As a dancer, young and old, it would be great to say you learned from the best. Well, with help from a newly famous ballerina, local dancers will get that chance on Saturday.
Allison DeBona of Pittsburgh, most recently known for appearances on the reality show Breaking Pointe, will be at Diamond Dance Academy for a day-long set of classes for all ages and dance levels.
“She’s a phenomenal dancer and will really relate with the kids,” said Shauna Dorwarth, artistic director of Diamond Dance Academy. “We’re really excited to have her – she’s a great teacher.”
Premiering on May 31, Breaking Pointe is a reality show featured on The CW that goes behind the scenes at Ballet West, a ballet company based in Salt Lake City, Utah. DeBona is one of seven dancers featured in the television show.
DeBona joined Ballet West in 2007 and was promoted to demi-soloist in 2011. Before becoming a professional dancer, DeBona earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Ballet from Indiana University, and also spent one year with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s Graduate Program.
And, Ellwood City is not totally new to DeBona; in fact, she was at Studio P on Lawrence Avenue for a similar occasion.
Classes with DeBona at Diamond Dance Academy will start Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and conclude at 2 p.m. Anyone ages 4 years old and up are encouraged to participate, regardless of their current dance studio. The classes go as follows:
- Mini Ballet – (10:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m.) – $15
- Beginner/Intermediate – (11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) – $25
- Intermediate/Advanced – (12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.) – $25
- Pointe – (1:30 p.m.-2:00 p.m.) – $15
For more information or to request a spot in one of the classes, call Diamond Dance Academy at 724-752-4133. Dorwarth said space will be limited, so come early or call ahead. Classes are designed so autographs and photos can be taken with DeBona.
Diamond Dance Academy is located at 310 First Street in Ellwood City.
