A c a d e m y of B a l l e t E t u d e s

Pursuing Excellence

Faculty:

Nanette Vallas (Director) received her early training at the Academy of Ballet Etudes in Norwalk under the direction of Russel Fratto.  She continued her studies in New York on scholarship at the American Ballet Theatre School (Leon Danielian, Director) and with Finis Jung, Maestro Vincenzo Celli and at the Martha Graham Studio.  Ms. Vallas realized her passion for teaching at age sixteen and taught and directed programs for many schools prior to founding Sono Dance Academy in 1988.  In addition to directing the Academy Ms. Vallas also directs and produces two productions a year, including the Nutcracker and a Spring Gala for the Ballet Etudes Company, a non-profit performing company.    

Christina Fagundes (Director, Pre Professional) a native of California, received her training at the San Francisco Ballet School whom she represented at the 1982 International Ballet Competition.  Ms. Fagundes placed as a finalist and soon after joined the San Franciso Ballet Company.  In 1985 Mikhail Baryshnikov invited Ms. Fagundes to join American Ballet Theatre and appointed her soloist in 1989.  She danced a vast repertoire including principal roles in the 19th century classics and contemporary works by the worlds greatest choreographers.  Ms. Fagundes has been on the faculty of the Academy of Ballet Etudes since 1997.  She teaches and directs the pre-professional program, choreographs, coaches and is ballet mistress for Ballet Etudes Company.   Ms. Fagundes performed as principal guest artist with Ballet Etudes Company for eleven seasons. 

Denise Lewis (Senior Instructor) a Connecticut native, Miss Lewis was trained at the School of American Ballet in New York City.  After graduating from the school Ms. Lewis joined American Ballet Theatre with whom she danced with distinction for over 10 years in classical and contemporary works. Ms. Lewis has been on the faculty of Ballet Etudes since 2004 teaching Intermediate, Advanced and Adult students.  Ms. Lewis is a Ballet Mistress for the Ballet Etudes Company and the wife of Ballet Etudes substitute teacher and fellow American Ballet Theatre alumnae Mark Grothman.  Ms. Lewis continues to perform as guest artist with the Ballet Etudes Company.  

Arch Higgins (Ballet) Born in Berkeley, California, Arch Higgins began studying dance at the age of eight with Berkeley Ballet Theater, where he studied under former New York City Ballet dancer Sally Streets. In 1982, he began attending summer courses at the School of American Ballet (SAB), the official school of the New York City Ballet, until he enrolled full-time on scholarship in 1986. While attending SAB, Mr. Higgins was the recipient of the Mae L. Wien Award. In 1989, Mr. Higgins was invited to join New York City Ballet as a member of the corps de ballet. Mr. Higgins was promoted to the rank of soloist in 1998.
 
Devani Maijala (Ballet) Since making Connecticut her home in 2000, Ms. Maijala has become a much sought after ballet mistress and teacher.  She studied under many exceptional teachers, but especially credits Irina Jacobson and Larisa Sklyanskaya for imparting a great depth of artistic knowledge and technical understanding rooted in the Vaganova method.  Upon graduating from the San Francisco Ballet School, Ms. Maijala went on to dance professionally with the San Francisco Ballet, performing classical repertoire of the 19th century, as well as masterworks of 20th century neoclassical and contemporary choreographers.  Ms. Maijala has been on the faculty of Ballet Etudes since 2003 teaching Intermediate and Pre-Professional students.
 
Cindi Green Hart (Ballet) taught ballet to professional dancers in NYC for 20 years.  Her students included dancers from the companies of Paul Taylor, Merce Cunningham, Mark Morris, the Joffrey Ballet and many others.  Cindi’s teaching style is greatly influence by Maggie Black, the Royal Ballet School, Irene Dowd, Elizabeth Rodgers and many great Pilates and yoga instructors.  Her diverse performing career includes the ballet companies of Radio City and London’s Royal Opera House, Theatre Dance Collection, Jacqueline Villamil, Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera and Milwaukee Repertory Theatre.  Cindi taught at her own studio in NYC, Tisch School at NYU, University of Wisconsin/Milwaukee, Milwaukee Ballet School, Eglevsky Ballet, Jacob’s Pillow and the American Dance Festival.  Cindi is grateful to her early teachers, Judy Johnson and Anita Dyche, for their inspiration and guidance.

Todd Hall (Ballet)

Emily Hull (Ballet, Musical Theatre)  Ms. Hull trained at the School of Americanh Ballet in NYC and American Ballet Company of Stamford.  She danced with the Pennsylvania Ballet and was Ballet Mistress at Artistree in Kansas.  She joined the faculty in 2001.    

Mark Grothman  (Ballet)  Mr. Grothman began his training at 11 years of age in Madison, Wisconsin with Charmaine Ristow.  His professional career was with American Ballet Theatre for 11 years.  He teaches a "boys only" class and is a popular substitute for the upper levels.   

 

Guest Faculty:

Ben Huys, Amanda McKerrow, Sandy Brown, Judith Fugate, John Gardiner, Medhi Bahiri, Christine Dunham, Allegra Kent