Mission Statement:
Our goal is to provide a nurturing environment for beginner through pre-professional dancers, inspiring the joy and passion of dance by fostering creative expression. We offer a variety of dance forms to aid in exploring the wonders of dance. Come and join us if you want to master your skills to become a professional dancer, and/or if your goal is to have fun!
Under the direction of Natalya Vyashenko-Connor
Located at 2387 Locust St. S. in Canal Fulton, The Turning Pointe School of Dance offers classical ballet, creative movement, jazz, hip hop, tap, tumbling, beginner baton, break dance, modern, lyrical, cheer dance, character dance, musical theatre, ballroom and master classes to students who range from pre-school to professional levels of dance.
Terry Irion, founder – The Turning Pointe School of Dance
Terry Irion along with her husband, Bruce, founded The Turning Pointe School of Dance in October 2004 with the goal of providing an environment that would instill the joy of dance and also provide the level of training needed to pursue a professional career. Having two daughters who danced since the age of 3, and attending dance programs across the U.S., Terry and Bruce saw the need to provide students of Northeast Ohio the opportunity to challenge their dance skills in a nurturing environment. Wanting dancers to have the opportunity to pursue multiple interests, the dance school brings back the focus on the individual dancer’s goals not that of the institution. We are here to help our dancers not just to dream…but to reach their Dreams.
When asked why she opened The Turning Pointe School of Dance, Terry Irion replied, “The area has a need for a studio that puts the focus back on the students along with the added level of training that all our instructors provide. We want to groom our dancers so that they have the ability to enter the professional dance field, if they choose to do so. Our focus is on the individual dancer’s goals first. The school has a solid foundation in classical ballet which we feel sets our studio apart from other schools.”
In addition to the school’s current teaching staff, The Turning Pointe School Of Dance invites many guest artists to offer special master classes and workshops. These classes are open to all area dancers.
Former dancers of the dance school have gone on to join professional dance companies such as Quad City Ballet, Colorado Ballet, and Ballet Met. Recent graduating seniors have been accepted with scholarship to Ohio University Dance Program, Akron University Dance Program, Ohio State Dance Program, Denison University Dance Program, Wittenberg University, New York University Musical Theatre Cap -21, Boston Conservatory Musical Theatre Pro .
The Ohio Youth Ballet is a pre-professional non-profit dance company housed at The Turning Pointe School of Dance, which offers a Classical Ballet Division and a Dance Team Division. The Ohio Youth Ballet provides a unique presence in Stark County and Northeastern Ohio through dance performances, dance training and community outreach programs which encompass music, movement, staging and choreographic expression.
The Ohio Youth Ballet is open to all dancers ages 8 through 20 and offers members the opportunity to train and work with professionals who will challenge dancers to reach their personal best!
Dancers have fun while experiencing the passion of dance through learning and performing exciting repertoire. Dancers interested in joining the Ohio Youth Ballet are invited to call 330-854-1417 about the next audition date and time, or to request a private audition.
Auditions are open to Classical Ballet Pre-Professional Students and Pre-Professional Dance Students ages 8 through 20 years.
For additional information, please call the office at 330-854-1417.