I have been a dancer at Westport’s Academy of Dance since I was three years old. Since then, my life has revolved around dance, and it is a passion of mine that has shaped who I have become. My love for dancing only grows each year as the talented teachers at the Academy expose me to different types of dancing and choreography. I participate in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, and Modern and love each style just as much as the next. Apart from just being incredibly fun, dancing has always been the medium through which I can escape into a world without any stress or external pressures, and release my emotions through the movements and music.
Apart from dancing, I am also an avid sailor and pianist. Piano and sailing serve the same purpose as dance does for me – they allow me to enjoy and express myself in yet another way. I have also immersed myself in the world of philanthropy. I am very involved with Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, which gives children with terminal illnesses the opportunity to have the classic summer camp experience they would normally not be able to have given their conditions. I initiated a fundraiser at my school (Hopkins School) to benefit the Camp, and have since raised over $130,000 for the organization.
Next year, I will begin my studies at Yale University. I will be sailing with Yale’s team, but I will be sure to make the time to dance. To me, dance is an incredible art and sport, and although it has presented me with injuries that I am still struggling to overcome, I will never be able to let go of it. As I grow older, and am faced with challenges, I am reassured that I will be able to find solace in my dancing. Regardless of whether it is in a school club or a more serious performance, I will never turn my back on dance or the rush I feel each time I take the stage. I am so lucky to have dance in my life, and it is a passion of mine that will always remain an innate part of who I am.
we had a great rehearsal on stage yesterday…enjoy the pictures and if you haven’t already ordered your tickets you can do so from our website.
please join us for another wonderful winter showcase this year on st. patrick’s day. while there won’t be any irish dancing in this year’s performance we do have a bollywood style number choreographed by monica kapoor and performed by the entire cast of this year’s showcase.
monica is presently performing in the broadway production of mama mia and we are thrilled to have such an exciting choreographer working with our students.
susie gorman, master teacher and choreographer is also working with two groups of dancers.
the academy’s own courtney poulos, caitlyn roberts and nancy zindell are rehearsing their students to showcase all of their talents.
congratulations to margot steinberg, senior company dancer, who was chosen as this year’s student choreographer. we are all excited to see her piece!
tickets are now on sale. our showcase will be performed at the fairfield theater company on stage one…70 sanford street, fairfield (at the metro north railroad station). performances will be at 11:30am and 1:30pm on saturday, march 17th…seating is limited so please purchase your tickets early. click here to download the order form.
read more about the performance
an evening with some dance company-choreography by david fernandez! click here to purchase tickets on line or call 347.255.9225! a fantastic evening of dance on february 27, 2012 presented at the el museo del barrio theater, 1230 fifth avenue at 104th street nyc. in addition to stars from the new york city ballet and american ballet theatre also performing are several of our students in a piece choreographed by david earlier this year! grace bergonzi, member of our senior company, will also be performing alongside some of the best dancers in the world–don’t miss it! net proceeds will benefit career transition for dancers. we hope to see you there.
Check out channel 12 today beginning at 5:30pm as they will be showing footage from today’s nutcracker rehearsal!
We’re extremely excited for the upcoming 30th anniversary Nutcracker performance as we have added several unique and exciting elements to this year’s production!
Theodore Pollen III will return to play the honorary role of Herr Drosselmeyer. A former Alvin Ailey dancer, Mr. Pollen was an instructor at the Academy for over 20 years, and performed in various studio productions in multiple roles. He spent years as a positive role model for countless Westport dancers, including two of the current teachers on staff, who both had the benefit of growing up under his instruction.
A defining aspect of the Academy’s Nutcracker, has always been that their own dancers star in lead roles such as Read the rest of this entry »
It’s hard to believe the Academy will be performing it’s 30th Anniversary production of the Nutcracker this year. What hits me even more, is Read the rest of this entry »
The Academy is thrilled to announce that beloved former Academy teacher Theodore Pollen III will be performing the role of Herr Drosselmeyer in our 30th Anniversary Production of The Nutcracker. Ted was one of the Read the rest of this entry »
We’re excited to announce that The Dance on Camera Festival, co-produced by Dance Films Association (DFA) and The Film Society of Lincoln Center, has accepted our work as part of the 40th annual internationally touring Dance on Camera Festival and will be screened at The Walter Reade Theater in January of the coming year!
The piece was choreographed by our own David Fernandez and features the Academy dancers Read the rest of this entry »
Hi! My name is Samantha Sheppard and I’ve been dancing with the Academy of Dance for 6 years. Dance is one of my passions, as I’m sure it is one of yours! I’m currently working on a community project that will allow me to share my passion with other dancers who are much less fortunate than me, by donating recital costumes and leotards to Read the rest of this entry »
