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BALLET & DANCE OF UPSTATE NY

Where Central New York Comes to Dance

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Happy Mother’s Day to all the dance moms out there! We couldn’t do what we do without you!🥰🤍 In honor of today’s special occasion, we present, “What’s In My Bag? Dance Mom Edition”💐

special thank you to @mrsmawhinney for letting us have the inside scoop☺️

#HappyMothersDay #DanceMoms #WhatsInMyBag

Happy Mother’s Day to all the dance moms out there! We couldn’t do what we do without you!🥰🤍 In honor of today’s special occasion, we present, “What’s In My Bag? Dance Mom Edition”💐

special thank you to @mrsmawhinney for letting us have the inside scoop☺️

#HappyMothersDay #DanceMoms #WhatsInMyBag

Lights💡Camera📸 Action!🎬

A little sneak peek of our annual picture day!✨🩰 Thank you @newmanphotographycny for getting some amazing shots!

#BalletDance #PictureDay #DancePhotography

Lights💡Camera📸 Action!🎬

A little sneak peek of our annual picture day!✨🩰 Thank you @newmanphotographycny for getting some amazing shots!

#BalletDance #PictureDay #DancePhotography

✨Happy International Dance Day!✨ We are forever grateful for this beautiful art form that we get to participate in🤍🩰

#InternationalDanceDay #Grateful #Ballet

✨Happy International Dance Day!✨ We are forever grateful for this beautiful art form that we get to participate in🤍🩰

#InternationalDanceDay #Grateful #Ballet

something exciting is coming🤫🤫🤫

#StudentPerformance2026 #BalletofUpstate #StudentDancers

something exciting is coming🤫🤫🤫

#StudentPerformance2026 #BalletofUpstate #StudentDancers

feeling grateful on this chilly Monday!🫶🏻✨

#Ballet #UpstateNY #Grateful

feeling grateful on this chilly Monday!🫶🏻✨

#Ballet #UpstateNY #Grateful

Head out to see some of our lovely & talented dancers perform with @centralnewyorkballet in their show, Depth & Desire! So many opportunities to watch, April 11th-12th & April 18th-19th! Get your tickets now through cnyballet.com, you don’t want to miss this!!✨🩰

#UpstateNY #Ballet #Performance

Head out to see some of our lovely & talented dancers perform with @centralnewyorkballet in their show, Depth & Desire! So many opportunities to watch, April 11th-12th & April 18th-19th! Get your tickets now through cnyballet.com, you don’t want to miss this!!✨🩰

#UpstateNY #Ballet #Performance

recharging our ballet battery after a restful spring break💐

#BalletRecharge #UpstateNY #SpringBreak

recharging our ballet battery after a restful spring break💐

#BalletRecharge #UpstateNY #SpringBreak

proof that it really takes a village🏠

some moments from YAGP this past weekend that make our hearts sing✨🥰

#YAGP #ballet #ItTakesAVillage

proof that it really takes a village🏠

some moments from YAGP this past weekend that make our hearts sing✨🥰

#YAGP #ballet #ItTakesAVillage

A huge shoutout to our girls, Sophia & Addie✨ After a long weekend of performances and master classes, and an even longer few months of countless training, we are so happy to have watched you grow and thrive through it all.

Your dedication, hard-work & passion shone on the stage this weekend! We couldn’t be more proud of you🩷🩰

#YAGP #Ballet #HardWorkandDedication

A huge shoutout to our girls, Sophia & Addie✨ After a long weekend of performances and master classes, and an even longer few months of countless training, we are so happy to have watched you grow and thrive through it all.

Your dedication, hard-work & passion shone on the stage this weekend! We couldn’t be more proud of you🩷🩰

#YAGP #Ballet #HardWorkandDedication

A few snippets from our YAGP Preview Show!🩷 As our two dancers, Sophia & Adelyn, get ready to leave for YAGP we just wanted to say good luck and that we are so proud of you! Countless hours of hard-work and dedication has led us here and we are so excited to watch you shine✨

Links to watch their classical variations throughout the weekend will be on our stories so you all can support from home! 🩰🥳

#Ballet #UpstateNY #YAGP @yagp

A few snippets from our YAGP Preview Show!🩷 As our two dancers, Sophia & Adelyn, get ready to leave for YAGP we just wanted to say good luck and that we are so proud of you! Countless hours of hard-work and dedication has led us here and we are so excited to watch you shine✨

