Philosophy
Dr. Barbara Johnson, the artistic director, founded The Conservatory of Dance & Theatre in 2004 to preserve the art of dance for a diverse range of young dancers. Since then, the company has produced ballets for hundreds of girls, boys and adults in Southwest Virginia and Northwest North Carolina.
The Conservatory of Dance & Theatre provides a special opportunity for amateur dancers from pre-school to adults to perform in a professional environment, regardless of their background or level of training. Our annual production of The Nutcracker, full-length classical ballets and dance musicals have received excellent reviews.
We follow the philosophy of Agrippina Vaganova and George Balanchine, who believed that the quality of ballet instruction was more important than the quantity. This philosophy is followed by some of the most selective schools in the US, including the School of American Ballet in New York City.
We believe that it is very important for a ballet student to have excellent training from the beginning. Correct technique is essential for a young dancer to mature into an artist of professional quality. We train dancers in a pure classical style; developing clean lines, absent of mannerism, and a natural freedom of movement. The challenging curriculum emphasizes artistry as well as strength and technical ability. We focus on safe and correct training to ensure that the dancer is trained to use his or her muscles in a way that is both technically correct and safe for his or her age and body.
Our program has been created to develop in each child an understanding and appreciation for classical ballet, music and culture. Their growths as dancers will enhance their innate abilities; build confidence, character and poise. Students learn self-discipline, respect for others and the importance of teamwork. Moreover, our school is supportive and free from pressure. A student learns and grows most readily in this type of environment that combines technical ability with the joy of dancinG.
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