Biography, Class Description & Testimonials

Irene Kent has 20 years of experience in dance teaching as well as performance. She is trained in classic ballet as well as in musical theater dance. Irene attended Point Park University School for Performing Arts where she received her BA degree in Performance. Irene has performed on Broadway, nationally and internationally in such shows as West Side Story, A Chorus Line, and Cole Porters review. Some of her ballet credits include, The Pittsburgh Symphony, Pittsburgh Ballet Theater, and The American Dance Ensemble. Irene has performed in numerous other venues throughout the United States, the Far East, including China and Japan, and through out central Europe. Irene is currently teaching and privately coaching ballet through out the tri-state area. She is also a certified Pilates instructor. 

Ballet

This beginner ballet class for adults explores the foundations of ballet in a fun, active environment.  Students will gain a progressively larger understanding of ballet fundamentals, which when combined together creates "dance."  Class sessions will include barre work, center floor, adagio, pirouettes, petite allegro and grande allegro.  Emphasis is placed on correct body alignment and use of terminology.  Students will work on dance combinations to improve technical skill, memory and performance.

Pointe

This class explores the foundations of Pointe, in a fun, active environment.  Students will gain a progressively larger understanding of the fundamentals of pointe work.  Emphasis is placed on correct body alignment and use of terminology.  Students will work on basic pointe exercises at the barre and basic combinations in the center to improve technical skill, memory and performance.  Class sessions will include barre work, center floor, adagio, pirouettes, petite allegro and grande allegro.

Testimonials

"I take Irene's class and she is really amazing.  My technique has improved immensely after only a few classes.  I think she is truly a gifted teacher."

~  Shayna Padovano, NDG Workstudy Participant

"I stopped dancing a couple of years ago due to foot surgery.  I just started dancing again and I took Irene Kent's ballet class.  I needed to tell someone that she is a very talented teacher, I have taken classes at many places and studied with endless teachers, but there are a chosen few who will take the time in class to explain what your doing incorrectly instead of just letting it go!  She makes you push harder even when in your own mind you think you can't. I left her class stronger and with a such a desire to dance again!   Hats off to Irene!"

~ Evelyn Rue, NDG student

"Irene's teaching skills are above and beyond those whom I have taken class from in the past. Being an elementary level teacher myself, I recognize Irene's passion to understand and reach out to her students. She takes her students'
learning styles into consideration, and works through different strategies on
how to teach them."

~ Christine Catalano, NDG student

"Despite being mostly a modern dancer, I found my teacher in the ballet field. I have been hooked with Irene Kent's class from the first try. She is energetic, sweet and passionate, and she gives us the attention we need. She has helped me reach my highest potential as a dancer  - I am considering auditioning again! My technique has improved substantially, and that encourages me to take even more classes and try different styles. Irene is determined to take us to the next level, and it has definitely worked for me and for most of the people who have tried her class."

~ María E. Vaz Ferreira, NDG student

"She [Irene Kent] is an excellent teacher.  Not only being technically skilled, she is a great orator, she challenges her students and brings out courage in them. She is hands on without being pushy. She truly cares about her classes and students and is an inspiration to not only beginner's, but professionals. I couldn't ask for a better teacher."

~ Deborah Bowman, NDG student