New England Academy of Dance

Verified
Address

231 Main Street

New Canaan, Connecticut 06840

Opening Hours
  • Monday: 9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
  • Thursday: 9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
  • Friday: 9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Sunday: Closed
35 programs

About New England Academy of Dance

The New England Academy of Dance (NEAD), nestled in New Canaan, Connecticut, offers a distinguished pre-professional ballet training program and a comprehensive range of dance education for students aged 3-18. Under the artistic guidance of Directors Frances Ortiz, Ginna Ortiz, and Ted Thomas, NEAD cultivates talent within an elite environment. The curriculum adheres to the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum and incorporates the Vaganova Method, alongside styles like Modern and Contemporary dance. Specific classes include Classical Ballet Technique, Pre-pointe, Pointe, Variations, Pas de Deux, and Character Dance. Younger dancers explore movement through Pre-Ballet and Tiny Dancer classes, focusing on fundamentals and creativity. NEAD also provides instruction in Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Acrobatics, Barre, and Musical Theater. The Enrichment program prepares aspiring dancers for advanced study with a focus on classical ballet technique, partnering, and pointe work. For more experienced students, the NEAD Studio Company engages in rigorous training including classical ballet, pointe, character, variations, and contemporary, alongside choreography composition and strength training. Company members also benefit from workshops covering nutrition, stage makeup, health and wellness, stress management, and injury prevention. NEAD fosters discipline, artistry, and a strong technical foundation, preparing students for future endeavors and showcasing classical and neoclassical repertoire while supporting emerging choreographic talent.

Programs from New England Academy of Dance

35 programs available

Classes

Lyrical/Modern Dance

Lyrical dance combines the technique of classical ballet, jazz, and modern dance. Unlike other dances, lyrical is performed to music that usually has lyrics. The combination of movement and lyrics creates strong emotional compositions. Class includes a warm up, isolation, stretching, across the floor progressions, and choreography combinations. Our curriculum focuses on precision, rhythm, technique, personal style and self-expression.

Pas de deux
*N/A

The Pas De Deux class, better known as “Partnering” class, is an essential part of any dancer’s training. Advanced students will learn basic elements and techniques of partnering with another dancer, balance, strength, fluidity and the basic principles of physics as it relates to movement. After achieving a level of efficiency, students are then be taught more intricate technical combinations and how to execute repertories from classical and contemporary pas de dues. Entrance is by invitation only.

Advanced
$40.00

The Advanced level is the highest level offered at NEAD which offers a mixture of Pas de Deux, ballet technique, and modern classes throughout the week. The rigorous curriculum and emphasis on flawless technique prepares students to participate in professional dance companies while honing students’ individual artistry and creativity. Class meets 4 times a week.

4 times a week
Intermediate
$40.00

Intermediate classes incorporate advanced technique with emphasis on developing individual artistry, technical detail and movement.

Ballet 6B
$40.00

Ballet 6b is the first year of Sr. Pre-professional Division and prepares students to enter into the NEAD Company

Lyrical
*N/A

To be eligible for lyrical, students must be fully enrolled in the appropriate ballet level. Students in the spring performance for ballet and lyrical will be charged one performance fee plus one costuming fee for the additional costume.

Ballet 6A Pointe Class
$40.00

Ballet 5B Pointe Class
$40.00

Ballet 5A Pointe Class
$40.00

Ballet 4B Pointe Class
$40.00

Lyrical/Modern Dance

Lyrical dance combines techniques of classical ballet, jazz, and modern dance techniques. It is performed to music generally with lyrics , conveying strong emotions through movement. Classes include warm up, isolations, stretches, across the floor progressions, and choreography combinations. Our curriculum focuses on precision, rhythm, technique, personal style and self-expression.

Ballet 4B: PRE-POINTE
$40.00

Eligible pre-pointe students must take at least two regular technique classes per week to participate. This class focuses on gaining the necessary foot, ankle, and lower leg strength and flexibility needed to execute proper pointe technique. Students learn how to sew their own pointe shoes and will be evaluated by a dance physical therapist for advancement to pointe class. Pre-pointe students will take pointe classes on flat until they develop the strength to begin pointe work.

Ballet 6A

Ballet 6a is the last year of Jr. Pre-Professional Division and includes technique and pointe classes to prepare students for Sr. Pre-Professional Division. Students in this level must have completed a year in 5b or an audition for placement. Class meets 5 times a week.

5 times a week
Ballet 5B

Ballet 5b students expand on the ballet technique introduced during 5a during their technique and pointe classes. Students in this level must have completed a year in 5a or an audition for placement. Class meets 4 times a week.

4 times a week
Ballet 5A

Ballet 5a focuses on Intermediate barre work, center exercises, across the floor combinations, and beginner pointe work. Students learn the bulk of classical ballet technique, with an emphasis on musicality, discipline, and ballet vocabulary. Students in this level must have completed a year in 4b or an audition for placement. Class meets 3 times a week, and it includes 1st year pointe at the barre.

3 times a week
Ballet 4B

Ballet 4b expands on concepts and formal class style introduced in Ballet 4a by participating in a more technically advanced level that prepares them for pre-professional training. Emphasis is placed on coordination, musicality, and technical proficiency as dancers learn how to execute ballet combinations and choreography both in the center and across the floor. Students in this level must have completed a year in 4a or an audition for placement. Classes meet 3 times a week and are encouraged to take pre-pointe classes.

3 times a week
4A Lyrical
*N/A

To be eligible for lyrical, students must be fully enrolled in the appropriate ballet level. Students in the spring performance for ballet and lyrical will be charged one performance fee plus one costuming fee for the additional costume.

