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About Us
History and Philosophy
Connecticut Dance School is a not-for-profit 501 (c) 3 organization, dedicated to providing dance education of the highest standard to the Connecticut community. The school was founded in 1970 by Elizabeth Gaynor, who served for many years as Director and Principal Teacher and continues her involvement as President of the Board of Directors.
Today CDS serves more than 300 students, who range in age from 3 through adult and hail from many communities throughout the state. Alan Woodard, Director of the school since June 1993, heads a distinguished and dedicated faculty of professionals. Mr. Woodard trained in London, England, and danced for six years with London Festival Ballet which today is known as English National Ballet. Following two seasons as soloist with the Chilean Ballet, he became a leading dancer and Ballet Master for Ballet de Santiago. Mr. Woodard holds the Advanced Teacher’s Certificate (with honors) from the Royal Academy of Dance, and has studied
pedagogical courses for teachers, 6 year syllabus, Kirov method, in St. Petersburg.
New Students at CDS, ages 3 through 7, are placed in age-appropriate classes where they enjoy creative movement and exercises consistent with their developmental skills. Older students are placed in levels with respect to age and prior training. Classical ballet training, based on the Kirov syllabus, begins with Ballet 1, usually at age eight, when students attend two classes per week. Ballet Levels 2, 3, 4, 5 an 6 follow, with pointe work introduced and more classes required at each successive level. Ballet Levels 7 and 8 are the most advanced and attend a minimum of seven classes per week. Performance opportunities are offered throughout the year including an annual production of The Nutcracker which includes students from Pre-primary 2 and up, the Spring Benefit in April featuring students in Ballet levels 4 - 8, and the Spring Concert in June for Primary level, all Ballet levels,
Modern Dance, and Jazz.
In addition to pre-professional ballet training, CDS also offers recreational dance classes for the once a week student
in modern dance, tap and jazz. The summer programs offer classes in multiple disciplines including Flamenco, mime, theater dance, choreography, partnering, crafts, Pilates and yoga. Adult classes in ballet and modern dance are ongoing throughout the year.
Location
Connecticut Dance School is located at 42 Halley Court, Fairfield, occupying the entire second floor (9,000 square feet) of the building. In addition to four spacious, airy studios (the largest measures 40 feet x 50 feet), there are four dressing rooms, a lunch room, a lounge area for parents, and offices. The Dancewear Depot shop where ballet slippers, pointe shoes, leotards, tights, jazz pants and other accessories may be purchased is located near the front door. The premises are completely air conditioned. Ample parking is provided on three sides of the building.
These state of the art studios may be rented on an hourly or weekly basis. Call the office for more information.
How to Find and Contact Us
42 Halley Court
Fairfield, CT 06825
Phone: (203) 384-2492 / Fax: (203) 834-2439
E-mail: ctdanceschool@aol.com
The school is located at 42 Halley Court, which is off Commerce Drive near the new Post Office and the Porsche Audi dealer.
From I 95 North:
- take Exit 24
- continue straight onto Black Rock Turnpike
- turn left at light onto Commerce Drive
- take the 5th left onto Halley Court
- Connecticut Dance School, #42, is on the right
Or take Exit 25
- turn right onto Commerce Drive
- take first right after the red light onto Halley Court
- Connecticut Dance School, #42, is on the right
From I 95 South:
- take Exit 24
- at end of ramp turn left onto Chambers St.
- take second left onto Commerce Drive
- take second left onto Halley Court
- Connecticut Dance School, #42, is on the right
Or take Exit 25
- at end of ramp, turn right
- at red light turn hard left onto State St. Extension (which becomes Commerce Drive)
- after first red light, turn right onto Halley Court
- Connecticut Dance School, #42. is on the right
From Merrit Parkway North or South:
- take Exit 44, Black Rock Turnpike, heading south
- turn left on Commerce Drive
- take fifth left onto Halley Court
- Connecticut Dance School, #42, is on the right
From Rte 25 and/or Rte 8 South:
- exit onto I 95 South
- take exit 25
- at end of ramp, turn right
- at re light turn hard left onto State St. Extension (which becomes Commerce Drive)
- after first re light, turn right onto Halley Court
- Connecticut Dance School, #42, is on the right
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