From the time she was born I dreamed of taking my daughter to The Nutcracker. At five and a half, I knew she was ready (having already experienced vocal concerts, plays, and musicals). A new velvet dress, patent leather shoes, and curled hair, she happily entered the Lincoln Center holding my hand. After a breathtaking first act, Kendyl performed her own version in the lobby as smiling patrons cheered her on.

Ballet was not just the new thing of the week; it became her passion. Luckily I had picked up the Canyon Concert Ballet School schedule at The Nutcracker. The ballet school/company produces the holiday tradition each year. I figured if she was on her way to becoming a prima ballerina she might as well train with the best.

Canyon Concert Ballet School busies itself with a variety of classes, instructors, and performances. Equipped with numerous studios, a locker room for changing from school clothes to tights and leotard, two waiting areas (one with a TV. and VCR and toys for siblings), the school can be crowded, but cozy. Kendyl quickly fell into place in Miss Gretta’s class that practices ballet for the first half and tap for the second. The upbeat, positive feel of the school resonates in the class of twelve girls and one boy.

It was “parents day” last week; free to adore our children from the studio (versus sneaking peeks through the window), I watched Kendyl smile more in an hour than she has in a week. My eight or so years of ballet experience are now irrelevant to her because “Miss Gretta knows EVERYTHING about ballet.” After observing class firsthand, I agree with Kendyl. Miss Gretta masterfully rallied her five and six year olds with praise and enthusiasm. She skillfully tricked them into learning technique, even at their young and inexperienced point of ballet education.

Without a doubt, Canyon Concert Ballet instructors are top-notch dancers and teachers. I have a feeling, with my 2½ year old already trying to follow Kendyl into class, that we’ll be spending many years with this excellent school.

Canyon Concert Ballet
[where: 1031 Conifer Street, Fort Collins, CO 80524]
970-472-4156
www.ccballet.org

Photo from the Canyon Concert Ballet Website