ABOUT US

The Studio of Dance was founded in 1993 and continues to grow as one of the leading dance institutions in the Northeast. As West Hartford's premier school of ballet, we are committed to training fine dancers and bringing this vital art form to our community.

Classes are offered for ages 3 to adult in creative movement, creative dance, pre-ballet, ballet, pointe, contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, flexibility, and pilates.

Well-known for its exemplary training geared to teaching students of all levels the art of dance, the Studio of Dance places strong emphasis on proper technique.

The Studio of Dance recognizes, encourages, and develops each and every student through a comprehensive curriculum, including master class offerings taught by prominent guest artists-in-residence, complimentary and supportive consulting seminars, and outstanding performance field trips. In support of these goals, the central philosophy of the Studio of Dance is to demand the very best effort from each student, whether or not the student plans a professional career in dance.

The ballet program taught is based on the Russian Vaganova Pedagogical Method, which builds strength and grace in the dancer. It is enhanced through the inclusion of contemporary dance styles, preparing graduates for the eclectic demands of dance programs and majors at colleges and universities, and regional and professional dance companies.

Philosophy of the Studio of Dance

• To impart the finest dance education available, taught in a nurturing and creative environment to a variety of students.
• To promote the study of dance at every level of development, serving diverse individual needs and aspirations.
  To welcome the serious student as well as those who wish to discover dance for art appreciation and for pure physical enjoyment.
• To provide professional training in an atmosphere fostering proper technical development, love, and joy of the art.
• To demand the very best effort from each student, imparting the student with a positive self-image and a sense of discipline and dedication.

Studio of Dance students represent the future of dance: As dedicated, enthusiastic members of the dance community, and as potential members of regional and professional dance companies.

The Artistic Director
Bette-Ann Libin,
Founder and Artistic Director

Bette-Ann Libin, a graduate of The School of The Hartford Ballet Teacher Training Program, has been teaching dance to children and adults for over thirty-one years. Ms. Libin founded West Hartford's Premier Ballet School, the Studio of Dance, in 1993 gaining regional recognition as an exemplary training ground for dance students.

Ms. Libin utilizes her extensive expertise in designing dance classes that balance individual strengths and needs with the standard of excellence associated with professional training.

Ms. Libin brings to her work professional pedagogy training in creative movement, creative dance, pre-ballet, ballet, pointe, contemporary, jazz, choreography and flexibility, and a deep commitment to dance as an art form and a natural part of healthy living.

In 1999, Ms. Libin founded Ballet Theatre Company where she served as Ballet Mistress, as well as Executive and Artistic Director before returning in 2005 to her first love, the training of exceptional dancers.

In 2006, Ms. Libin founded West Hartford Youth Ballet, a professional performing company comprised solely of aspiring young dancers and emerging professionals. Our youth based performing company promotes the advancement of technical and artistic development within a nurturing, professional production environment.

Modern & Pilate's Instructor
Sonia Plumb,
Choreographer & Dance Educator
You can find more information about her work at soniaplumbdance.org.

Sonia Plumb is a choreographer, dance educator, performer and STOTT certified Pilates instructor. For over thirteen years, she led Sonia Plumb Dance Company choreographing more than thirty pieces, including the full-length "The Wanderings of Odysseus. "As Artistic Director, she created Dare to Dance, a series of workshops and performances for underserved communities including youth, minorities and seniors.

In addition, her work has been performed in adjudicated showcases including: "5x5," "Ted Hershey Dance and Music Marathon," "Sono Arts Festival," "Dance Alive -Connecticut Dance Alliance Showcase," "Connecticut Choreographers' Forum," "A New Generation of Dance" at SUNY Purchase, New York, "New Dance/New Haven," "Dance Services Network Choreographers' Showcase," "International Festival of Arts and Ideas," First Night, and the Special Olympics. She has twice received the Connecticut Commission on the Arts Choreographers' Fellowship for Artistic Excellence.

Sonia has been a frequent collaborator and choreographer for a number of artistic organizations throughout Connecticut. She has choreographed both Elizabethan period pieces and contemporary work for the Capital Classics Shakespeare Festival in plays such as "The Tempest," "Romeo and Juliet," "A Midsummer Night's Dream," and "Comedy of Errors." She has also worked with CitySingers of Hartford, Paul Winters Consort, Loomis Chaffee School and Naugatuck Valley Community College.

In addition to her artistic work, Sonia was a co-producer of the first Ted Hershey Dance and Music Marathon. She was also a founding board member of the Connecticut Dance Alliance.

Sonia currently teaches dance and Pilates at the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts, PHIT Pilates and Studio of Dance. Her teaching credits also include: Hartford Conservatory, Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts, Dance Connecticut, Hartford Children's Theater and Connecticut Concert Ballet. She holds a B.A. in Dance and Theater from Trinity College, Hartford, CT.