Founded in 1968 by former Broadway dancer and esteemed ballerina Doris Driver,
New England Academy of Dance (NEAD) began as a boutique studio with only 12 dancers.
Slowly, the school grew to extend class offerings to dancers of all ages, and encompass a studio company.
In 2003, school ownership was transferred to a trio of directors with professional dance & choreography experience:
Frances Ortiz, Gina Ortiz, and Ted Thomas. Together, the new directors focused their energy on defining a curriculum for each distinct age group, and transforming the Nutcracker and Spring Performances into highly theatrical, community events.
Enrolling over 500 dancers each semester during the past decade, NEAD has grown to become one of the foremost dance institutions in Fairfield County.
Cinderella – A fairytale classic that sparkles with heart and humor! A full-length ballet in two acts performed by NEAD’s students in our junior and senior pre-professional divisions, as well as our NEAD Company. We have had the pleasure of staging this ballet twice before, making it one of our favorites!
