MAKING ITS DEBUT
New dance school opens this month in Milton
MILTON, N.Y. » New dance school Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet is making its debut amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Former professional dancers Joan K. Anderson and Cristiane Santos are starting a new dance studio at 418 Geyser Rd., Suite 5, in Milton.
Group classes in ballet, pointe, modern, contemporary, and conditioning will begin on Sept. 14 for dancers ages three to adult.
Before starting this new venture, the co-founders worked together as instructors for eight years.
Upon finding themselves unemployed during the statewide shutdown in the spring, while their
students were left without a dance school, the local dance teachers decided to create Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet.
Though neither of them ever envisioned themselves starting a dance school, they thought it was necessary. “With everything with COVID, things being shut down, we felt we needed to open up,” Joan explained. “COVID necessitated this.”
She continued, “We had to do this.”
Santos added, “We had a lot of time to think about our priorities, how we really wanted to use our time, and we decided it was a time to open our own dance school.”
On a personal level, they missed practicing their livelihood. “We couldn’t not be teaching,” Joan said.
Additionally, they wanted their students to be able to continue with their dance training throughout the pandemic.
Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet is committed to providing quality professional dance training to pre-professional students throughout the Greater Saratoga region.
In this venture, Anderson and Santos are aiming to focus on proper ballet training and technique.
Both extremely passionate about their work, the teachers strive to give the best to their students, families, and community.
In addition to the two co-directors, the studio has two other instructors: Christie Handley and Leanne Sweet.
Anderson and Santos believe that students achieve their potential as dancers and artists while learning in a collaborative environment.
In each of the school’s classes, there is a focus on developing confidence and maturity in a nurturing atmosphere, with an emphasis on performance and positive reinforcement.
Ultimately, Anderson and Santos want their dancers to build self-confidence, learn the value of hard work, and garner a love and appreciation for the arts.
When classes begin later this month, Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet will offer a hybrid model featuring some in-person sessions and others held virtually via Zoom.
The school’s COVID-19 policy, which is posted on its website, requires teachers and students to wear face masks at all times inside the building, and practice social distancing. It also includes temperature checks upon arrival, regular health questionnaires, and a sign-in sheet to provide contact tracing if necessary.
Class sizes will be limited in order to ensure proper distance is maintained.
Furthermore, the studio has invested in a high-quality air filtration system and plans to clean the studio frequently.
The school’s website also includes a Contingency Plan that will be implemented in the event that in-person classes need to be paused due to closures or exposure within the studio. This would involve transitioning to virtual classes via Zoom.
Though it’s uncertain if live performances will be possible this year, typically the school plans to present a production in the winter and the spring.
Opening a dance studio during a pandemic isn’t an easy endeavor. “Yes, it’s difficult. Yes, it’s challenging,” Santos said, “but it’s worth it.”
Looking ahead to the future, Anderson and Santos hope for Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet to become involved in the community while giving students opportunities to perform.
All classes, held Monday through Saturday, are offered on a weekly basis from September to June, with breaks coinciding with school vacations.
Tuition can be paid quarterly, or annually for a 10 percent discount. Sibling discounts are available as well.
As a nonprofit, Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet intends to offer need-based scholarships for dancers in the future. Anyone interested in donating toward this initiative can do so online at the school’s website.
More information about Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet is available online at www.saratogaspringsyouthballet.org.