Links to watch their classical variations throughout the weekend will be on our stories so you all can support from home! 🩰🥳

#Ballet #UpstateNY #YAGP @yagp

💕Happy Valentine’s Day!💕

Love,
B&D💌

💕Happy Valentine’s Day!💕

Love,
B&D💌

Another successful “Work On It Wednesday”!✨

Focusing on making sure to close in fifth before and after pirouettes on pointe with Mrs. Rathbun🩰

#WorkOnItWednesday #BalletandPointe #HardWork

Another successful “Work On It Wednesday”!✨

Focusing on making sure to close in fifth before and after pirouettes on pointe with Mrs. Rathbun🩰

#WorkOnItWednesday #BalletandPointe #HardWork

we heard 2026 is the new 2016? 😋🙈✌️

swipe to see some baby ballerinas from a decade ago!🙊

#2016Aesthetic #BabyBallerinas

we heard 2026 is the new 2016? 😋🙈✌️

swipe to see some baby ballerinas from a decade ago!🙊

#2016Aesthetic #BabyBallerinas

Introducing “Work On It Wednesday”!✨🩷🩰

This Wednesday our beginner jazz class is working on their parallel pirouettes. Using technique drills like passé holds and planks before moving on to single pirouette drills✨

#DanceTechnique #WorkOnItWednesday #UpstateNY

Introducing “Work On It Wednesday”!✨🩷🩰

This Wednesday our beginner jazz class is working on their parallel pirouettes. Using technique drills like passé holds and planks before moving on to single pirouette drills✨

#DanceTechnique #WorkOnItWednesday #UpstateNY

Happy New Year B&D Fam!✨🎉🪩

As we reflect on the last year we can’t help but feel so grateful & proud of all that we’ve done and grown! From YAGP competitions to the annual Nutcracker season, our dancers have given it their all this year🩰

Looking forward to another full year of dance, dedication & fun!🤍✨

#NewYear2026 #Dance

Happy New Year B&D Fam!✨🎉🪩

As we reflect on the last year we can’t help but feel so grateful & proud of all that we’ve done and grown! From YAGP competitions to the annual Nutcracker season, our dancers have given it their all this year🩰

Looking forward to another full year of dance, dedication & fun!🤍✨

#NewYear2026 #Dance

We want to wish everyone a very merry Christmas & Holiday season!🎄🎅 We are so grateful to continue to dance & celebrate with all of you! See you all in the new year!✨

Love, B&D🩷

We want to wish everyone a very merry Christmas & Holiday season!🎄🎅 We are so grateful to continue to dance & celebrate with all of you! See you all in the new year!✨

Love, B&D🩷

We had so much fun at the Jessica Lynn Christmas Show! Thank you to everyone who came out to see us perform and a special thank you to our students for doing such a beautiful job!🎄❤️

Now onto Nutcracker week! 🩰🤍

#ballet #dance #performance

We had so much fun at the Jessica Lynn Christmas Show! Thank you to everyone who came out to see us perform and a special thank you to our students for doing such a beautiful job!🎄❤️

Now onto Nutcracker week! 🩰🤍

#ballet #dance #performance

Our first holiday performance is coming soon!🥳 Are you as excited as we are?!

Catch us at Jessica Lynn’s Christmas Show, December 10th at The Palace Theatre🤍 Tickets are selling fast so grab them while you still can!🩰✨

#TisTheSeasonToDance #HolidaySparkle #SeasonOfStageLights

Our first holiday performance is coming soon!🥳 Are you as excited as we are?!

Catch us at Jessica Lynn’s Christmas Show, December 10th at The Palace Theatre🤍 Tickets are selling fast so grab them while you still can!🩰✨

#TisTheSeasonToDance #HolidaySparkle #SeasonOfStageLights

Dear Dancers, Families, Instructors, Volunteers, and Supporters,

As we move forward through this busy and exciting season, I want to take a moment to share my deepest gratitude with each and every one of you. Your dedication, enthusiasm, and support are truly the foundation of everything we do at Ballet & Dance of Upstate NY.

