IN Peters Township October/November 2018 | Page 50

having the opportunity to perform and bring this beautiful art
form to theaters in Paris, England, Spain, Egypt, China, Canada,
United States, Brazil, Mexico, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic
among others.”
In addition to Haidar and Martinez Coro, other instructors at
the school include Hansel Correa Diaz, Adriana LaMantia, Elaine
Martinez Coro and Alexander Zankin.
The school will include classes for preschool, elementary,
intermediate, middle school and high school students, with an
early dismissal program available to high school students—
created to train dancers who are hoping to pursue a career in
dance either in a professional company or college. Pennsylvania
Ballet Conservatory plans to produce an annual “Nutcracker”
performance at the holidays, as well as a Spring Performance.
“We wanted to open a classical ballet
school with a more up-to-date approach
to ballet that includes a positive, nurturing
environment. We’re looking to support
the whole child—not only teaching them
professional-quality ballet, but also helping
them develop the skills they need to be
successful in life, including positive body
image, discipline and mental focus.”
Instruction will primarily focus on classical ballet, including
ballet technique, pointe, repertoire/variations and partnering.
To help round out dancers’ skills, students will also learn
contemporary, jazz, flamenco and character dances.
“We were excited to select McMurray for the Pennsylvania
Ballet Conservatory because of its central location to many of
our students’ families and proximity to main roads and highways
throughout the area,” says Rieger. “Dancers from all over the
South Hills will be able to easily travel to the studio and I’m sure
it will become a great asset to the community.”
“Our daughters (and some sons) have been dancers for a
collective 11 years,” she continues. “It is very much a part of who
(Clockwise from Bottom Left) Anna Young, Peyton Erker, Caden Stover, Ava
Rieger, Sophia Belusko, Alexa Farinelli
they are and has helped to shape them—physically, mentally and
emotionally—in many ways. We see how much they love ballet,
how it has enhanced their personalities and the great friendships
they have developed there.”
Ballet is said to help students develop lifelong confidence,
poise and discipline that can aid them in all aspects of their life.
“Ballet has been my life, my passion, motivation and happiness
since I can remember,” says Haidar. “Now having the opportunity
to be part of this great new school as the Artistic Director and
pass all my knowledge to young dancers is awesome. David and
I are looking forward to a great future with Pennsylvania Ballet
Conservatory!”
Pennsylvania Ballet Conservatory is located at 123 Hidden
Valley Road in McMurray and is open Monday through Friday
from 2 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Additional information about the conservatory can be found at
pennballet.com, including class schedule, dress code, instructor
bios and information on “The Nutcracker” for both performers
and audience members. Call 724.747.8943 or email info@
pennballet.com with questions.   ■
Pennsylvania Ballet Conservatory will host
its inaugural production of “The Nutcracker”
on Saturday, Dec. 8, and Sunday, Dec. 9, at the
Baldwin-Whitehall High School auditorium.
Tickets may be ordered online at pennballet.
com beginning in mid-November or purchased
on-site at the performances.
The conservatory will also present a Spring
Performance in May 2019. Pieces being
performed and dates of the shows will be
announced early in the new year.
David Martinez Coro and Vanessa Haidar
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724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE
❘
(L-R) Adelina Belusko, Kaitlyn Natili, Miriam Gutensohn, Addison Shoub,
Lila Neal, Elsa Mendonis, Adien Carmichael
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