Here at Ridgefield HamletHub, we are excited to partner with Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance (RCD) to spotlight the nonprofit dance studio's talented faculty members.
Meet Kelly Gleason - RCD student turned faculty member!
I love Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance (RCD)! I first started at RCD as a student, and have now been lucky to be a faculty member for four years! It was an honor to be asked to join the faculty by Executive Director Amy Piantaggini, whom I first met as a student at the studio.
What makes RCD a unique place to hone your skill?
RCD is such a special and unique place- it really blends a professional and rigorous atmosphere with a positive and joyful learning experience for students. RCD really supports its faculty both in and out of the studio, and the students really benefit from working with current professionals who understand today’s evolving dance world firsthand. Personally, I find it so enriching to work with all of the different faculty members who are true professionals in their own genres. They are inspiring, and I consider myself lucky to be among them!
Tell me a bit about your history and experience as a dancer
After attending Pace University, I have performed in the national tours of three different Broadway shows- 42nd Street, Chicago, and My Fair Lady. I have also performed in many different regional productions at theaters including Paper Mill Playhouse, North Shore Music Theatre, The REV Theatre Co, and Theatre by the Sea. I have performed at New York Fashion Week, as well as the International Music Awards for Iggy Azalea. I love sharing my love of dance with the students at RCD!
As a member of the RCD faculty, what philosophy guides you?
Whether a student plans to pursue a career in dance or they just enjoy taking class, I feel that the lessons learned in class benefit students for the rest of their lives. They learn discipline, they learn to work as a team when performing with other dancers, they exercise and have a great time, and most of all they learn that showing up and working towards improvement each week in a positive and enriching environment with encouraging support is valuable and produces results!
RCD is located at 440 Main Street in downtown Ridgefield.