About New England Academy of Dance
The New England Academy of Dance is a pre-professional ballet training program for students, ages 3-18. Under the direction of Artistic Director’s Frances Ortiz, Ginna Ortiz and Ted Thomas students thrive in an elite atmosphere dedicated to the success of each student.
NEAD School follows a specific graded curriculum, divided by age, which is outlined in the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum.
The Vaganova Method is introduced at the Sr. Pre-Professional Division. Classes include Classical Ballet Technique, Pre-pointe, Pointe, Variations, Pas de Deux, Character Dance, Modern, Contemporary as well as Strength and Stretch Class.
Our Locations
Our Main Street Location – The Masonic Lodge
Our school is set in a quaint Masonic Lodge, sitting within walking distance to downtown New Canaan, CT. Within the historic building are three studios (Studios A, B, and C) equipped with Marley floors, extensive mirrors, and top-end audio systems. Studio C, on the top floor, flaunts ceilings over 20 feet tall, which prove ideal for partnering rehearsals and high jumps. The impressive space also holds four bathrooms, a full changing room, and a newly renovated waiting room and kitchenette.
Parking is available in our private parking lot in the rear of the building. If full, additional free street parking can be found on adjacent streets. Please abide by town restrictions (clearly posted on street signs) if seeking street parking. As a reminder, 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.
Our In Town Location
We have expanded to include our in town location just behind the Town Hall and accessible from the alleyway on Elm Street. We have ample metered parking and drop off is a breeze. This facility features….
The School
New England Academy of Dance offers four divisions for dancers:
The Pre-Primary: Ages 2-6, Primary, Ballet 1-4A: Ages 7-11
Jr. Pre-Professional: Ages 11-14, Sr. Pre-Professional: Ages 14-18
Performances
New England Academy of Dance offers two performances. The Nutcracker with all its unforgettable moments and everlasting memories in the holiday season and the wonderful end-of-the-year performance to showcase what our students have learned over the past year.
The New England Dance Theater (NEDT) is the non-profit arm of the New England Academy of Dance (NEAD). As a group of dedicated parents and local volunteers, we work together to: Create greater access, awareness and appreciation of the Performing Arts through dance.”