To our dancers: thank you for your hard work, focus, passion, and joy in the studio and on stage. Your commitment to learning, growing, and expressing yourselves through dance inspires me every single day.

To our parents and families: thank you for the countless rides, schedule juggling, encouragement, and trust you place in us. Your steady support makes all the difference.

To our instructors: thank you for your expertise, patience, creativity, and devotion to our dancers. You give your energy, artistry, and heart in every class. The guidance you provide helps our dancers grow not only in technique, but in confidence and character. I am deeply grateful for your commitment to our school and our students.

To our volunteers: your willingness to share your time and talents lifts our programs in countless ways. Whether assisting with events, organizing, helping in the studio, or stepping in wherever you’re needed—you help make the magic possible.

To our supporters and community partners: your belief in our mission allows us to continue offering meaningful, high-quality dance education and performance opportunities. We are truly thankful for your ongoing encouragement.

As the owner and director, I feel incredibly fortunate to work with such a passionate and caring community. Thank you all for being a vital part of the Ballet & Dance of Upstate NY family. Together, we are building something beautiful—onstage, in the studio, and in the lives of our dancers.

With heartfelt appreciation,
Kathleen Rathbun

#ThankfulForDance #DanceFamily #Ballet

Dear Dancers, Families, Instructors, Volunteers, and Supporters,

As we move forward through this busy and exciting season, I want to take a moment to share my deepest gratitude with each and every one of you. Your dedication, enthusiasm, and support are truly the foundation of everything we do at Ballet & Dance of Upstate NY.

To our dancers: thank you for your hard work, focus, passion, and joy in the studio and on stage. Your commitment to learning, growing, and expressing yourselves through dance inspires me every single day.

To our parents and families: thank you for the countless rides, schedule juggling, encouragement, and trust you place in us. Your steady support makes all the difference.

To our instructors: thank you for your expertise, patience, creativity, and devotion to our dancers. You give your energy, artistry, and heart in every class. The guidance you provide helps our dancers grow not only in technique, but in confidence and character. I am deeply grateful for your commitment to our school and our students.

To our volunteers: your willingness to share your time and talents lifts our programs in countless ways. Whether assisting with events, organizing, helping in the studio, or stepping in wherever you’re needed—you help make the magic possible.

To our supporters and community partners: your belief in our mission allows us to continue offering meaningful, high-quality dance education and performance opportunities. We are truly thankful for your ongoing encouragement.

As the owner and director, I feel incredibly fortunate to work with such a passionate and caring community. Thank you all for being a vital part of the Ballet & Dance of Upstate NY family. Together, we are building something beautiful—onstage, in the studio, and in the lives of our dancers.

With heartfelt appreciation,
Kathleen Rathbun

#ThankfulForDance #DanceFamily #Ballet

working hard on World Ballet Day💪🏼🩰

Grateful for the art that teaches us discipline, passion, and grace ✨ every ache, every repetition, every triumph🤍

#WorldBalletDay #GratefulForBallet #BeautyInDiscipline #DancingWithGratitude

working hard on World Ballet Day💪🏼🩰

Grateful for the art that teaches us discipline, passion, and grace ✨ every ache, every repetition, every triumph🤍

#WorldBalletDay #GratefulForBallet #BeautyInDiscipline #DancingWithGratitude

Happy Veteran’s Day🇺🇸

We’re free to move, create, and dance because of those who’ve served. Thank you to all the brave Veterans who make our passions possible. 🤍🩰

Happy Veteran’s Day🇺🇸

We’re free to move, create, and dance because of those who’ve served. Thank you to all the brave Veterans who make our passions possible. 🤍🩰

Happy Halloween from B&D!👻🎃

We had so much fun this week and here’s just a snippet of the hilarious costumes our students came up with! Stay safe and have a fabulous night!✨

#Halloween #Dance #UpstateNY

Happy Halloween from B&D!👻🎃

We had so much fun this week and here’s just a snippet of the hilarious costumes our students came up with! Stay safe and have a fabulous night!✨

#Halloween #Dance #UpstateNY

🩷✨MEET MISS ALLI!✨🩷

Alli grew up in Syracuse dancing competitively at Tawn Marie’s Dance Centre. She earned her degree in Dance and English from SUNY Brockport, where she performed in faculty and student works, competed with the Brockport Dance Team, and served as captain her senior year. Now in her second year with Ballet and Dance of Upstate NY, Alli loves sharing her passion for contemporary, jazz, and hip hop with her students.

