New England Academy of Dance

Are you a Connecticut family passionate about dance, seeking an institution that offers top-tier classical ballet training with a personal touch? Look no further than **New England Academy of Dance (NEAD)**, a highly renowned and recommended studio nestled in the heart of **New Canaan, CT**. NEAD is celebrated for its unwavering commitment to excellence, nurturing dancers aged 2 to 18, from their very first steps to aspiring professional levels, instilling a lifelong love of the arts.

For residents across **Fairfield County** and the wider Connecticut region, finding a dance academy that combines rigorous training with a supportive and kind environment is paramount. NEAD consistently delivers on this promise, as echoed in glowing testimonials. Reviewers enthusiastically state that NEAD "does an outstanding job teaching dancers ages 2-18 in classical ballet." The dedication and infectious enthusiasm of instructors, such as "Miss Mary-Lynn," are highlighted as instrumental in starting "many a young dancer on a lifelong love of the arts." This early fostering of passion is invaluable for children embarking on their dance journey.

The caliber of instruction at NEAD is a significant draw. The directors and lead instructors – **Ted, Ginna, Frances, and Kristen** – are consistently praised for doing "a first rate job training ballet dancers, all the way up to the professional level, in a personal and kind manner." This balance of high professional standards with individualized, compassionate guidance ensures that every student feels supported as they strive for their highest potential. Such personalized attention is a hallmark of NEAD's approach, setting it apart in the competitive landscape of dance education.

Beyond the daily classes, NEAD provides ample opportunities for its students to shine and grow. Their dancers are "accepted every summer at the country’s best summer programs," which speaks volumes about the quality of their training and the respect NEAD commands within the national dance community. Furthermore, the academy offers "numerous performance and enrichment opportunities all year long," allowing students to gain invaluable stage experience and broaden their artistic horizons. It’s no surprise that families "highly, highly recommend joining the NEAD family!" This sentiment reflects the strong community, dedication, and artistic excellence that define New England Academy of Dance.

New England Academy of Dance is conveniently situated at **231 Main St, New Canaan, CT 06840, USA**. This prime location places it firmly within the charming and affluent town of **New Canaan, CT**, a desirable community in **Fairfield County**, known for its vibrant downtown and focus on arts and education.

The studio's address on Main Street puts it in a central and easily accessible part of New Canaan. Being within walking distance to downtown New Canaan means that families can combine dance classes with other errands, dining, or leisure activities in the town's charming center. This integrated experience adds to the convenience for busy Connecticut families.

NEAD operates from a historic Masonic Lodge building, which features "three studios (Studios A, B, and C) equipped with Marley floors, extensive mirrors, and top-end audio systems." Studio C, on the top floor, particularly stands out with its "ceilings over 20 feet tall, which prove ideal for partnering rehearsals and high jumps," indicating a purpose-built environment for advanced ballet. The facility also includes "four bathrooms, a full changing room, and a newly renovated waiting room and kitchenette," providing comfort and convenience for students and parents.

Regarding parking, NEAD offers "private parking lot in the rear of the building." If this lot is full, "additional free street parking can be found on adjacent streets." They also note that "the front door on Main Street and side door on Church Street are great places to drop off students, without congesting the back parking lot." This thoughtful approach to accessibility and parking significantly enhances the experience for local users, making attendance practical and stress-free.

New England Academy of Dance provides a comprehensive and rigorous pre-professional ballet training program, complemented by other dance styles and enriching experiences. Their services are designed to nurture dancers from a young age through to a professional level.

• **Classical Ballet Technique:** The core offering, with a structured curriculum (following the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum) for students aged 3-18, covering all levels from introductory to advanced.
• **Pre-Primary Division Classes:** Introductory creative movement and ballet basics for the youngest dancers (ages 2-6), including Tiny Dancer (2-3), Pre Ballet 1 (3-4), Pre Ballet 2 (4-5), and Kinderballet (5-6).
• **Primary Division Classes:** Fundamentals of classical ballet technique for students aged 6-11 (Ballet 1-4A), emphasizing posture, body positions, alignment, and vocabulary.
• **Jr. and Sr. Pre-Professional Divisions:** Advanced training for dancers aged 11-18, incorporating the **Vaganova Method** and including classes in Classical Ballet Technique, Pre-pointe, Pointe, Variations, Pas de Deux, and Character Dance.
• **Additional Dance Styles:** Classes in **Modern** and **Contemporary** dance to provide a well-rounded dance education and expand students' movement vocabulary.
• **Strength and Stretch Classes:** Dedicated classes to improve dancers' physical conditioning, flexibility, and injury prevention.
• **Performance Opportunities:** Two major annual performances: **The Nutcracker** during the holiday season (featuring over 150 students with Norwalk Symphony Orchestra accompaniment) and a wonderful end-of-the-year performance to showcase student learning.
• **Summer Programs:** Dancers are consistently accepted into the country's best summer dance programs, indicating NEAD's effectiveness in preparing students for advanced training.
• **New England Dance Theatre (NEDT):** The non-profit arm of NEAD, dedicated to creating greater access, awareness, and appreciation of the performing arts through dance, potentially involving community outreach and additional performance opportunities.
• **Piano Lessons:** (As listed under NEDT, a related entity, indicating broader arts education offerings).

