NEWTOWN CENTRE OF CLASSICAL BALLET was established in 2001
by Artistic Director Jennifer Johnston who is carrying on the Russian
heritage of her mentor Marsha Ismailoff Mark who taught classical
ballet for over 30 years in Newtown, Connecticut.
Ms. Johnston offers the community a positive and artistic environment
in which children can expand their creative abilities while building their
self-esteem through the structure and discipline of her high level of
instruction in the world-renown Vaganova Method.
Students at NCCB not only receive personal and individual attention
they acquire strength, precision, lyrical upper body movements and gain
the agility to dance with their whole body in a more harmonious and
expressive range. Students will also learn to tune their ears to classical
music; train their eyes to see perfection of line, develop poise, posture,
discipline and the self-confidence that will carry over into other aspects
of their lives, including educational or professional careers.
Class syllabus begins at Pre-Ballet and proceeds by progression to the
Advanced levels. Vaganova is acknowledged and recognized all over the
world as the foremost classical ballet training program.
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Ballet Company
studied under the tutelage of Marsha Ismailoff Mark since the age of seven where she took classes with
Ballet Master George Volodine, Mrs. Mark's mentor. At the age of sixteen she became Mrs. Mark's
assistant, taught classes and performed as principal dancer and lecturer with the Malenkee Ballet
Repertoire Company. Ms. Johnston studied with and assisted Shamil Yagudin, Master Teacher of the
Bolshoi Ballet; obtained her Vaganova Certification under Cunova and Kolpakova at the Philadelphia
School of the Performing Arts. She attended Montana University for The New York Ballet Connection;
and obtained certification through A Very Special Arts for teaching children with special needs. In
1996 she was awarded a full scholarship to the world-renown Alvin Ailey American Dance Center in
New York City where she also assisted in Creative Dance Movement classes. In 2008 she received a
certificate of merit from the Finis Jhung Teachers Workshop at Ailey. Ms. Johnston has been written
about in numerous feature articles such as The Beauty of Ballet; The Sugar Plum Fairy Spins a Magic
of Her Own and was a cover model for Star Struck's Catalog. She has performed as a principal dancer
in numerous production's of Ballet Miniature; with actress Susan St. James narrative of Peter and the
Wolf; Ballet Stars of Moscow; Danbury Music Center's Nutcracker as Sugar Plum Fairy; and
Nutmeg Opera Company productions. In 2005 she became Associate Choreographer under Artistic
Director Arthur Frederic for Danbury Music Centre’s Nutcracker.
A life long resident of Newtown Ms. Johnston is involved in community activities that promote the arts. In 2002 she wrote a
Proposal for the Arts and presented it to the Ad Hoc Fairfield Hills Master Plan Committee; volunteered for Newtown's Tercentennial
Celebration; Olio Director for Tableaux Vivants, and choreographed variations presented at St. Rose Church Christmas Concert ,
Congregational Church's Noah's Ark and Broadway Bound. Since 2001 she has produced the Nutcracker Suite for the Newtown
Family Youth Services Holiday Festival and has presented numerous educational programs with NCCB’s Malenkee Repertoire Ballet
Company . In 2004 she served as Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Cultural Arts Study Committee who presented its proposal to the
Selectmen and Legislative Council who adopted Newtown’s Cultural Arts Commission of which she currently serves as chairperson.
Marsha and Jennifer (10)
was Artistic Director of the Marsha Ismailoff Mark School of Ballet, the Committee
for Ballet Miniatures and the Malenkee Ballet Repertoire Company for over 30 years
until she retired in 2001 passing on her legacy to Ms. Johnston. She produced
numerous ballet productions, among them memorable full-length productions of
Nutcracker and Coppelia, which included renown principal dancers to mentor with
her students. Mrs. Mark has touched many children’s lives throughout her career
through her creativity which was an inspiration to all who attended her school.
In 2001 Ms. Johnston on behalf of the Committee for Ballet Miniature, the Malenkee Ballet Repertoire Company, the students and her
dedication to the community presented her with a Degas statue which was placed in the Cyrenius H. Booth Library rose garden. Mrs.
Mark studied with Russian Ballet Masters George Volodine and George Balanchine and her biography is included in the 1995-96 edition
of Who's Who in American Women; and Who's Who in the World and Who's Who in Russia.
