A Pointe of Pride: American Academy Ballet opening Parkersburg studio
Trending
PARKERSBURG -- The American Academy Ballet, the official school of the Charleston Ballet, is opening a Parkersburg studio at the location of the Schrader Youth Ballet on Market Street.
Registration is underway for the academy at 601 Market St. where the new fall semester term will begin on Sept. 9, Kim Pauley, artistic director of the Charleston Ballet, said. An open house is scheduled Aug. 22.
Velma Schrader, 93, created the Schrader Youth Ballet Co. in 1985 in Parkersburg. She has taught ballet for more than 55 years.
Schrader said she was pleased with Pauley's involvement, although she will remain involved in some way with the school.
"We're trying to keep classical ballet in downtown," she said.
The Schrader Ballet's annual Nutcracker show has become a Christmastime tradition. Pauley and other members of the Charleston Ballet worked with Schrader Youth last year on the performance.
Pauley said she has known Schrader her entire career in dance.
"I feel like this is something that needs to be continued there," Pauley said.
The American Academy Ballet will offer classes for students age 6 to professional levels. Dancers can enjoy high-quality instruction that emphasizes technique and the artistry of classical ballet every Saturday, Pauley said.
For students 12 and above, classes will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Students age 8-11 will have class from 12:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Students age 6-8 will be in class from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The American Academy Ballet is the official school of the Charleston Ballet and provides a range of dance education and opportunities.
The open house will be held from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 22 at 601 Market St. Students can register and ask about the academy at the open house.
Pauley will be joined by Mary Anna Ball and Brigette Madden French, both with the Charleston Ballet.
Ball has been with the Charleston Ballet since 2015. A 2020 graduate of Marshall University, the former Fulbright Scholar received a regional Emmy Award for In 2019, she received a regional Emmy Award for Best Arts/Entertainment Program for her part in the documentary "Andre Van Damme and the Story of the Charleston Ballet."
Madden French, who has danced since age 3, performed in 2009 as a guest in the Schrader Youth's Ballet "Nutcracker."
Attendance at the open house is not required for enrollment, however, it will be an opportunity to meet Pauley and see the studio.
For more information and to register, call the American Academy Ballet at (304) 342-6541 or email info@thecharlestonballet.com.
Jess Mancini can be reached at jmancini@newsandsentinel.com.