New England Academy of Dance is distinguished within the Connecticut dance community by several key features and highlights that consistently earn it high praise and make it a top choice for aspiring dancers:

• **Exceptional Classical Ballet Training:** Offers "outstanding" instruction in classical ballet from ages 2 to 18, utilizing the renowned **American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum** and incorporating the **Vaganova Method** at advanced levels.
• **Highly Qualified and Nurturing Faculty:** Led by Artistic Directors **Frances Ortiz, Ginna Ortiz, and Ted Thomas**, along with instructors like **Miss Mary-Lynn and Kristen**, who are praised for their "first-rate job training," "personal and kind manner," and contagious enthusiasm.
• **Pre-Professional Focus with Personal Touch:** Successfully trains dancers "all the way up to the professional level" while maintaining a "personal and kind manner," ensuring students thrive in an "elite atmosphere dedicated to the success of each student."
• **Strong Track Record of Student Success:** NEAD's dancers are consistently "accepted every summer at the country’s best summer programs," a testament to the quality and effectiveness of their training.
• **Numerous Performance Opportunities:** Provides significant performance experience through two major annual productions: a highly anticipated **Nutcracker** with orchestral accompaniment and an end-of-year showcase.
• **Comprehensive Facility:** Located in a historic Masonic Lodge with three studios, Marley floors, extensive mirrors, top-end audio, high ceilings (ideal for partnering), changing rooms, and a newly renovated waiting area and kitchenette.
• **Convenient Parking and Drop-off:** Offers a private parking lot and provides guidance for street parking and efficient student drop-off, enhancing accessibility for parents.
• **Holistic Approach to Arts Education:** Fosters a "lifelong love of the arts" and provides "enrichment opportunities all year long," going beyond just technical dance training.

For Connecticut families and aspiring dancers interested in enrolling or learning more about the distinguished programs at New England Academy of Dance, here's how to connect with them:

Address: 231 Main St, New Canaan, CT 06840, USA

Phone: (203) 972-3265

Mobile Phone: +1 203-972-3265

We highly recommend contacting NEAD directly via phone during their office hours. Their knowledgeable and friendly staff will be delighted to provide detailed information on class schedules, tuition, registration, specific curriculum details, and answer any questions you may have to help you or your child become part of the highly recommended NEAD family.

For families across New Canaan and the broader Fairfield County region of Connecticut, **New England Academy of Dance (NEAD)** is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended institution for dance education, particularly in classical ballet. Its profound suitability for locals stems from its unique blend of top-tier, pre-professional training, a deeply supportive and nurturing environment, and a proven track record of student success.

The consistent glowing reviews highlight what truly matters to Connecticut parents: "outstanding" instruction delivered with "personal and kind manner." The infectious enthusiasm of teachers like Miss Mary-Lynn and the expertise of directors Ted, Ginna, and Frances ensure that students not only master complex ballet techniques but also develop a genuine "lifelong love of the arts." This commitment to both technical excellence and artistic passion is a rare and valuable combination.

Furthermore, NEAD's adherence to the esteemed American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum and the integration of the Vaganova Method signify a serious dedication to classical ballet pedagogy, preparing students for acceptance into the "country's best summer programs" and even professional careers. The ample performance and enrichment opportunities, including the impressive Nutcracker production, provide invaluable real-world experience and a chance for students to shine on stage within their local community.

The conveniently located facility on Main Street in New Canaan, with its purpose-built studios, comfortable amenities, and practical parking solutions, further enhances its appeal for busy local families. NEAD isn't just a dance school; it's a vibrant community where talent is cultivated, friendships are forged, and the joy of dance is celebrated at every level. For any Connecticut family seeking a distinguished and caring environment for their child's dance journey, from their first steps to professional aspirations, joining the NEAD family comes with the highest recommendation.

New England Academy of Dance

231 Main St, New Canaan, CT 06840, USA