Business Details
48 Years
experience
Premier Classical Ballet Training in Rye, NY
Founded in 1978 by Lynne Stetson, a former New York City Ballet dancer under George Balanchine, Rye Ballet Conservatory has nurtured generations of aspiring dancers. Our mission is to provide exceptional classical ballet training in a nurturing environment across Westchester and Fairfield Counties. Rooted in the Balanchine technique, our curriculum is refined by decades of experience and passed down through directors who trained at prestigious institutions like the School of American Ballet. Our faculty comprises former professional dancers with deep ties to American ballet history, including recipients of the Mae L. Wien Award and Princess Grace Award. We emphasize leadership, dedication, and artistic expression, offering state-of-the-art facilities like The Chapela renovated 19th-century church with two studios and a grand piano.Our pre-professional divisions prepare dancers for collegiate or professional careers, while adult classes cater to all skill levels. We prioritize individualized instruction, with faculty mentoring students from their first pli to professional stages. Our community fosters fearless artistic expression, with teachers supporting dancers like family. Recognized for excellence, we partner with institutions like the George Balanchine Trust and host annual performances, including a Nutcracker production and a spring recital featuring original story-driven ballets.
Services
Pre-Professional Training
Adult Ballet Classes
Character Dance Instruction
Contemporary Movement
Progressing Ballet Technique
Summer Intensive Programs
Nutcracker Performances
Spring Recitals
Balanchine Curriculum
Faculty Mentorship
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- Over 45 years of expertise in Balanchine technique training
- Faculty includes former New York City Ballet principal dancers
- Customized curriculum for individualized student growth
- State-of-the-art facilities in historic Rye locations
- Proven track record preparing dancers for professional careers
What people say
Supremely knowledgeable
Individualize approach
Abundance of kindness
Positive vibe
Inclusive environment
Services
Pre-Professional Divisions
Our Pre-Professional Divisions nurture elite dancers aspiring to professional or collegiate careers. Students train under former New York City Ballet principals like Tyler Angle and Paul Boos, mastering Balanchine technique, pointe work, and contemporary movement. The rigorous curriculum includes field trips to professional performances and specialized conditioning. Classes occur at least five days weekly, with tailored uniform requirements and two annual tuition installments.
Adult Ballet Classes
Open-level adult ballet classes cater to all experience levels, from returning professionals to beginners. Taught by former NYCB dancer Stephanie Zungre Stradling, sessions focus on technique refinement and artistic expression. Classes run Mondays and Thursdays at The Chapel location, with flexible payment options including single classes or 10-class packs. No registration is required for this welcoming, inclusive program.
Character Dance Curriculum
Developed by Associate Director Madeline Driver, our character dance program blends historical research with practical instruction. Students explore traditional folk dances from multiple cultures, enhancing versatility and performance skills. The curriculum draws from global studies and university-level methodologies, offering unique insights into ballet's cultural foundations while preparing dancers for professional repertoire requirements.
Progressing Ballet Technique
Gwen Millard's PBT program develops muscular strength and stability for ballet movements. This specialized conditioning uses resistance bands and bodyweight exercises to improve control and prevent injuries. Classes focus on core engagement, alignment, and endurance, complementing regular ballet training. The technique addresses anatomical requirements for pointe work and advanced jumps, benefiting dancers at all levels.
Annual Performances
Rye Ballet Conservatory stages two major productions annually: a December Nutcracker collaboration with Yorkville Nutcracker and a June original story ballet recital. Students participate in full-scale productions with professional staging, while advanced dancers receive audition coaching for external summer intensives. The program emphasizes performance readiness, with 99% student participation in these culminating events.
People
Ashlee Knapp Stewart
Director
Former NYCB principal dancer with seven years' performance experience, Mae L. Wien Award recipient, and SAB-trained instructor. Director since 2018, specializing in Balanchine technique and teacher mentorship.
Paul Boos
Balanchine Rptiteur
Sanctioned George Balanchine Trust rptiteur with 13-year NYCB career. Stages ballets globally for companies like Paris Opera Ballet while teaching advanced students at RBC since 2018.
Madeline Driver
Associate Director
RBC alumna with BFA in Ballet Performance from University of Utah. Head of Character Dance since 2020, developing a unique curriculum combining academic research and international dance studies.
Stephanie Zungre Stradling
Adult Ballet Instructor
NYCB veteran with decade-long performance experience at Lincoln Center. Teaches adult classes emphasizing traditional barre work and accessible technique modifications for mixed-skill groups.
Allegra Herman
Contemporary Instructor
Former Aspen Santa Fe Ballet member and Bessie Award recipient. Teaches contemporary movement since 2021, integrating Nederlands Dans Theater training with athletic conditioning principles.
Questions
What ballet training methods do you specialize in?
We specialize in Balanchine technique, passed down through directors trained at the School of American Ballet, with supplementary training in character dance and contemporary movement.
Do you offer classes for adult dancers?
Yes, we offer open-level adult ballet classes taught by former NYCB dancers, with no registration required and flexible payment options.
How are students placed in appropriate levels?
Level placement is based on earned progress, with annual evaluations determining advancement. Pre-professional divisions require director invitation and minimum five-day weekly attendance.
What performance opportunities are available?
We stage two annual productions: a December Nutcracker collaboration and June original story ballet recital, with optional participation for 99% of students.
Can students train elsewhere while enrolled?
Outside training isn't permitted during our annual season to maintain technical consistency, though we recommend summer intensive programs for advanced dancers.
What are your attendance policies?
Regular attendance is required with make-up classes allowed. Students arriving 10+ minutes late may be asked to observe class to minimize disruption.
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