Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Dye.
Hi Erica, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am originally from New York. My earliest ballet training was received at the Dorothy Singer School of Dance in Bay Shore, NY. My later training was with Andre Eglevsky and Leda Anchutina Eglevsky at the Andre Eglevsky School of Ballet in Massapequa, New York. I was also a student at The American Ballet Theatre School in New York City where my instructors were Patricia Wilde, Michael Maule, Leon Danielian and Valentina Pereyaslavec. I also trained with David Howard and Melissa Hayden. I graduated from Virginia Intermont College in Bristol, Virginia with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Ballet. While at Virginia Intermont I was a member of the Bristol Concert Ballet Company. I have also done some graduate work at Adelphi University in Garden City, New York.
I established my ballet studio, The Appalachian Center for Ballet, in 1980 with three locations, Abingdon, Lebanon and Honaker Virginia. My studio was the first studio to offer any kind of dance in these three communities.
My studio offers ballet classes for dancers ages two and up. We have performing opportunities for older dancers in the community. My studio performs an annual spring performance of a full length ballet each spring.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been an exciting and fun journey building a successful ballet studio.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My studio offers weekly ballet classes for all ages of dancers. My studio differs from others in our region because we exclusively teach only classical ballet.
One of the greatest compliments of my career is that I’m now teaching the next generation. It is wonderful to be teaching the children of former dancers. It’s a great compliment to know that these former dancers loved their ballet experience with me enough to want that same experience for their children!
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love Abingdon, Virginia. I love living in a small town. I love the quaintness and history of this community. It’s a great place to live and a great place to raise children.
My only complaint would be the distance from the ocean!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://AppalachianCenterforBallet.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/100040214899262/?http_ref=eyJ0cyI6MTc5MDI4MTAyMTAwMCwiciI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC93d3cuYXBwYWxhY2hpYW5jZW50ZXJmb3JiYWxsZXQuY29tXC8ifQ%3D%3D
- Other: Appcenter4ballet@gmail.com
