• Teacher Training Program (Allonge Dance & Pilates): While integrated with the ballet school, the mention of a comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training program hints at a deep understanding of body mechanics and conditioning, benefiting all dancers at the studio.

For those ready to take the next step in their dance journey or enroll their children, Cornerstone Ballet is easily reachable.

Address: 116 Pride Dr, Simpsonville, SC 29681, USA

Phone: (864) 414-3132

Mobile Phone: +1 864-414-3132

Interested individuals are encouraged to contact the studio directly via phone. The welcoming staff will be delighted to provide detailed information about class schedules, registration procedures, tuition fees, and answer any specific questions about their programs, ensuring a smooth enrollment process.

For families in Simpsonville and throughout the Upstate of South Carolina, Cornerstone Ballet stands as an exceptional choice for classical ballet education. Its suitability for locals is multifaceted, beginning with its unwavering commitment to providing the highest caliber of technical ballet training. Under the dedicated direction of Amy DeShong, students receive classical instruction that is both rigorous and nurturing, building a strong foundation in proper technique from an early age.

Beyond the technical aspects, Cornerstone Ballet cultivates an environment that is deeply supportive and values-driven. The consistent feedback from parents and teachers alike highlights a studio culture that fosters kindness, discipline, self-confidence, and a genuine love for dance. This holistic approach ensures that children and adults alike not only develop their dance skills but also acquire invaluable life lessons that extend far beyond the dance studio. The convenience of its Simpsonville location, coupled with ample parking, makes it an accessible and practical choice for busy South Carolina families. Furthermore, its status as a non-profit organization with a scholarship fund underscores its dedication to making quality dance accessible to a broader community. For anyone in the region seeking a truly enriching and transformative dance experience that balances artistic excellence with personal growth, Cornerstone Ballet is undoubtedly the premier destination.

Cornerstone Ballet

116 Pride Dr, Simpsonville, SC 29681, USA