Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance (RCD) has been a cherished fixture in the Ridgefield community for six decades, known for its beautiful downtown location and its professional production of The Nutcracker at the Ridgefield Playhouse. As the school marks its 60th anniversary, it’s also celebrating the success of its expanding pre-ballet program—now larger than ever before.
Executive Director Amy Piantaggini, an experienced educator who has taught in college dance programs and currently serves as adjunct faculty for WestConn’s theater majors, has dedicated the past decade to nurturing the next generation of dancers. Her focus on early dance education has led to the remarkable growth of Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance’s young dancer offerings. At the heart of this success is her recently published book, Pre-Ballet: The Piantaggini Method, a comprehensive curriculum for introducing children as young as 12 months to dance. Her method skillfully combines structured ballet techniques with playful, creative movement, fostering both a strong foundation and a love for the art form.
Parents of young dancers are thrilled with the program. Jennifer Sunderman, whose three children (ages 3, 3, and 6) are enrolled in pre-ballet classes, praises the environment at RCD:
“Our children love their classes with Miss Amy! The studio environment is warm and inviting, and the curriculum fosters a love of dance through movement and play, all while respecting ballet fundamentals. RCD teaches respect for self, others, the studio, and the art of dance—lessons our little dancers carry into all aspects of life.”
Jamie Steele, another parent, highlights the balance between fun and learning:
“Amy and her team strike the perfect balance for young dancers. My daughter has improved so much while having the absolute best time. The environment is accessible, never intimidating but still inspirational. She’s always excited to go!”
To meet the growing demand for its young dancer program, RCD has expanded its offerings with special events like the “Land of Sweets Tea,” a Nutcracker-themed celebration featuring crafts, performances, and a visit from the Sugar Plum Fairy, designed especially for younger children. Pre-ballet students also have the chance to participate in the Holiday Showcase, an in-studio performance tailored to the needs of younger dancers. These programs provide an age-appropriate introduction to performance, allowing young dancers to explore the stage in a low-pressure setting.
At RCD, the focus on creating a positive, supportive environment starts from the earliest classes. Formal recital participation begins at age 4, but younger dancers enjoy intimate, in-studio showings for family and friends, ensuring their first steps into the world of ballet are joyful and meaningful. For families with busy schedules, companion classes for children ages 1-4 are conveniently offered in six-week sessions.
As Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance celebrates its 60th anniversary, the growth of the pre-ballet program is a testament to Piantaggini’s vision and dedication to nurturing the next generation of dancers.
Image courtesy Photographer is Bill Morgan Media.
Learn more about RCD and register for Pre-ballet Classes https://www.ridgefielddance.org/
You can visit this article on Hamlet Hub here.