As a ten year old student I was most fortunate to study under the direction of Shamil Yagudin when Mrs. Mark
invited him to her school. Our relationship continued to grow with his visits for summer programs, from a
student to applying his techniques as a teacher, to assisting him with classes until his last visit to my studio in
2005. His life’s work was the international development and preservation of classical ballet. Shamil taught at
the Bolshoi School in Moscow and was Principal Coach and Ballet Master holding advanced degrees from
the Institute of Theatrical Arts in Moscow and the Moscow Choreographic Institute. He held the prestigious
title of People’s Artist of the Russian Federation.
Shamil was a master in the studio and coaching was what he loved most. He respected
every dancer he taught and was dedicated to perfecting the best that they could aspire
to. He touched thousands in the classical ballet world and I was blessed to have him as a
mentor and a friend. Shamil has passed on in spirit but his love of ballet, his teachings,
his knowledge and the friendships he made in his journey of life will remain as a
testament to what he shared through the legacy he has passed on.
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Ms. Johnston officially obtained her Vaganova Certification from the School of the Performing Arts in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania under the direction of Janina Cunova and Irina Kolpakova. Madam Cunova
graduated from Kaunas National Ballet School and taught at the Russian Method University and
Madam Kolpakova graduated from the Leningrad Vaganova School of Choreography and trained
directly under Agrippina Yaganova. Madam Yaganova (1879-1951) graduated from the Imperial Ballet
School in St. Petersburg Russia and then she began to search for a personal approach to ballet that would
incorporate the best elements of techniques from the French, Italians and Russians. The Vaganova
Method is distinguished by its use of a syllabus which she developed and documented in her book, “The
Basic Principles of Classical Ballet.” Russian Ballet Technique; 1946. The prestigious Vaganova Ballet
Academy in St. Peterburg Russia bears her name . Vaganova training begins at pre-ballet and progresses.
CREATIVE MOVEMENT CLASS (3 and 4 YEAR OLDS): Ms. Johnston provides an exciting and
fun atmosphere in which girls and boys can explore the world of music, imagination and expression
while developing their skills for progression to pre-ballet class. Children will develop physical being,
sensory awareness, enhanced concentration, build self-esteem and channel their energy in a most
positive and creative way. Ms. Johnston is also certified through “A Very Special Arts Program,” to teach
children with special needs. Bring your imagination to Creative Movement Class where: We fly way up
to the clouds; swim in the sea; pull down the moon and watch it float back up to the sky; jump over
mountains; take all of the colors and dance with them!
REPERTOIRE CLASS
(ADVANCED I & II LEVELS) is a mentoring based heritage curriculum which
includes the advanced studies and application of repertoire that has been passed down through Ms.
Johnston's education of dance techniques and choreography. Students learn to utilize their choreographic
skills, enhance their knowledge and creativity and dance in world-renown repertoire of classical, Russian,
Spanish, character, folk and modern variations.
Whether you have studied ballet in past years or a first time student or just looking for an extra-curricular
activity ADULT BALLET CLASS will offer quality training in pure enjoyment of the art of classical
ballet. You will gain better health by mastering basic moves, positions and barre work while utilizing your
body, mind and spirit. This class promotes technique, artistry and musicality together with the
opportunity to strengthen and tone your body, as well as increase flexibility and balance for those who love
to stay in shape.
is a voluntary opportunity for students of NCCB to take part in an annual Spring
Performance where they can grow and learn by working and mentoring together
in a creative learning atmosphere in producing a full-length production. Since the
establishment of NCCB, Ms. Johnston has choreographed numerous Russian,
Spanish character, folk, modern and classical variations for her students. Fulllength ballet productions have included Flower Festival, Les Syphyides, Four
Seasons, Etudes, Magic Key, A Gypsy Princess, an adaptation of Paquita;
Cinderella and The Toy Shop, an adaptation of Coppelia.
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The Malenkee Ballet Repertoire Company was originally formed in 1980 by Marsha Ismailoff
Mark, its founding director who traces her heritage back to Russia where small ballet
companies grew throughout the country. It was with this impetus that she perceived the
establishment of Malenkee. Upon establishing NCCB in 2001 Ms. Johnston is carrying forward
the tradition and philosophy in which Malenkee was established and for the past ten years has
continued with its community–wide programming.
The Malenkee Ballet Repertoire Company feels privileged to have had the opportunity to touch
so many people's lives with its educational dance programs and performances sponsored by
PTA's, non-profits and private schools. Its diversified educational programming has been very
well received by students, faculty and administrators and it continues to grow within the
surrounding communities. Its educational programming incorporates what it takes to create a
ballet, its music, history and costuming. Its ballet performance includes a story line ballet that
also incorporates a demonstration by company members and audience participation. Malenkee’s
repertoire includes Magic Key, Circus, Peter and the Wolf, Etudes and Nutcracker Suite. Malenkee
performances have included The Nutcracker Suite for the Newtown Family Youth Services
Holiday Festival for the past ten years, Newtown’s Tercentennial Tabloid Vivants,
International Week at St. Rose School and numerous nursing homes, senior citizens, assisted
living facilities, Girl Scout and Brownie Troupes. Students age ten and up can audition for this
yearly commitment for placement in the company at the end of June for the following season.
