The School Philosophy

The School associated with Pioneer Valley Ballet Company has been in existence for 40 years. Established by Gail Giere Collins, the company that she founded in 1972 flourished because of the level of excellence she expected of her students and had establish in her school classes during the previous 7 years. Six years after her retirement, the School of the Pioneer Valley Ballet Company, now directed by Thomas Vacanti and Maryanne Delisle Kodzis, is dedicated to providing all children with the opportunity to experience the joys of movement through the study of classical ballet. Whether or not children aspire to professional dance careers, the exercises used in ballet classes make students strong and healthy, and a classroom style that helps them to develop poise, confidence, respect and self-esteem. The "listen, think, & move" philosophy they acquire through dance training at PVB will stay with them throughout their lives, helping them to develop their creative thinking and problem solving skills, expand their imagination, and help them gain a sense of membership in a vibrant arts community, becoming responsible citizens and leaders who are supportive of the arts.

Pioneer Valley Ballet alumni have received scholarships to many college dance programs and professional schools including the schools of American Ballet Theatre, Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre, New York City Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, Boston Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, Houston Ballet, and San Francisco Ballet. PVB Alumni have also danced ballet companies including with American Ballet Theatre, the New York City Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, Hartford Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, Dayton Ballet, Princeton Ballet/American Repertory Ballet, Twyla Tharp Dance, Alonso King's LINES Ballet, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, the Eglevsky Ballet, Berlin Ballet, Tulsa Ballet, Charleston Ballet Theatre, Berkshire Ballet, New Jersey Ballet, North Carolina Dance Theatre, Los Angeles Chamber Ballet, Donald Byrd/The Dance Group Company, and San Francisco Ballet; as well as many modern dance companies and contemporary ballet companies in the United States and in Europe. Alumni have also become instructors in private dance schools and colleges, have become award winning choreographers, have founded their own successful performing companies, and have become arts administrators, physical therapists and Pilates instructors, and continually, enthusiasts and supporters of the arts.