Business Details
Premier Dance Training in Portsmouth, NH
Portsmouth School of Ballet has been dedicated to cultivating artistic excellence and technical proficiency in dancers of all ages since its founding. Our mission centers on providing a nurturing environment where students develop strong foundational techniques through proper placement and artistry while exploring their unique creative potential. With a faculty of internationally recognized instructors, including former principal dancers from renowned companies, we offer comprehensive training in classical ballet, contemporary, and various dance genres.Our curriculum emphasizes discipline, self-confidence, and performance opportunities through annual productions like The Nutcracker and competitive student company engagements. The school maintains rigorous standards while fostering a supportive atmosphere that prepares students for professional dance careers or lifelong appreciation of the art form. Through structured programs for ages 18 months to adult, we ensure accessibility to quality dance education at all skill levels.
Services
Ballet Technique
Student Company
Summer Intensives
Competitive Training
Annual Performances
Highlights and features
- Faculty includes former principal dancers from international ballet companies
- Offers ballet-focused student company with regional competition participation
- Provides annual performance opportunities at professional venues
- Maintains rigorous technical standards with personalized instruction
- Summer intensives featuring guest artists from Boston Ballet and other elite companies
What people say
Solid foundation in dance education
Encouragement from instructors
Confidence development
Professional faculty
Transformative experience
Services
Ballet Technique
Our ballet technique classes develop proper placement and artistry through structured curriculum. Students progress from foundational positions to advanced pointe work and pas de deux. The program emphasizes classical repertoire while incorporating modern pedagogical methods to prevent injury and optimize performance.
Student Company
The award-winning student company provides pre-professional training with 5-20 weekly hours of instruction. Members participate in regional competitions, community outreach, and mainstage productions. The program focuses on ensemble work, stagecraft, and professional etiquette while maintaining technical excellence.
Summer Intensives
Our summer intensives feature guest artists from Boston Ballet and other elite companies. The four-week program includes daily technique classes, repertoire training, and choreography workshops. Designed for ages 10-19, the program offers both intermediate and advanced tracks with personalized coaching from professional dancers.
Competitive Training
Competition preparation includes choreography development, solo coaching, and performance psychology. Students receive costume design assistance and participate in three regional competitions annually. The program has earned multiple studio excellence awards for its professional presentation and technical execution.
Annual Performances
The school produces two major annual performances: The Nutcracker and Spring Show. Additional opportunities include Prescott Park Summer Performances and community outreach events. All productions feature professionally staged sets, live orchestration, and student choreography showcases.
People
Ilya Burov
Owner/Artistic Director
Former principal dancer with Moscow Classical Ballet and Festival Ballet Providence. Recognized by Rhode Island government for artistic contributions. Trained at Russian School of Ballet and Moscow Academy of Choreography. Brings international performance experience to technical instruction.
Emily Loscocco
Owner/Artistic Director
Professional ballerina with experience at Kirov Academy and Orlando Ballet. Finalist at Youth America Grand Prix. Former principal guest artist with Alaska Dance Theatre. Combines Vaganova method training with contemporary techniques in her instruction.
Michelle Bruckner
Musical Theater Instructor
Broadway performer with credits in Chicago and A Chorus Line. Experienced choreographer for regional theater productions. Specializes in integrating theatrical storytelling with technical dance skills for stage-ready performances.
Susan Endrizzi
Ballet Faculty
Former dancer with Ballet New England and Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre. University of New Hampshire ballet professor with 19 years teaching experience. Focuses on classical technique and professional career preparation for advanced students.
Flora Dickens
Contemporary Choreographer
Award-winning choreographer with Bolshoi Ballet Summer Intensive scholarship recipient. Featured on So You Think You Can Dance. Specializes in contemporary and lyrical styles while maintaining strong ballet foundations for competition and performance groups.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer besides ballet?
We provide comprehensive training in contemporary ballet, pointe, variations, pas de deux, musical theater, tap, jazz, hip-hop, and lyrical dance styles.
How does the student company audition process work?
Auditions occur annually in July with separate weeks for ages 8-12 and 13-19. Dancers perform ballet, pointe, and contemporary combinations to determine placement in our competitive program.
Are there performance opportunities for recreational dancers?
All ballet students participate in annual productions like The Nutcracker. Recreational dancers can join showcase performances without requiring competitive program commitment.
What summer programs are available?
We offer creative movement camps for ages 3-8, intermediate/advanced dance intensives, and company audition preparation weeks with guest artists from professional companies.
Do you offer trial classes for new students?
Yes, we provide free trial classes for all age groups to experience our teaching methodology and facility before committing to full enrollment.
