Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Johnstown Concert Ballet: Nurturing Dancers & Enriching Community Through Classical Ballet
Johnstown Concert Ballet has been a cornerstone of the local arts community for nearly six decades, providing exceptional ballet training and inspiring performances. Founded by Carla Prucnal and now led by Eden Mishler Ihrig, we nurture dancers of all ages in a supportive environment where creativity, confidence, and discipline flourish. Our mission centers on classical ballet education while fostering academic and cultural growth through accessible programming. With annual productions like The Nutcracker and dynamic spring performances, we celebrate artistic excellence rooted in tradition. Our faculty combines decades of expertise with innovative teaching methods to cultivate technical proficiency and artistic expression.As a nonprofit organization, we prioritize community outreach, offering affordable classes and cultural events that engage diverse audiences. From parent-child introductions to dance through pre-professional development, our structured curriculum supports every student's journey. Behind-the-scenes volunteers and sponsors enable our handmade costumes, set designs, and community initiatives. We remain committed to transparency, ethical standards, and client satisfaction, ensuring dance remains accessible to all socioeconomic backgrounds.
Services
Ballet Classes
The Nutcracker
Spring Production
Community Performances
Pre-Professional Program
Parent & Child Classes
Pointe Training
Dance Outreach
Details
- Year established: 1966
Highlights and features
- 60 years of proven excellence in classical ballet training
- Inclusive environment welcoming dancers of all experience levels
- Affordable class pricing with community-focused outreach programs
- Opportunities to perform in professional productions like The Nutcracker
- Faculty with professional performance backgrounds and teaching certifications
What people say
Inclusive spirit
Patient instructors
Affordable classes
Lifelong memories
Valuable life skills
Services
Ballet Classes
Structured ballet instruction for ages 2+ with progressive levels from introductory to advanced. Classes develop technical proficiency, musicality, and performance skills through barre work, center exercises, and choreography. Faculty emphasize proper alignment, injury prevention, and artistic expression while preparing students for professional careers or lifelong appreciation of dance.
The Nutcracker
Annual December performance featuring local dancers, handmade costumes, and traditional choreography since 1966. Audiences experience Clara's magical journey through the Land of Sweets with elaborate sets and live orchestra collaborations. Community members participate in casting ranging from young ensemble roles to principal dancers.
Spring Production
Rotating full-length ballet each spring showcasing student talent in diverse roles. Productions range from original story ballets to classical favorites like Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. Dancers develop versatility through varied choreography while gaining stage experience in principal and ensemble capacities.
Community Performances
Year-round local performances at festivals and community events beyond the main stage. Dancers share ballet excerpts and original choreography at venues like Ethnic Fest and DelGrosso Dance Days. These engagements promote cultural appreciation and make dance accessible to broader audiences through free public performances.
Pre-Professional Program
Intensive mentorship for serious dancers seeking college programs or professional careers. Participants receive additional coaching in ballet technique, pointe work, and cross-genre training. Leadership opportunities include teaching assistant roles in junior classes and expanded performance responsibilities in major productions.
People
Eden Mishler Ihrig
Executive Artistic Director
Eden trained at Johnstown Concert Ballet before earning her B.A. in Dance from Mercyhurst University. With professional experience at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and teaching roles at Villa Maria Academy, she now leads JCB's artistic vision while maintaining active choreography and instruction.
Monica Petak
President
Board president Monica Petak oversees organizational governance and strategic direction. She coordinates volunteer efforts and community partnerships while ensuring financial stewardship of the nonprofit's operations and capital campaigns.
Questions
At what age should my child start ballet?
Children can begin as young as 2 in our Parent & Child classes, with formal training starting at age 3 in Pre-Ballet 1.
How can my child participate in The Nutcracker?
All enrolled students from Pre-Ballet 1 and up perform in annual productions. Lead role auditions occur in early September.
Is prior dance experience required?
No prior experience is needed. Our faculty will place students according to skill level and growth potential.
What are the dress code requirements?
Girls need leotards, tights, ballet slippers, and ballet buns. Boys require t-shirts, footed tights, and slippers. Trial classes have no dress code.
When does the dance season run?
Fall classes start in September through Nutcracker performances, with spring sessions resuming in January through May evaluations.
Reviews (7)
Anyone Anyone
Jan 02, 2019
Report
The teacher is trying very hard to get the kids interested in dance, but the girls are mean. The harsh environment that certain children experience is uncalled for. Miss.Carla is a sweet women that is trying to make her company the best it can be, but the girls that she supports in her company make kids quit. Structure and rules need to be enforced in this company or else the kids will start running this organization. I suggest you take you kid to this company, but if your child experiences bully to take him/her out of the company. Understanding the difference between correction and making fun
Karen Soliday
Oct 09, 2018
Report
Having been affiliated with this group for over 30 years I have nothing but praise for Carla and the company. I have seen many young girls developed into strong dancers and even more confident and poised young women. They learn discipline, respect and the value of hard work. I encourage anyone who is seeking ballet training, and even more, lessons in life, to explore classes with the Johnstown Concert Ballet. Exposure to this lovely art form and its teacher are well worth your time and effort. Y
Linda Barnes
Sep 21, 2018
Report
Johnstown Concert Ballet is the best thing that has ever happened to my daughter! She is a bright, graceful confident young woman because of the amazing lessons she learned in her 13 years with the Johnstown Concert Ballet. She still has 2 more years until she graduates. Miss Carla is the best ballet instructor in Johnstown and the surrounding area. If you are looking for a place where your child can learn and become a true classically trained ballerina then this studio is for you! Your child will have the best training and be able to participate in major productions like our annual Nutcracker
Taylor Mock
Aug 25, 2018
Report
The Johnstown Concert Ballet is a wonderful learning environment. Miss Carla teaches us the basic techniques of classical ballet, the harder more complex combinations and exercises, and how to be graceful and improve us as a ballerina, and person, in every way possible. Miss Carla will work one-on-one with us to make sure we are fully understanding every part of a combination of step, and never is hesitant about answering a very in depth question. We will have daily class discussions about the steps and combinations we are doing, go through what muscles are working, and the proper way to execute
Michelle Hamula
Aug 10, 2018
Report
Johnstown Concert Ballet has always been a great experience for my daughter and I. She has been attending since she was 4 and is now 13. I love the focus on classical ballet and that it truly is a ballet company where everyone pitches in and does their part to preserve this art. The dancers also are able to participate in volunteering and community service with the company which teaches strong core values that will stay with them throughout their lives. The dancers are able to challenge themselves to be the best they can be and Miss Carla keeps them on their toes.
Cherub Kycko
Jun 22, 2018
Report
Do not waste your time attending this ballet company only because you WILL be wasting your time waiting on the teacher/director to show up. Show up for practice, a rehearsal or a performance.I am sure she was wonderful 25 years ago. However, she is passed her prime. Girls leave weekly because of Carla's tardiness. I do wish the future of this company luck. It will come together after Carla realizes she can not do this alone.
Jill Ling
Jun 22, 2018
Report
Weve been with JCB for 4 years and could not be more happy with the company! Carla does such a great job with the girls, whether they are 4 or 17! My daughter (8) has learned so much. She cried when the season was over in the spring, is happy to be part of some summer lessons and cant wait to get started in the fall. The discipline in classical ballet is tough and to have a place that sticks to the classical ballet is wonderful.
