Princeton Dance and Theater
Studio Plans To Open Its Doors;
Susan Jaffe, former American Ballet Theater principal dancer, joins
as co-director.
Princeton, New Jersey, May 30, 2003 - Princeton Dance and Theater Studio announced the planned opening of their facility to serve students, performing arts enthusiasts and career professionals that seek the highest level of dance and theater instruction. Susan Jaffe, former American Ballet Theater principal dancer, and current advisor to ABT's chairman of the board announced that she is joining the Princeton Dance and Theater Studio as co-director, keeping her commitment to open a dance and theater studio in Princeton, New Jersey by September 1, 2003. Ms. Jaffe, 2003 recipient of the Dance Magazine award, will co-direct the studio.
"For years it has been my dream to have a studio where I could pass on my concept of a performing artist," said Ms. Jaffe. "My ideal dance artist is one that not only has refined dance technique, but also has a strong acting base so that a multilevel performance can be realized. Additionally, a terrific actor needs to feel comfortable in movement to project a believable performance." Ms. Jaffe, who has taught throughout the United States and Japan, has studied with acting coach Byam Stevens for years to bring richness to her roles. Her portrayal of Tatiana in American Ballet Theater's production of "Onegin" in 2001 prompted Anna Kisselgoff of The New York Times to write, "That Ms. Jaffe brought complexity and understanding to dance acting was obvious. This was a Tatiana who moved visibly from an especially warm young girl … to the passionate and torn figure at the end."
"Quite simply, our mission is to be the provider of the finest and most comprehensive dance and theater training available while creating a professional, inviting, and nurturing environment" said Risa Gary Kaplowitz, co-director of the studio. She was a principal dancer with Dayton Ballet and Manhattan Ballet and has taught ballet throughout the country including New York City and Princeton. Together, Ms. Kaplowitz and Ms. Jaffe bring a combined thirty-five years of professional performing experience and dance education. Their ten member staff is comprised of professional ballet, modern, and Broadway dancers and actors.
The school will offer fitness classes such as yoga, stretch, and Pilates. Classes will be held daily and often at the same time as many of our children's movement or music classes so that parents and children can attend the studio together. With great respect for individual talents, the studio will welcome students who aim to be professional performing artists as well as students who will come for fitness, education and love of dance and theater. Master classes given by preeminent performance artists will be advertised and scheduled monthly and a pre-professional performing company is expected to emerge from the studio within the first year.
For enrollment please call (609) 514-1600 or visit our web site at www.princetondance.com for more information.
