Business Details
38 Years
experience
Ballet Apetrei - Dance Excellence in Mandeville
Founded in 1988 by Constantin and Kelly Apetrei, our organization has dedicated over three decades to cultivating ballet excellence in St. Tammany Parish. We provide professional ballet training through the Russian Vaganova method while offering performance opportunities for local dancers alongside international guest artists. Our community outreach initiatives include free classes at the Boys and Girls Club, scholarship programs, and partnerships with local organizations like The Artwalk.Recognized with the Legacy Award by the St. Tammany Parish Chamber of Commerce, we maintain a commitment to arts education and accessibility through initiatives like providing free Nutcracker tickets to underserved families. With KFortier Studios as our training hub, we've become the Northshore's premier ballet institution, producing annual productions like The Nutcracker and summer performances that showcase both emerging and professional talent.
Services
Ballet Classes
Nutcracker Production
Community Outreach
The Artwalk
Summer Choreographer Program
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- 37 years of professional ballet training and production experience
- Offers Russian Vaganova method instruction from experienced instructors
- Provides community outreach programs at no cost to participants
- Features international guest artists in annual productions
- Maintains scholarship programs for underserved students
What people say
Exceptional instructors
Community-focused programs
Professional productions
Scholarship opportunities
Arts collaboration
Services
Ballet Classes
KFortier Studios offers professional ballet instruction using the Russian Vaganova method for ages 4 through adults. Our curriculum includes pre-ballet through advanced levels with opportunities for pointe work and contemporary dance. Students gain performance experience through annual recitals and Nutcracker productions while developing technical proficiency and artistic expression.
Nutcracker Production
Our annual Nutcracker production features professional guest artists alongside local dancers. This holiday tradition showcases classical ballet technique while providing performance opportunities for students. The production includes elaborate sets, costumes, and community participation through sponsorship and volunteer programs that support arts accessibility in St. Tammany Parish.
Community Outreach
We provide free ballet classes at the Boys and Girls Club of Covington and offer scholarships for underprivileged students. Our outreach includes free ticket programs for special needs populations and performances at local festivals. These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to making professional dance education and performances accessible to all community members regardless of financial means.
The Artwalk
This unique partnership creates a multidisciplinary arts space for visual and performing artists. The program showcases local artists while integrating dance performances in gallery settings. By connecting different artistic disciplines, we foster creative collaboration and provide expanded cultural experiences for both artists and audiences in the Northshore region.
Summer Choreographer Program
Each summer brings professional choreographers to work with company dancers. This intensive program develops new works performed at summer events and The Artwalk. The residency provides professional development for dancers while introducing fresh choreography to local audiences. Sponsors help fund these programs that enhance our artistic offerings and community engagement opportunities.
People
Kelly Fortier
Artistic Director
A native New Orleanian with extensive professional dance experience, Kelly Fortier founded Ballet Apetrei in 1988. She has choreographed multiple original works for the company while maintaining a strong focus on arts education and community engagement through initiatives like the Boys and Girls Club program and The Artwalk collaboration.
Questions
What membership benefits are available?
Members receive priority ticket access, event invitations, and program recognition. Benefits increase with contribution levels from Gold Slipper ($50) to Grande Jet ($2000+), including reserved Nutcracker tickets at higher tiers.
What dance styles do you teach?
We primarily teach classical ballet using the Russian Vaganova method. Additional offerings include jazz, contemporary, and pointe work for advanced students through KFortier Studios' structured curriculum.
How can my child participate?
Students aged 4+ can enroll in our progressive ballet program. Annual Nutcracker roles and recital opportunities are available to all students, with company auditions for advanced dancers aged 13+.
Do you offer community programs?
Yes! We provide free ballet classes at the Boys and Girls Club, scholarship programs, and free performance tickets for underserved populations. Our dancers also perform at local festivals and community events.
What sponsorship opportunities exist?
Sponsorship levels range from $500 organizational support to $10,000 Nutcracker title sponsorships. Benefits include promotional recognition and reserved tickets, with specific marketing opportunities tied to production elements at higher levels.
