Festival School Of Ballet

For residents of New York, particularly those in the vibrant city of Buffalo, the Festival School Of Ballet stands as a distinguished institution dedicated to the art and discipline of dance. Established in 1987 by Clare Fetto and Keith Carcich, this studio was founded on the vision of providing professional classical ballet training in an accessible and nurturing environment. It offers a refreshing alternative to studios solely focused on recital performances, instead emphasizing rigorous technique, artistry, and musicality.

Festival School Of Ballet is a place where aspiring dancers of all ages and skill levels, from the youngest beginners to seasoned adults, can cultivate their passion for dance. The studio fosters self-discipline and self-awareness, ensuring that students develop not only as dancers but as well-rounded individuals. As one enthusiastic adult student attests, "I've gone to Festival School of Ballet for many years as an adult. It's a very supportive environment to stay in shape, socialize, and have a truly fun time dancing." This dedication to fostering a supportive, engaging, and high-quality learning experience is what truly sets Festival School Of Ballet apart in the Buffalo dance community.

Festival School Of Ballet is advantageously situated at 96 Jewett Pkwy, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA. This location in North Buffalo offers convenient access for families and individuals throughout the city and its surrounding areas. The studio is nestled within the historic Church of the Good Shepherd, specifically in Mears Hall behind the church proper. This unique setting provides a spacious, well-lit upstairs studio with natural light from windows on all sides, creating an inspiring atmosphere for dance.

The address on Jewett Parkway benefits from its proximity to significant Buffalo landmarks like Delaware Park and the iconic Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Darwin Martin House, making it easy to locate. Accessibility is a key advantage; the area is well-lit, and there is ample street parking available on surrounding streets, which is a practical consideration for parents and students. For those utilizing public transportation, Buffalo's NFTA (Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority) bus routes likely serve the vicinity of Jewett Parkway, offering convenient options for commuting to the studio. This ease of access ensures that Festival School Of Ballet remains a viable and attractive option for aspiring dancers from various neighborhoods across Western New York.

Festival School Of Ballet provides a comprehensive range of dance programs and classes designed to accommodate dancers of all ages and experience levels, with a strong emphasis on classical ballet while also exploring other dance forms.

• Classical Ballet: This is the core offering, focusing on correct form, technique, terminology, pronunciation, and meaning. Classes are available for various levels, from elementary to intermediate/advanced, including pointe work.
• Storybook Dance: A creative movement program for very young children that incorporates children's literature, stretching, basic ballet terminology through rhymes and song, musical awareness, and etiquette in a fun and safe environment.
• Pre-Ballet: Serving as a bridge between Storybook Dance and elementary ballet, these classes introduce basic ballet skills and terminology to young learners.
• Modern/Contemporary Dance: Free and expressive dance styles that emerged as a reaction to the formality of classical ballet, suitable for various skill levels.
• Jazz: Combining techniques of classical ballet and modern dance with popular dance forms, emphasizing musical rhythms and suitable for students of all ages.
• Tap: Focuses on using the sounds of tap shoes as percussion, teaching dancers about choreography, improvisation, and syncopation, and is excellent for developing musicality and rhythm.
• Musical Theater: Classes that combine acting, singing, and dance to help students develop a "triple threat" of skills for performance.
• EveryBody Ballet (Adult/Mixed Level): A recreational ballet program specifically designed for teens and adults, welcoming beginners and those returning to dance after many years. It focuses on staying fit, socializing, and enjoying dance in a supportive atmosphere.
• Performance Opportunities: Students are encouraged, but not pressured, to audition for area professional dance productions and perform whenever possible. The school also produces an annual in-studio performance each spring, with voluntary participation, minimal rehearsals, no additional fees, and no charge for the audience.

Festival School Of Ballet distinguishes itself through several key features and highlights that make it a cherished part of the Buffalo dance community:

• Professional Classical Ballet Training: Founded on the principle of offering rigorous classical ballet instruction in a professional atmosphere, the studio emphasizes correct form, technique, terminology, and musicality.
• Supportive and Encouraging Environment: Consistently praised by students and parents for fostering a nurturing space where individuals feel comfortable to learn, grow, and have fun. An adult student noted it's a "very supportive environment to stay in shape, socialize, and have a truly fun time dancing."
• Experienced and Knowledgeable Faculty: Led by Ms. Clare Fetto, who has extensive training from prestigious institutions like the Joffrey Ballet and under renowned instructors, the teaching staff is highly knowledgeable and deeply committed to student development.
• Inclusive for All Ages and Levels: The school genuinely caters to a broad spectrum, from children as young as 4 in mixed-age beginner classes to adults of all experience levels, demonstrating that "dancing was for everyone young and old at their own pace."
• Focus on Holistic Development: Beyond just dance steps, the school aims to reveal "the world of dance — the long hours of training in technique, style, and musicality, as well as the beauty of performance," fostering self-discipline and self-awareness.
• Unique Recital Philosophy: Unlike many studios, Festival School Of Ballet prioritizes learning over elaborate, costly recitals. Their annual in-studio performance is integrated, voluntary, and free, creating a low-pressure yet fulfilling performance experience for all participants. As one parent highlighted, "The recital was one big production for one hour including all students, rather than individual class performances for 3 hours, which we really loved."
• Strong Communication: Parents appreciate the "great communication with Ms. Clare," ensuring that families are well-informed and connected to the studio's activities.
• Community Integration: The studio enjoys the encouragement and support of the Church of the Good Shepherd parishioners and leaders, further embedding it within the local community.

To discover more about the programs, class schedules, and how to enroll at Festival School Of Ballet, please use the following contact details:

Address: 96 Jewett Pkwy, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA

Phone: (716) 984-1586

Mobile Phone: +1 716-984-1586

Email: clare@festivalschoolofballet.com

For residents of New York, particularly those in the Buffalo area seeking a genuine and enriching dance experience, Festival School Of Ballet is an outstanding choice. Its suitability for locals lies in its unique blend of professional training, inclusive atmosphere, and community-focused approach. The emphasis on classical ballet technique provides a strong foundation for all dancers, while the diverse array of classes—from Storybook Dance for the youngest to EveryBody Ballet for adults—ensures there's a perfect fit for every age and skill level.

What truly sets this studio apart is its supportive environment. As an adult student noted, it's a place to "stay in shape, socialize, and have a truly fun time dancing," highlighting its appeal beyond just technical instruction. Parents laud the studio for its ability to help children "love it, had fun, and learned," particularly appreciating the "great communication with Ms. Clare" and the reasonable pricing. The unique format of their annual recital, a unified one-hour production involving all students, stands as a testament to their commitment to collective enjoyment and lower stress, making the performance experience accessible and joyful for all families.

Festival School Of Ballet provides a welcoming space where both serious aspiring dancers and those looking for a recreational artistic outlet can thrive. It’s a place where expertise meets encouragement, fostering not just skilled dancers but confident, engaged individuals. For any New Yorker in the Buffalo region considering dance, Festival School Of Ballet offers a highly recommended, high-quality, and genuinely supportive community to explore the beauty and discipline of dance.

Festival School Of Ballet

96 Jewett Pkwy, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA