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The Joy of Movement

"Dance is the hidden language of the soul and body. When you dance, your purpose is not to get to a certain place on the floor...it's to enjoy each step along the way." – Martha Graham and Wayne Dyer

Welcome to Shoreline Ballet, a beautiful, light-fi lled space with three expansive studios equipped with state-of-the-art sprung fl oors, mirrors, and barres.

Upon fi rst entering the spacious lobby, you hear the gleeful sounds of students–children from ages 3-18–laughing and talking as they emerge from the large dressing room, and prepare for their classes. Once inside, you are warmly greeted by Kathryn "Katie" Contessa, the lovely director of Shoreline Ballet.

"Our goal is to train both new and experienced students in the art of dance," says Contessa. "We seek to provide a well-rounded and fl exible dance education for everyone, from the pre-professional student to the recreational student.

"I am proud to have the opportunity to provide the Shoreline community with a quality, centrally located center for dance education where students of all ages and abilities can come together and experience the joy of movement," Contessa continues. "The mission of Shoreline Ballet is to provide students with the highest quality dance education and an environment where every student is valued and respected."

Contessa began her professional career dancing with the Cincinnati Ballet, the Richmond Ballet, and the Charleston Ballet in South Carolina. She has a BFA in dance and choreography from Virginia Commonwealth University. She was an adjunct dance lecturer at Eastern Michigan University and taught at summer intensives at the University of Michigan. She is certifi ed in the American Ballet Theatre's National Training Curriculum. Contessa lives in Guilford with her husband and four daughters, and is thankful for the opportunity to share her love and passion for dance to the shoreline community.

Contessa and her professionally trained faculty are thrilled to share their love of dance in this inspiring space.

"We believe classical ballet training is the basis for all dance forms. Our ballet curriculum consists of a comprehensive set of age-appropriate, outcome-based guidelines to provide the highest quality ballet training to dance students of all ages and skill levels," Contessa says. "We off er ballet classes beginning with the Pre-Primary Level Age 3 through Level 7 for Ages 16-18. In addition to classical ballet, Shoreline Ballet off ers modern and contemporary dance as well as musical theatre and tap. They also welcome adult students from beginner level to advanced for traditional ballet, tap, and barre fi tness.

Each spring, Shoreline Ballet completes the year with a full-length storybook ballet that includes all registered students beginning with ages 3 and above. This large-scale production highlights all of the dance forms within the studio and showcases the many talents of the entire student body. Contessa's productions are original and unique and provide the parents with an entertaining experience beyond the traditional recital.

This story was provided by Shoreline Ballet in Guilford. For more information on registering your child, taking a class, or attending an upcoming event, please visit www.shorelineballet.com or call 203-533-5622.