Delaware Arts and Entertainment Education: First State Ballet Theatre in Wilmington, Russian Ballet

“Ballet training is training for life,” says president Robert Grenfell, who points out that FSBT’s students range from 4 to 70 years old. The faculty of distinguished dancers teaches the rigorous Vaganova Syllabus of classical Russian ballet, the core of the school’s program. Summer intensive training—”emphasis on intense,” Grenfell says—strengthens technique for students 9-22. Weeklong summer workshops give kids 4-8 the fundamentals. “When you come to ballet class, you bring your body, but you also have to bring your heart and bring your head,” Grenfell says. That means learning how to bring characters to life or, for adults, “making the best use of their remaining physical abilities.” Everyone learns respect for teachers and other dancers, as well as how to express beautiful music through movement. Anyone can gain composure, confidence and poise. “That carries over into every aspect of life,” Grenfell says. Wilmington, 658-7897, firststateballet.com