Vaganova Academy brings a passion for dance to Fayette County
Summer Reed is a professional ballet dancer. She attended ballet school in Lexington, Kentucky, and has had opportunities throughout her career to travel the world, performing on the largest stages.
When the pandemic grounded Reed蘑菇视频 plans and she moved back to Fayette County, she began teaching private dance lessons for young people in the community. Doing that changed all of her future plans.
鈥淚 thought I would go back to dancing all over the world, but the need for an arts program like this one in this area just hit me,鈥� Reed said. 鈥淭hese kids deserve it; they work really hard for it and I wanted to stay and be that person that helps these kids with their extraordinary talent.鈥�
Vaganova Academy of Brownsville, perhaps better known as Little Mozart蘑菇视频, was launched not only with the intent of helping young dancers discover their joy for the arts, develop high moral character and to learn to work hard but also for the financial challenge to be minimal.
鈥淭he only reason I received my training was because of teachers offering scholarships. If I didn鈥檛 have a ride, they would pick me up,鈥� Reed said. 鈥淚 want to do the same for other students.鈥�
The nonprofit Vaganova Academy offers ballet training for anyone with any financial means.
Since 2020, Reed has granted more than $20,000 in scholarships to students who may need discounted tuition, shoes, dance attire and more 鈥� much of which, came out of her own pocket.
鈥淭here is a place for you regardless of what you can pay or not pay,鈥� Reed said. 鈥淚 do require students to maintain their scholarship. You have to be committed to the program and willing to do the work. We want kids who really desire and yearn for this training but if you need a ride, I鈥檒l pick you up and if you need dance shoes, we鈥檒l get that taken care of.鈥�
The dance studio goes far beyond the lessons of pirouettes and pli茅s.
鈥淚 think as a dancer you really develop a sense of confidence to project yourself in any light. What other way can you share your passion and experiences in a nonverbal performance?鈥� Reed said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e learning drive, leadership skills, coordination, discipline鈥� just a multitude of things.鈥�
Over the past few years, Reed has even had the pleasure of watching experienced dancers begin mentoring younger students.
In 2024, she蘑菇视频 planning to offer additional public performances, including outreach programs such as performances at local retirement and assisted living homes.
Each season, there is a mid-year performance and an end-of-year performance which the public is invited to attend.
The mid-year performance will be held at 5 p.m. Dec. 5.
Buying a ticket supports their mission but supporters can also find Vaganova Academy at local events like Christmas in the Park, raising funds to go toward additional scholarships.
Vaganova Academy is located at 6229 National Pike East, Grindstone. For more information, visit https://vab.academy/ or their Facebook page.