Staten Island Ballet

For residents across New York City, particularly those on Staten Island, the presence of a professional ballet company and an affiliated school of the highest caliber is a cultural gem. The Staten Island Ballet (SIB), nestled gracefully at 460 Brielle Ave, Staten Island, NY 10314, stands as a testament to artistic excellence and dedicated dance education. This isn't just a place where ballet is taught; it's a sanctuary where dance artists are forged, a community is nurtured, and the timeless beauty of classical ballet is brought to life. If you or your child harbor a passion for dance, or if you simply appreciate the profound artistry of ballet, SIB offers an unparalleled experience right here on the island. It’s a treasure that provides rigorous training, fosters a caring environment, and produces breathtaking performances, making it an indispensable resource for our local New York community.

The Staten Island Ballet is proudly recognized as the only professional Ballet Company on Staten Island, a distinction that speaks volumes about its commitment to the highest standards of the art form. Under the discerning artistic vision of Ellen Tharp, SIB and its affiliated school are dedicated to cultivating "dance artists" through "quality training" and instilling a "great work etiquette." What sets SIB apart is its exceptional faculty, composed of "superb teachers, all dancers of great quality," many of whom are Julliard-trained and also perform with the professional company. This unique blend of teaching and performing ensures that students receive instruction directly from active, high-level artists. The school’s comprehensive curriculum prepares students not just for a life in dance, but also instills discipline and poise, evident in the fact that "many enter LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts." As one discerning professional dancer, whose daughter has thrived there for two years, attests, SIB was a "great surprise and blessing," highlighting its ability to exceed even the highest expectations for classical ballet training. For those seeking genuine artistic development and a truly caring environment, rather than "Hootchie Cootchie or show dancing," Staten Island Ballet is unequivocally "the place" to be.

The Staten Island Ballet is beautifully situated at 460 Brielle Ave, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA. This location holds a special charm, as it’s described as being in a "lovely small building in the greenbelt," offering a serene and inspiring backdrop for dance education. The Staten Island Greenbelt is a significant system of protected natural areas, providing a unique environment that adds to the studio's tranquil appeal.

For those traveling by car, Brielle Avenue is a known thoroughfare on Staten Island, making the studio's address relatively straightforward to find. Given its location within the Greenbelt, while parking may vary, there are typically options in the vicinity that cater to visitors. Staten Island's road network, including its proximity to major routes like Richmond Avenue and the Staten Island Expressway (I-278), allows for convenient access from various neighborhoods across the island, such as Egbertville, Todt Hill, and nearby sections of New Dorp and Great Kills. This ensures that a wide array of local families can easily reach the studio for classes and performances.

While Staten Island relies primarily on local bus services for public transportation, routes may operate in the general area of Brielle Avenue, providing an option for some students. However, for many, personal vehicle transport will likely be the most direct method of access. The studio's placement within the scenic Greenbelt not only provides a pleasant atmosphere but also emphasizes its role as a cultural anchor within this important natural preserve, making it a distinctive and accessible destination for aspiring dancers and ballet enthusiasts on Staten Island.

The Staten Island Ballet offers a comprehensive suite of programs designed to nurture aspiring dancers of all ages and levels, from their very first steps to pre-professional training. Their services are rooted in classical ballet technique while also incorporating complementary dance forms.

• Classical Ballet Technique: Core instruction in classical ballet for boys and girls, men and women, ranging from beginner through advanced levels. This foundational training emphasizes posture, alignment, strength, flexibility, and grace.
• Pointe Classes: Specialized instruction for eligible female dancers to develop the strength and technique required for dancing en pointe, a hallmark of classical ballet.
• Character Dance: Classes that introduce students to stylized theatrical dance, often drawing from folk dances of various cultures, enhancing their performance range and cultural understanding.
• Modern Dance: Instruction in contemporary dance forms that often emphasize expressive movement, improvisation, and a break from traditional ballet structures, broadening dancers' artistic versatility.
• Jazz Dance: Energetic classes focusing on rhythmic precision, sharp movements, and stylistic elements commonly seen in musical theatre and commercial dance.
• Partnering: Training for advanced students in the art of pas de deux, teaching male and female dancers to work together in lifts, balances, and coordinated movements.
• Mime: Instruction in the art of storytelling through expressive body movement and gestures, crucial for conveying narrative in classical ballets.
• Musical Theater: Classes that blend singing, acting, and dancing, preparing students for integrated theatrical performances.
• Performance Opportunities: Regular opportunities for students to perform in studio showcases and full-scale productions. A significant highlight is their annual "beautiful Nutcracker" production, providing invaluable stage experience.
• Summer Program: An excellent summer intensive program designed for focused training and skill development during the break from regular academic schedules.
• Professional Company Performances: As the only professional ballet company on Staten Island, SIB presents full-length classical and original ballets, featuring its troupe of international artists, often including guest dancers from renowned companies like American Ballet Theatre and the Kirov.
• Community Outreach and Cultural Enrichment: The organization, as a 501(c)(3) cultural and educational institution, promotes ballet arts programming and training for all groups and ages, actively advancing the arts economy and cultural enrichment within the borough.
• Scholarship Assistance: Approximately one-third of the school's students receive scholarship assistance, demonstrating a commitment to making quality dance education accessible to talented individuals regardless of financial background.

