Festival School of Ballet

he Festival School of Ballet was founded in 1987 by Clare Fetto and her husband, Keith Carcich. After more than ten years of teaching and performing throughout Western New York, they saw a need in the city of Buffalo for a school offering classical ballet training in a professional atmosphere.

They chose to offer students of dance an alternative to the mostly jazz and tap studios where the “recital” orientation is obvious, and a single “routine” is rehearsed for nine months and performed at the cost of hundreds of dollars for each participant. Rather than focus on an end-of-season recital, Festival students are encouraged – but not pressured – to audition for area professional dance productions and to perform whenever possible.

The Festival School of Ballet reveals the world of dance – the long hours of training in technique, style, and musicality, as well as the beauty of performance – to children and adults. Ms. Fetto and Mr. Carcich maintain a professional program, under the direction of Ms. Fetto, which brings self-discipline and self-awareness to students of all ages and skill levels – regardless of whether students will ultimately choose dance as a career.

Each spring, Festival School of Ballet produces an in-studio performance. Participation is voluntary, rehearsals are kept to a minimum, and participants from all skill levels are integrated into the production. There is no additional fee, associated with this performance, and there is no charge to the audience.

Since January 2003, the Festival School of Ballet has been located in the Church of the Good Shepherd at 96 Jewett Parkway in North Buffalo. This historic church is near Delaware Park and just across the street from the Frank Lloyd Wright designed Darwin Martin house.

The area is well-lit and there is plenty of parking on surrounding streets.

Our studio is located in Mears Hall behind the church proper. This large, upstairs space has a hardwood floor and fine natural light from windows on all sides.

We are fortunate to have the encouragement and support of the parishioners and leaders of this wonderful church.

The Festival School of Ballet is known throughout the area as one of the few places where adults at all levels can receive ballet instruction in a professional and supportive atmosphere.

Many students come back after years away from dance and find it an enjoyable way to stay fit and socialize with others of all ages and backgrounds. Dancers and performers in other disciplines find it a place where they can stay in touch with ballet fundamentals.

Students in the adult classes are welcome to drop in for a class whenever it is convenient or arrange to take classes as their schedule allows. Many former students who have moved away take these classes whenever they are in town and dance professionals come in for a class during breaks in teaching or performing