If you’ve strolled Main Street in Ridgefield, you’ve no doubt walked past the Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance (RCD). Perhaps you’ve gazed through the window at excited young dancers in their first leotards or graceful, long-limbed ballerinas en pointe. What many don’t realize, is that is only a glimpse of what the Conservatory offers. For nearly 60 years, the Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance has been a premiere dance studio in Fairfield County. Originally established by Patricia Schuster with a mission to elevate dance instruction in the area, RCD has maintained its reputation of excellence in instruction.
“What sets the Conservatory apart is the caliber of its faculty,” says Amy Piantaggini, who has been RCD’s Executive Director since 2014 and boasts over 20 years of experience as senior faculty. RCD instructors, many of whom travel from New York City, consists of degreed and certified teachers who not only have professional experience, but also educational competence in their specific genre. “The opportunity for Fairfield County’s youth to learn from and be mentored by the highly accomplished instructors at RCD helps students form an appreciation for the serious work necessary for artists to achieve and allows them to express themselves through dance,” says RCD Board member Steven Waldinger.
RCD is also Northern Fairfield County’s only nonprofit dance studio – overseen by a board of directors to ensure resources are reinvested into the organization. Their commitment to the non-profit community has resulted in long-standing pro bono collaborations with community partners including The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, SPHERE, Ridgefield Library, Thrown Stone Theatre and their newest outreach, Ridgebury Farm & Stables. The Ridgefield Civic Ballet, comprised of the most advanced dancers who train up to six days a week, perform at community events such as the Holiday Stroll and the Ann’s Place Festival of Trees.
Additionally, RCD is the only area school established as a secondary chapter for the National Honor Society for Dance Arts through the National Dance Education Organization. “This award recognizes dancers who achieve not only the highest level of academic rigor, but a dedicated commitment to their dance training, performance, and volunteer service,” says Piantaggini.
RCD offers over 60 classes a week in its three studio spaces, ranging from pre-ballet to modern. “Our modern dance classes, based on the Martha Graham tradition and recently the addition of Horton technique, prepare our students for college dance programs,” says Piantaggini. Many RCD students go on to dance in collegiate programs and some have achieved professional careers. RCD alumni consistently acknowledge the role the studio has had in shaping their futures. “I absolutely loved my time at RCD. Not only did I gain an incredible foundation in some of the essential forms of dance that set me up for a career in the arts, but I also gained a tight knit family I still keep in contact with,” says Isaac Martin Lerner, graduate of the Hartt School/University of Hartford and professional dancer.
RCD will be offering an Open House on September 6th. Piantaggini encourages any parents interested in signing their children up or reach out to the studio ahead of time. “We love when students begin with us at an early age – we keep it fun and enjoyable,” she says, “but it builds the foundation for future success.” For more information, please call 203-438-5597, visit ridgefielddance.org, or email information@ridgefielddance.org.
