Manhattan Youth Ballet had its beginnings as Studio Maestro located at 48 West 68th St. in Manhattan. Founded by Executive Artistic Director, Rose Caiola, Studio Maestro opened its doors in 1994. Ms. Caiola founded Studio Maestro with the goal of creating the school she had always dreamed of as a young dancer. She aimed to create a nurturing environment where students could study classical ballet with a renowned faculty at affordable prices. Deborah Wingert and Marina Stavitskaya were some of the school's first faculty members and we are so proud to still have them with the school today. Former faculty of Studio Maestro included Maria Callegari, Judith Fugate, Jenifer Ringer, Robert Steele and other incredible artists.
Ms. Caiola always offered performance opportunities for all students as she believes it is an integral part of a student's training. From the first years of simple studio showings, to larger scale productions at bigger theaters, Rose knew that she would one day build her own theater to house both her school and other small companies in an effort to foster performance opportunities. As the school grew, the search for a larger space inspired in Ms. Caiola a highly personal vision of a studio and theater complex that would encompass all aspects of dance education and performance.
mmac opened its doors in June 2008, occupying a dramatic bi-level space within The Element, a luxury high-rise condominium located to the southwest of Lincoln Center.
In addition to the Manhattan Youth Ballet, MMAC’s studios and theater host open ballet classes, the MMAC Kids program, summer intensive programs, as well as an array of performances and special events. The mmac theater is now a well known performance venue that houses such shows as Pinkalicious The Musical, Berenstain Bears LIVE!, Freckleface Strawberry The Musical, the New York Musical Theater Festival Parsons Dance, Martha Graham Dance Company and more.
Ms. Caiola’s commitment to artistry through dance is reflected today in a large expressionist mural by the artist Jessica Winer that defines both MMAC’s physical and conceptual center.
Studio Maestro is currently operating as a rental facility. It is home to Luigi's Jazz Centre, Shuffles Tap, Ellen Robbins Dance among others. For more information about Studio Maestro, please visit www.studio-maestro.com |
