DARIEN – Professional ballet dancer Claire Mazza is joining the Darien Center for the Arts in an expansion of its dance program, which will take place this fall at the centre’s newly renovated Weatherstone Studio.
The centre’s dance program offers programs for children from 3 years old to adults and the possibility of participating in several shows throughout the year.
A native of New York, Mazza began her dance training at the School of American Ballet. While immersing himself in the Balanchine style, Mazza studied privately with François Perron, focusing on classical French technique, and attended Studio Maestro (currently Manhattan Youth Ballet).
After graduating and performing with the Manhattan Youth Ballet Studio Company, Mazza launched his professional career dancing with Les Grands Ballet Canadiens de Montréal, Brooklyn Ballet, North Carolina Dance Theater, Richmond Ballet, Morales Dance, the Staten Island Ballet, St. Peter’s Dance Company, Patrelle Dances and Cello Pointe.
Mazza was also a soloist with the Connecticut Ballet for many years. She is currently a soloist with the New York-based Ballets With a Twist and the Kathryn Posin Dance Company.
Mazza’s ballet repertoire ranges from classical to contemporary works. She recently starred as the principal in “Who Cares?” By ballet choreographer George Balanchine. and played the role of Titania in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. Mazza has also been seen dancing in television productions such as “Kings”, “Royal Pains” and “Elementary”.
Mazza has been teaching dance to students for 10 years. Mazza co-founded the non-profit East Coast Contemporary Ballet in 2019.
Mazza teaches ballet on Wednesdays for grades 6 to 8 from 5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m., and company ballet from 6:45 to 8 p.m., also on Wednesdays. Dance classes at the arts center begin September 7th.
Classes for students ages 3 and up include ballet, jazz, hip hop, Broadway dance, lyrical jazz, contemporary dance, pointe, and boys’ ballet, which is new for offerings from the arts center.
Check out the course offerings and the rest of the course offerings at the arts center by visiting darienarts.org. Also sign up for Arts Center email newsletters and register for classes on this website or call the Arts Center at (203) 655-8683.