Ballet 4A
$40.00

Ballet 4a begins the journey towards more formal ballet classes by adding classical elements as one handed barre work, adagio, petite allegro, grand allegro, and port de bras. Emphasizing the importance of form, musicality, and presence makes this class both challenging and rewarding. Students must be 9-10 years old or starting 4th Grade at the start of the school year. Class is 60 minutes long and meets twice a week. Students in this level must complete a year of instruction before moving up to the Jr. Pre-Professional Division.

twice a week
Ballet 3
$40.00

Ballet 3 introduces a traditional ballet class structure. Students learn fundamental ballet technique through barre work, center exercises, and across the floor combinations designed to improve coordination, flexibility, endurance, and musicality. Students must be 8-9 years old or starting 3rd Grade at the start of the school year. Class is 60 min long and meets twice a week

twice a week
Ballet 2
$40.00

The structure of this traditional ballet class enhances students’ physical and mental discipline while re-affirming posture, placement, flexibility, and strength. Students learn performance skills and basic music fundamentals while cultivating self-confidence and presence. Students must be 7 turning 8 years old or starting 2nd Grade at the start of the school year. Class is 60 min long and meets once a week.

once a week
Ballet 1
$40.00

Ballet 1 introduces students to the fundamentals of classical ballet technique. Each class focuses on proper posture, body positions, and alignment while also building on ballet vocabulary. Class structure and discipline are also emphasized, and musicality and creativity are explored through improvisation. Watch your child’s confidence and appreciation for the art form grow as they master new skills and make new friends. Students must be 6-7 years old or starting 1st Grade at the start of the school year. Class is 45 min long and meets once a week.

once a week
Kinderballet
$40.00

Kinderballet focuses on the fundamentals of ballet technique. The class emphasizes proper placement, vocabulary, etiquette, and ballet-based improvisation. Students must be 5 turning 6 during the school year or entering Kindergarten.

Pre Ballet 2
$40.00

Pre-Ballet 2 is a dance class for 2nd year pre-schoolers (4 turning 5 during the school year). The class builds on ballet movements and terminology introduced during Pre Ballet 1.

Pre Ballet 1
$40.00

Pre ballet 1, is an introductory dance class for 1st year pre-schoolers (3 turning 4 during the school year– must be 3 by Sept 1st). The class focuses on introducing ballet basics using methods designed for young imaginative minds and bodies. Students are given the opportunity to move, stretch, and improve self-confidence while being introduced to basic ballet concepts, body alignment, posture, locomotor skills, as well as develop self-expression through creative movement.

Tiny Dancer
$40.00

Students must be 2 years of age by the start of the school year (Sept. 1st ) and be potty trained. This is an introductory creative movement class. Designed for our young dancers.

Pre-Ballet

The joy of ballet begins with Pre-Ballet classes. We introduce young children to the fundamentals of classical ballet by focusing on proper body alignment, basic ballet technique, terminology and musicality. As part of the NEAD family, Pre-Ballet students will learn much more than ballet, as the exposure to dance reinforces important life skills like creativity, discipline, and team participation—all in a safe, fun, and nurturing environment.

Strength and Stretch Class

NEAD School follows a specific graded curriculum, divided by age, which is outlined in the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum. The Vaganova Method is introduced at the Sr. Pre-Professional Division.

Contemporary

NEAD School follows a specific graded curriculum, divided by age, which is outlined in the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum. The Vaganova Method is introduced at the Sr. Pre-Professional Division.

Modern

NEAD School follows a specific graded curriculum, divided by age, which is outlined in the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum. The Vaganova Method is introduced at the Sr. Pre-Professional Division.

Character Dance

NEAD School follows a specific graded curriculum, divided by age, which is outlined in the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum. The Vaganova Method is introduced at the Sr. Pre-Professional Division.

Pas de Deux

NEAD School follows a specific graded curriculum, divided by age, which is outlined in the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum. The Vaganova Method is introduced at the Sr. Pre-Professional Division.

Variations

NEAD School follows a specific graded curriculum, divided by age, which is outlined in the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum. The Vaganova Method is introduced at the Sr. Pre-Professional Division.

Pointe

NEAD School follows a specific graded curriculum, divided by age, which is outlined in the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum. The Vaganova Method is introduced at the Sr. Pre-Professional Division.

Pre-pointe

NEAD School follows a specific graded curriculum, divided by age, which is outlined in the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum. The Vaganova Method is introduced at the Sr. Pre-Professional Division.

Classical Ballet Technique

NEAD School follows a specific graded curriculum, divided by age, which is outlined in the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum. The Vaganova Method is introduced at the Sr. Pre-Professional Division.


Frequently Asked Questions

How do I contact New England Academy of Dance?

Call New England Academy of Dance at (203) 972-3265 or visit http://neadance.com/.

Does New England Academy of Dance have evening hours?

Yes, New England Academy of Dance offers evening hours. Monday: 9:00 AM - 8:30 PM, Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 8:30 PM, Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 8:30 PM, Thursday: 9:00 AM - 8:30 PM, Friday: 9:00 AM - 8:30 PM, Saturday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM.

Is New England Academy of Dance open on weekends?

Yes, New England Academy of Dance is open on weekends — Saturday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM.

Does New England Academy of Dance offer morning classes?

Yes, New England Academy of Dance has morning availability. Monday: 9:00 AM - 8:30 PM, Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 8:30 PM, Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 8:30 PM, Thursday: 9:00 AM - 8:30 PM, Friday: 9:00 AM - 8:30 PM, Saturday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM.

What is the best way to contact New England Academy of Dance?

The quickest way is to call (203) 972-3265 or visit http://neadance.com/.