Meet Janel Fitzgerald
Janel Fitzgerald, a Ridgefield native and lifelong dancer, is a vital part of the Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance (RCD) faculty, celebrated for her exceptional connection with students and her extensive dance background. Known for her inspiring rapport with young dancers, Janel’s lifelong dedication to the art has profoundly shaped her teaching approach, allowing her to reach students across all age groups with an intuitive understanding and skill that sets her apart.
Amy Piantaggini, RCD’s Executive Director, praises Janel’s unique qualities as an educator, quoting Martha Graham: “Dance is the hidden language of the soul.” Amy reflects, “Janel is an exceptional educator because she understands both nonverbal and verbal communication deeply, and her training in diverse styles has made her an exceptional communicator and teacher.”
Dance Education and Achievements
Janel began her training at RCD and enriched her journey through programs at renowned institutions like Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory, The Hartt School, ABT North Carolina, The Taylor School, and The Ailey School. As an RCD student, she performed in Martha Graham’s Steps in the Street and numerous roles in The Nutcracker. In 2016, Janel received the prestigious Patricia Schuster Award and was inducted into the National Honors Society for Dance Arts.
She later graduated magna cum laude from the Ailey/Fordham BFA program with a double major in Dance and Psychology, performing works by esteemed choreographers such as Tina Bush, Robert Battle, Janice Rosario, and Jacqulyn Buglisi.
Janel works with children diagnosed with Autism as a Registered Behavior Technician
Beyond her role at RCD, Janel is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who works with children diagnosed with Autism as a Registered Behavior Technician. Her background in psychology and behavior analysis informs her teaching, bringing a compassionate and adaptive approach to the studio.
In addition to her work at RCD, Janel recently choreographed High School Musical for Easton Country Day School (ECDS) and is currently preparing choreography for ECDS’s upcoming production of Newsies this December. She also coaches dancers competing in the Youth America Grand Prix, fostering the next generation of competitive dancers.
A Life Rooted in Dance and Family
Outside of her work as a BCBA and educator, Janel is thrilled to be planning her wedding for June 2025. She values time spent with friends and family and finds joy in bringing her passion for dance into every aspect of her life.
Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance, located at 440 Main Street, is a nonprofit dance studio nationally recognized as a “distinguished, high achieving, pre-professional performing arts school” that “nurtures young dance artists in strong movement technique.”
Learn more https://www.ridgefielddance.org/
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