Business Details
48 Years
experience
Premier Dance Education & Pre-Professional Training
Canton Ballet has been a cornerstone of dance education in Northeast Ohio since 1978, dedicated to cultivating artistic excellence and fostering personal growth through classical ballet training. Our institution provides comprehensive instruction for students ranging from toddlers to adults, combining technical rigor with character development to produce disciplined, skilled individuals prepared for both professional dance careers and diverse life paths. Under the leadership of Director Jennifer Catazaro Hayward, we maintain partnerships with prestigious institutions like the Canton Symphony Orchestra and offer community outreach programs that have become cherished local traditions.With a faculty of internationally recognized artists and educators, we emphasize age-appropriate training that balances artistic expression with physical development. Our alumni have achieved success in major dance companies and performing arts fields worldwide, while our community programs continue to enrich cultural life through accessible performances and educational initiatives.
Services
Ballet Classes
Pre-Professional Training
Summer Programs
Community Outreach
Performance Workshops
Youth Development
Adult Dance Classes
Costume Design
Teacher Training
Stage Production
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- We offer 45+ years of proven excellence in classical ballet training
- Our faculty includes international dance professionals and master educators
- We provide community outreach programs serving 1000+ local students annually
- Our graduates perform with prestigious companies like New York City Ballet
- We maintain partnerships with professional orchestras and cultural institutions
Services
Ballet Classes
Our comprehensive ballet curriculum serves students from toddlers to adults, with progressive levels maintaining technical standards while accommodating individual learning paces. Classes emphasize proper technique, artistic expression, and physical development through age-appropriate methodologies. Our structured program builds foundational skills while preparing advanced students for professional careers or collegiate dance programs.
Pre-Professional Training
This intensive program develops technical mastery and performance skills through daily technique classes, pointe work, partnering, and repertoire study. Students receive personalized coaching from industry professionals and gain stage experience through company productions. The curriculum aligns with requirements for major dance companies and conservatory programs.
Community Outreach
Our outreach initiatives bring live dance performances and educational workshops to local schools, reaching over 1,000 students annually. The annual Peter and the Wolf production combines musical education with dance storytelling, while in-school residencies introduce preschoolers to movement fundamentals through structured dance activities.
Summer Programs
These seasonal programs offer concentrated dance study with master instructors from prestigious institutions. Participants receive daily technique classes, choreography workshops, and performance preparation in a supportive environment. The programs cater to both recreational students seeking summer enrichment and advanced dancers preparing for professional careers.
Performance Production
We produce professional-grade performances featuring live orchestral accompaniment and custom-designed costumes. Our annual Nutcracker production has become a regional holiday tradition, while contemporary works showcase original choreography and innovative staging techniques. All productions provide valuable stage experience for student performers.
People
Jennifer Catazaro Hayward
Director
Award-winning director with 35+ years of experience training professional dancers. Recipient of National Society of Arts & Letters scholarship. Her students have joined major companies including New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theatre. Holds degrees from University of Akron and trained at School of American Ballet.
Zachary Catazaro
Master Guest Teacher
Former New York City Ballet principal dancer with 15+ years of professional performance experience. Trained at School of American Ballet under Jock Soto and Sean Lavery. Performed leading roles in major classical ballets. Now shares expertise through teaching while maintaining aviation career.
Madison Campbell
Ballet Instructor
Certified ballet teacher with decade-long professional performance background. Trained at Joffrey Midwest and San Francisco Ballet. Former Cleveland Ballet dancer with teaching experience across all skill levels. Currently pursuing social work degree to enhance educational outreach capabilities.
Tommie Earl Jenkins
Artistic Ambassador
Internationally recognized performer with credits spanning Broadway, West End, and Hollywood. Original London cast member of Jersey Boys. Featured in Tim Burton's Wednesday series. Provides inspirational guidance to students through masterclasses and career development workshops.
Sharon Walsh
Principal Pianist
Accomplished pianist with 14 years of professional dance accompaniment experience. Collaborated with Tulsa Ballet, Kansas City Ballet, and Juilliard School. Specializes in live performance improvisation and has worked with renowned guest artists including Viviana Durante and William Whitener.
Questions
What age groups do your dance programs serve?
We offer classes for toddlers as young as 3 through adult learners, with progressive levels accommodating all skill ranges.
Do you offer financial assistance for dance training?
Yes, we provide need-based financial aid and scholarship opportunities to ensure accessibility for dedicated students.
How can students audition for pre-professional programs?
Auditions occur annually in May. Prospective students should prepare classical ballet variations and attend technique classes for evaluation.
Are community performances accessible for school groups?
Yes, we offer discounted group rates and educational materials for school field trips to our mainstage productions.
What performance opportunities exist for students?
Students participate in annual Nutcracker, spring performances, and community outreach productions with professional staging elements.
Do you provide dance teacher training programs?
Our faculty development workshops cover classical pedagogy, injury prevention, and curriculum design for dance educators.
Reviews (2)
Nicole J.
Dec 07, 2019
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Weve been so pleased with our experience with canton ballet. Weve participated in summer camps, pre-ballet, and elementary 1. Mrs. Grasse is a spectacular teacher. She has high expectations and teaches with such grace and poise. Our daughter has blossomed in her classes and its the highlight of her week. We couldnt recommend the school more.
Lily S.
Oct 22, 2017
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I've been going here for about 10 years and they are so great at teaching and preparing you for everything. Every student there is super nice and it is just a great environment