Company members are required to take their assigned classes plus the Malenkee Class.
“Open a Small Door and View the Wonderful World of Ballet!”
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S
M
T
MBRC
“Nutcracker
Suite”
SPRING REHEARSALS
START IN MARCH
T
CREATIVE
MOVEMENT
CREATIVE
MOVEMENT
F
S
Danbury Music Center’s
“NUTCRAKER”
2:30-3:15
11:00-11:45
1st Sunday
in December
(afternoons)
(mornings)
INTERMEDIATE
CLASS
PRE-BALLET
CLASS
INTERMEDIATE
CLASS
BEGINNER I
CLASS
BEGINNER II
CLASS
4:15-5:45
4:15—5:15
4:15-5:45
4:15-5:15
4:15-5:15
ADVANCED II
CLASS
ADVANCED I
CLASS
ADVANCED II
CLASS
ADVANCED I
CLASS
MALENKEE
COMPANY
CLASS
5:45-7:15
5:15-6:45
5:45-7:15
5:15-6:45
5:15-6:45
ADVANCED III
CLASS
POINTE
CLASS
(Adv II & III)
7:15-8:15
ADVANCED III
CLASS
ADULT BALLET
CLASS
6:45-8:15
6:45-7:45
REPERTOIRE
(Adv I, II, III)
6:45-8:15
7:15-8:15
2nd week in December
Tuition Fees (PER CLASS,
HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
Thanksgiving Recess
Christmas Recess.
One: $ 200
Four: $ 605
Seven: $ 940
Winter Recess.
Spring Recess.
Memorial Day
SNOW POLICY: Classes cancelled if
Newtown School System Closes. Message
will be on office phone.
SEMESTERS:
W
12 classes each
Semester I: Sept. — Nov.
Semester II: Dec. — March
Semester III: Mar. — June
EACH SEMESTER)
Two: $ 355 Three: $ 480
Five: $ 735 Six:
$ 835
Eight: $ 1025
Tuition is based on total classes a student or family
takes per week, per semester and reflects a built-in
discount within the tuition fee structure when
additional classes are taken. Tuition payments are
due one month in advance of classes. Late fees are
$15. and returned checks are $25. Students cannot be
allowed to take class if tuition is not paid in full.
Absences must be made up within a semester. PreBallet, Beginner II , Repertoire,
Pointe,
Adult
Classes are (1) hour long. Intermediate, Advanced
I, II, III and Malenkee Classes are (1 1/2) hours.
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SPRING
PERFORMANCE
IN JUNE!
MALENKEE
AUDITIONS
IN JUNE
CLASS ATTIRE
Assigned class leotard with
pink tights and slippers.
Creative: Any color
Pre-Ballet: Black
Beginner: Light Blue
Intermediate: Pink
Advanced: Black
Pointe Shoes,
Character Shoes
All attire is to be labeled.
Ballet Company
is located on the 2nd floor of the United Fire Company of Botsford, 315
South Main Street, (Rte. 25), Newtown, Connecticut where Ms.
Johnston provides a safe and secure environment in which children can
learn to dance in her spacious studio of 1500 square feet.
There is an open airy atmosphere with 12 foot high ceilings, windows
that surround the entire studio and cushioned wood floors to dance on.
There is a waiting area for parents and plenty of parking available on
both sides of the building. Classes are limited in size to ensure that each
student receives individual attention. Parents are allowed to observe
class once a month.
Please feel free to observe classes, take a class or request NCCB’s
Brochure !
E-Mail: wjohnston01@sbcglobal.net
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NEWTOWN CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION meets
on The fourth Thursday of each month. The
establishment of the Newtown Cultural Arts
Commission’s purpose is stimulate, facilitate,
coordinate and cooperate with existing
organizations for the development of the arts.
Its serves as an information center and focal
point in our community for activities in the arts.
The Commission meets on the fourth Thursday
of every month. Won’t you join us in promoting
the arts in Newtown.
http://newtownartscommission.org/
Flagpole Radio Café tickets can be
ordered on line at the Newtown
Cultural Arts Website.
TORY SENETE
http://www.torysenete.com/
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