The Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) continues its successful Ballet Conservatory program under the direction of Cheryl Madeux. With pre-professional training, FSPA's Ballet Conservatory offers classical ballet education of the highest quality. An extensive range of training and performance experiences provides exceptional opportunities for students of all ages and levels interested in the study of classical ballet.
The FSPA Ballet curriculum is based on the foundations of the ABT National Training Curriculum. As of 2015, all teachers on FSPA’s Conservatory Track have been certified in the NTC program. Additionally, FSPA Academy, partnered with the virtual Massachusetts Public School TECCA, combines the flexibility of a virtual education with the practicality of a schoolroom, and can accommodate professional opportunities, rehearsal, and performance schedules for pre-professional students who wish to study at FSPA full-time.
The first levels of the ballet program begin an earnest study of classical ballet. Barre work is introduced with a strong focus on individual turnout, foot development, and port de bras. As dancers progress into the intermediate levels, the faculty carefully evaluates each student's progress and potential for pointe work while continuing to nurture the desire to dance. The Pre-Professional Program begins advanced ballet technique and pointe.
Admission is by teacher evaluation and audition only. This program consists of FSPA’s most challenging and demanding schedule and provides additional performance opportunities for dancers, along with private coaching and extra classes if desired.
FSPA’s Ballet program is under the direction of Cheryl Madeux, a former dancer with American Ballet Theatre, Joffery Ballet, and Hartford Ballet. She received her training at the Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts. Ms. Madeux has performed extensively throughout the United States and Europe, worked with leading choreographers including Gerald Arpino, Kirk Peterson, and Twyla Tharp, and been coached by such ballet luminaries as Igor Youskevitch and Eleanor D’Antuono.
Her extensive classical repertoire includes all the full-length classical productions as well as principal roles in The Nutcracker, Giselle, Coppelia, The Firebird, Balanchine’s Serenade, Spectra de La Rose, and much more. Many of Ms. Madeux’s FSPA Ballet Conservatory students have been accepted to some of the most prestigious summer programs available and a select few recently participated and advanced to the finals of the Youth America Grand Prix in NY. Ms. Madeux is also a summer faculty member for the ABT Young Dancers Program in NY and an examiner for the ABT National Training Curriculum.
In previous years, FSPA has presented its students for Examinations in the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum at ABT’s studios in New York, NY. The Examination class was taught by Ms. Madeux. FSPA is proud to incorporate the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum, a nine-level program that combines high quality artistic training with the basics of dancer health and child development for students of all ages and skill levels. Upon successful exam completion, Cheryl Madeux earned the distinction of ABT Affiliate Teacher.
FSPA offers two additional tracks of Ballet study for students not on the pre-professional path and advanced dancers with limited time in their schedules. The Standard Track is designed to train and educate students in classical ballet so they may use this knowledge to enhance other disciplines and prepare to enter competitive college dance programs, if desired.
Pointe is not offered on this track, allowing for fewer requirements and greater flexibility of schedules. Students are evaluated for placement in the level to assure continued development and success. The Recreational Ballet Program consists of once-a-week classes to meet the needs of older students with no prior experience who wish to explore the discipline of classical ballet and dancers with some experience who want to continue study for enjoyment.
For more information on Ballet at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts, visit www.FSPAonline.com, call 508-528-8668, or stop by the facility at 38 Main Street in Franklin, MA. Follow FSPA on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
