Photo Karen Graham.
Richelle Kinley brings classic ballet to Millbrook residents young and old. Her new studio is called To The Pointe Ballet Studio.
Visit www.tothepointeballetstudio.ca
Richelle Kinley is bringing classic Ballet moves to her new home town. With a dazzling smile and a can-do spirit, this energetic instructor is ready to guide students young and old to new interpretations of classic dance movements.
A natural dancer at age three, Richelle attended Ryerson for Theatre and Dance when someone suggested she try out for the National Ballet School (NBS). She was accepted immediately and spent five years dancing with the likes of Karen Kain when her dancing career was cut short due to an accident. Not one to give up, she shifted gears, channeling her energy and skills completing an exhaustive three year teacher training program, joining an elite group of dance instructors with professional qualifications from the Royal Academy of Dance and the Cecchetti Society of Canada. As one would expect, the curriculum at the NBS is hard core, and includes courses in anatomy, character, communications and conditioning in addition to the expected dance styles and teaching techniques. It also established her commitment to the classic, theatrical ballet style known as Cecchetti, based on the classical teachings of the great Italian ballet master Enrico Cecchetti that is best portrayed by classic dancers such as Anna Pavlova.
Richelle developed a successful dance school in Port Perry, where she operated seven days a week for 16 years in a heritage building purchased for that purpose. Students of all ages and ability signed up to gain poise, confidence, discipline and grace in group and private classes. It was rewarding but also exhausting!
The passing of two loved ones had Richelle reconsider her frantic pace so she sold her school to one of her instructors. While she remains committed to her new entreprise, she will limit its demands on her life. Classes will be offered on Thursday and Friday evenings in the gym at the Municipal Office located at 988 County Rd. 10.
A class Called Creative Eights will be available for the very young student ages three and four, where dance moves will be incorporated into fun activities. Older students will be introduced to a variety of skills based on ballet and jazz, including lyrical dance and classic ballet with a focus on artistry as well as form.
She is accepting registration in person on Friday evenings in September from 5 to 8 pm at the Municipal Office, when she will meet her prospective students and guide them to the most appropriate class.
