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.

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

we are embarking on a new journey this summer — a workshop and summer camp featuring a fun and funky new take on the children’s classic, alice in wonderland.  with original choreography from our own Courtney Poulos, the production will highlight jazz, tap and modern styles of dance, and will be open to dancers of all disciplines, various levels and ages (5-18).  the workshop and the summer camp will commence with a performance!

click here for more information and enrollment forms

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 Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy.   This year, the dancers are thrilled, as Ask la Cour, a soloist from New York City Ballet, will be performing as the Cavalier in all 3 performances  This is an amazing opportunity not only for the dancer cast opposite him, but for the entire cast to share the stage with a dancer of his caliber.

And of course let’s not forget the most generous parents, past and present students, and families that have stayed with us over the years – their presence makes every single year special and we are grateful that this year will be no different.

Performances will be held at Staples High School, Dec 3rd at 3 & 7 pm, and Dec 4th at 2pm.  Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for student/seniors. For tickets please call 203.226.9987 or download and return our ticket order form.

Thanks to all that give us the opportunity to share memories as we continually strive to form new moments to reflect upon in the future.

Download The Nutcracker 2011 student cast list by clicking here
View Nutcracker photos from previous shows
Watch the trailer from The Nutcracker 2010 movie
A very behind the scenes look at our 26th year

Click here to view the embedded video.

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 that while it is only the 5th time I have produced the show as the director, the Nutcracker has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember.  From being a young dancer, idolizing the Sugar Plum fairies who came before me, to training the young, talented dancers we are thrilled to have in our program, I am honored to be able to look back at the past five years with pride.

Working alongside men and women I have looked up to for years, we have put our heart and soul into making each Nutcracker special for our dancers and their families.  And with the 30th anniversary on the horizon, nostalgia sets in, and the memories come flooding back.  One of the fondest is so magically captured in this montage — a collection of moments from our 26th year, my 1st as director.  It was an exhausting and fulfilling experience all at once, much like the art of dancing itself!   Full of the moments you don’t see as an audience member, these are the giggles, the tears, and the faces that the performers will never forget….

Enjoy a look back.  And thanks to all that continue to make the Academy a very special place.

With gratitude and anticipation,
Nance

This year’s performances will be held at Staples High School, Dec 3rd at 3 & 7 pm, and Dec 4th at 2pm.  Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for student/seniors. For tickets please call 203.226.9987 or download and return our ticket order form.

Download The Nutcracker 2001 student cast list by clicking here
View Nutcracker photos from previous shows
Watch the trailer from The Nutcracker 2010 movie
A very behind the scenes look at our 26th year