The Staten Island Ballet (SIB) is distinguished by several key features and highlights that underscore its unique position as a cultural and educational pillar on Staten Island.

• Only Professional Ballet Company on Staten Island: This is a singular and significant highlight. SIB brings professional-level ballet performances to the local community, featuring a troupe of "more than 20 international artists, including guests from American Ballet Theatre, the Kirov and Dance Theatre of Harlem." This allows residents to experience world-class ballet without leaving the island.
• Superb, Julliard-Trained Faculty: The affiliated school boasts "superb teachers, all dancers of great quality," with many being "Julliard trained and also dance at SIB." This ensures that students receive instruction from highly accomplished and active professional dancers, providing an unparalleled level of expertise and mentorship.
• Artistic Direction by Ellen Tharp: Ellen Tharp is specifically praised for her ability to "create dance artists," focusing on "quality training, wonderful placement, great work etiquette." Her leadership ensures a consistent and high standard across all programs, truly nurturing the artistic development of each student.
• Rigorous, Classical Training: SIB is known for its serious commitment to classical ballet. As one reviewer points out, "If you want great training... don't look anywhere else." This focus means students develop strong foundational skills, discipline, and the precise technique necessary for classical ballet, which is a rare find in many local studios.
• Proven Success in Student Placement: The quality of training is evident in student outcomes, with "many enter LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts." This demonstrates SIB's effectiveness in preparing students for advanced dance programs and potential careers in the arts.
• Caring and Nurturing Environment: Despite the rigorous training, the school maintains a "caring environment." Students, even young ones, "enjoy what they are doing," and parents feel their children are in a supportive space, as highlighted by the professional dancer who couldn't have been "more picky" and found SIB a "blessing."
• Annual "Beautiful Nutcracker" Production: A beloved tradition, SIB puts on a "beautiful Nutcracker each year." This provides a magnificent performance opportunity for students and a cherished holiday experience for the community, showcasing the culmination of their training.
• Excellent Summer Program: Beyond the regular season, SIB offers an "excellent summer program," allowing for continuous learning and intensive development during the warmer months.
• Location in the Greenbelt: The studio's setting in a "lovely small building in the greenbelt" offers a unique and pleasant atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle, providing a tranquil space conducive to artistic focus.
• Commitment to Accessibility (Scholarships): The fact that approximately one-third of students receive scholarship assistance demonstrates SIB's dedication to making high-quality ballet accessible to talented individuals from diverse backgrounds.

To learn more about the Staten Island Ballet, inquire about their professional company performances, or enroll in their prestigious school programs, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 460 Brielle Ave, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA
• Phone: (718) 980-0500
• Mobile Phone: +1 718-980-0500

Prospective students, parents, and ballet enthusiasts are encouraged to reach out. Whether you're considering classes for a child, seeking advanced training for yourself, or simply wish to support and enjoy the only professional ballet company on the island, the Staten Island Ballet team is ready to provide information and welcome you into their vibrant community.

For residents throughout New York, particularly those on Staten Island, the Staten Island Ballet (SIB) offers an unparalleled and highly suitable opportunity to engage with the art of classical ballet. Its unique blend of professional performance and exceptional education makes it an invaluable local resource.

Firstly, its convenient location at 460 Brielle Ave, situated within the peaceful Greenbelt, offers an easily accessible and inspiring environment. This local presence means families across Staten Island can provide their children with world-class ballet training without extensive commutes, integrating high-level artistic development seamlessly into their daily lives.

Secondly, the quality of instruction at SIB is consistently highlighted as superb. With many Julliard-trained teachers who are also active professional dancers with the company, students receive a truly elite education. This level of expertise, combined with Ellen Tharp's dedication to creating "dance artists" through "quality training" and a "caring environment," ensures that every student, from the youngest beginner to those preparing for performing arts high schools like LaGuardia, receives meticulous attention and fosters a genuine love for dance.

Moreover, SIB stands alone as the only professional Ballet Company on Staten Island. This distinction provides local residents with the unique opportunity to witness professional-grade ballet performances right in their backyard, including their cherished annual "beautiful Nutcracker." For students, this means invaluable exposure to professional artistry and aspirational role models, enhancing their learning experience immensely.

Finally, the school's commitment to a rigorous yet nurturing approach, coupled with important initiatives like its "excellent summer program" and scholarship opportunities, underscores its dedication to the broader community. The Staten Island Ballet is more than just a dance school; it's a cultural cornerstone that fosters discipline, artistic expression, and a deep appreciation for ballet in a supportive, home-like atmosphere. For any local seeking serious dance training, professional performances, and a profound cultural connection, Staten Island Ballet is undoubtedly the premier choice.

Staten Island Ballet

460 Brielle Ave, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA