Ballet Franklin, the ballet conservatory at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts, under the direction of Cheryl Madeux, offers the highest quality of classical ballet education and training in the  area. The program provides their dancers interested in the serious study of classical ballet with a wide variety of performance opportunities Teaching classical Ballet to students of all ages, Ballet Franklin graduates and students have been accepted to some of the most prestigious trainee, college, and summer ballet programs available. 

The scope of the curriculum provides unparalleled opportunities for dancers to pursue programs tailored to their interests, abilities, and needs. From beginner students seeking to establish a solid foundation in classical ballet technique, to advanced dancers focused on refining artistry, musicality, and performance qualities, all will find a home to train, grow, and develop at Ballet Franklin.

Ballet Franklin Director and Instructor Cheryl Madeux, a Connecticut native, received her training at the Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts under the direction of Sharon Dante and Donna Bonasera. She has enjoyed a long professional career, dancing with such venerable companies as the Joffrey Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, and was principal dancer with the Hartford Ballet under the direction of Kirk Peterson. Madeux performed extensively throughout the United States and Europe and has been coached by such ballet luminaries as Igor Youskevitch and Eleanor D’Antuono. 

All area ballet students are encouraged to audition for FPAC Holiday Productions’ The Nutcracker, which is performed with a professional orchestra under the direction of Maestro Eric Stern and special guest artists, such as Boston Ballet Principals Erica Cornejo and Paulo Arrais and Soloists Dalay Parrondo and Bradley Schlagheck.  Many Ballet Franklin dancers will be featured, but auditions for the production are open to all.

FSPA Conservatory dancers have the added opportunity to participate in Ballet Franklin’s Spring Ballet Production as well as to audition for FSPA ensembles and dance company opportunities offered throughout the year. The programs are designed to expand knowledge of the classics and explore contemporary ballet and original works by faculty or guest artists. Past Spring Ballet productions have included Alice in Wonderland, Prokofiev’s Cinderella Suite, Coppelia, Graduation Ball, Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf, Les Patineurs, and Britten’s Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra.  Repertory Concerts include classical and contemporary original works. 

The Franklin School for the Performing Arts will hold Open Houses for prospective students and families, including those interested in Ballet Franklin, at 38 Main Street in Franklin, MA on August 23rd from 3-7pm, September 10th from 10am-2pm, and September 19th from 3-7pm. The community is invited to tour the facilities, observe classes, speak with faculty and staff, and learn more about FSPA programs in music, dance, and drama, whether for recreational enjoyment or serious study.