About Us
Our mission and goals are quite simple; we teach children the art of dance in a nurturing and supportive environment. the vehicles of classical ballet, theatrical tap, and contemporary movement. Ballet Elite helps young students gain confidence with their bodies, self discipline, the ability to work in group settings, responsibility, and the desire to reach their personal best.
Our philosophy is based on the concept, “this is a place where goals are met and dreams come true.” While not every student will become a professional artist, the instruction they receive prepares them for life and a love for the arts that will last a lifetime.
OBJECTIVE & PURPOSE
Ballet Elite is a non-profit corporation dedicated to the study of classical ballet, its related dance forms, and classical music appreciation. Ballet Elite benefits under-served D.C. area school children ranging in ages from elementary to secondary education levels.
BALLET ELITE will strive for excellence in providing: Educational opportunities within the community (including schools and public performances) Performance and cultural training opportunities for dancers Preparatory and transitional training to enable dancers to pursue professional careers in dance Assistance and funding to allow dancers with opportunity for training and performance
our programs
Professional Endorsements from:
At New School of Dance and Arts, it is our philosophy that Every Child Deserves a Chance to Dance. We know that early exposure to the arts, when used in conjunction with formal academic education, enhances and enriches students’ ability to develop self-confidence and poise. Exposure to the arts has been shown to help students become better problem solvers, gain physical awareness, and develop a way to express their inner feelings.
The arts are a valuable tool that provide children the means to express themselves. Tools that are learned through the discipline of dance are transferable into other areas of life. Through the years, we as teachers have heard from former students who tell us,
What we give our dancers is a sense of beauty and wonder that stays with them for many years to come. The arts build strong character and a lifelong quest for excellence.
“Dance gave me discipline and confidence that I have used in college, on the job and in life.”
When a child studies dance they learn to use their body as an instrument of communication and grace. Early in their training they learn the word choreography, which means putting dance steps together to make a dance. They also learn a sense of artistry, self discipline and self esteem, respect for the arts, time management, respect for other dancers in the school, and skills to work as a team member.
Some dancers take lessons for the cultural exposure to enhance their growth and development, and some dancers take lessons with a career goal in mind. Recent graduates from our school have gone on to receive scholarships to attend the University of Virginia (UVA), Jacksonville University (Florida), University of the Arts, Yale University, Spelman College, and Fordham University, and professional schools such as Alvin Ailey American Dance Center.
Former students of the Artistic Director have danced professionally with Joffrey Ballet, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Philadanco, the Atlanta Ballet and Pennsylvania Ballet and the Radio City Rockettes. They have appeared in The Lion King, Equus, Ragtime and The Color Purple, and in the films, Dream Girls, Step Up, Center Stage, the Celine Dion Stage Show and Hairspray, to name a few.
Board Members
Lisa Johnson-Willingham, Director, Ailey Dance Extension Alvin Ailey American Dance Theate
President of Advisory Council & Member of Board
Guest Choreographer/ Instructor
Dr. Marc Christopher Spaulding, Professional Dancer & Choreographer
Advisory Council Member
Guest Choreographer/ Instructor
Kim Bears Bailey, Assistant Artistic Director of The Philadelphia Dance Company, PHILADANCO and Associate Professor of Dance at The University of the Arts
Advisory Council member/ guest Choreographer/Instructor
Taurean Barber, Professional Dancer & Actor
Advisory Council Member/ Guest Choreographer & Instructor
Damien Harris,Director of Curriculum and Instruction, DC Public Charter School
Advisory Council Member