About Ballet Extension

History

Ballet Extension opened in the Fall of 1997 under the direction Susan Muterspaugh as a school to train ballet dancers for Rockingham Ballet Theatre, which had begun to present full-length story ballets locally in 1995. Ballet Extension filled a void in local dance training and the studio grew in stature becoming recognized as one of the premier ballet training centers in the Central Shenandoah Valley. Many of our students have been accepted to prestigious summer dance programs, some on scholarship, such as American Ballet Theatre, Boston Ballet, Miami City Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet and Royal Winnipeg Ballet among others. Several of our former students have received B.A. degrees in dance while others have achieved successful careers as professional dancers.

Mission

At Ballet Extension, we love dance. Our goal is to teach authentic technique in all dance forms and, in particular to give serious ballet students the opportunity to excel. Our pre-professional program offers area youth multiple ballet and pointe classes per week and the chance to perform in actual classical story ballets. Our dancers come from all over Harrisonburg, Rockingham, Augusta, Shenandoah, and Page Counties. Many come for our expertise in classical ballet while others love our talented and committed teachers of Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Modern and Gymnastics. All students enjoy Ballet Extension’s caring atmosphere and desire to help each student realize their potential while learning the life skills associated with studying dance. Each of our teachers is excited to help students develop skill, confidence and an appreciation for the art form of dance.