#contemporary #jazz #hiphop #dance #upstateny #syracuse #meettheteacher #teacher

🩷✨MEET MISS ALLI!✨🩷

Alli grew up in Syracuse dancing competitively at Tawn Marie’s Dance Centre. She earned her degree in Dance and English from SUNY Brockport, where she performed in faculty and student works, competed with the Brockport Dance Team, and served as captain her senior year. Now in her second year with Ballet and Dance of Upstate NY, Alli loves sharing her passion for contemporary, jazz, and hip hop with her students.

#contemporary #jazz #hiphop #dance #upstateny #syracuse #meettheteacher #teacher

Dance builds more than just moves - it builds minds🧠✨

Did you know studies show that children involved in dance score up to 15% higher in cognitive and social development?! Dance can support brain development and life-long skills every child needs:

🧠 Boosts memory, focus & problem solving
🎯 Teaches discipline, patience & resilience
🎭 Encourages creativity and emotional expression
💬 Improves communication & teamwork
💪🏼 Builds confidence & physical coordination

We’re still accepting new students and it’s not too late to join this season! Call or email us to enroll today!🩰👯‍♀️

#Dance #DanceLifeSkills #WhyDanceMatters #NowEnrolling #KidsDanceClass #GrowthThroughDance #Confidence #Discipline #Creativity #Syracuse #BalletandDanceofUpstateNY #UpstateNY

Dance builds more than just moves - it builds minds🧠✨

Did you know studies show that children involved in dance score up to 15% higher in cognitive and social development?! Dance can support brain development and life-long skills every child needs:

🧠 Boosts memory, focus & problem solving
🎯 Teaches discipline, patience & resilience
🎭 Encourages creativity and emotional expression
💬 Improves communication & teamwork
💪🏼 Builds confidence & physical coordination

We’re still accepting new students and it’s not too late to join this season! Call or email us to enroll today!🩰👯‍♀️

#Dance #DanceLifeSkills #WhyDanceMatters #NowEnrolling #KidsDanceClass #GrowthThroughDance #Confidence #Discipline #Creativity #Syracuse #BalletandDanceofUpstateNY #UpstateNY

🩷✨MEET MISS BETHANY!✨🩷

Bethany grew up in Macon, Georgia, and began training in classical ballet at age 10, inspired by watching Barbie in the Nutcracker as a child. She trained as a trainee with Light of the World Ballet, performing throughout New York and nationally. For the past three years, Bethany has had the privilege of learning from and teaching under Kathleen Rathbun.

#ballet #dance #upstateny #syracuse #meettheteacher #teacher

🩷✨MEET MISS BETHANY!✨🩷

Bethany grew up in Macon, Georgia, and began training in classical ballet at age 10, inspired by watching Barbie in the Nutcracker as a child. She trained as a trainee with Light of the World Ballet, performing throughout New York and nationally. For the past three years, Bethany has had the privilege of learning from and teaching under Kathleen Rathbun.

#ballet #dance #upstateny #syracuse #meettheteacher #teacher

✨🩷MEET MISS ABIGAIL!🩷✨

Abigail trained with Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet and Ballet and Dance of Upstate NY, later attending The Rock School and BalletMet. She has performed internationally with IBStage in Spain and professionally with Columbia Classical Ballet and Syracuse City Ballet. Abigail is excited to begin the next chapter of her dance career with CNYB and B&D.

#ballet #dance #upstateny #syracuse #meettheteacher #teachers

✨🩷MEET MISS ABIGAIL!🩷✨

Abigail trained with Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet and Ballet and Dance of Upstate NY, later attending The Rock School and BalletMet. She has performed internationally with IBStage in Spain and professionally with Columbia Classical Ballet and Syracuse City Ballet. Abigail is excited to begin the next chapter of her dance career with CNYB and B&D.

#ballet #dance #upstateny #syracuse #meettheteacher #teachers

✨🩷MEET MISS LYDIA!🩷✨

Lydia began her training in Wisconsin and later studied at the Kirov Academy of Ballet in DC as part of its final graduating class. She is completing her B.S. in Exercise Science at SU, blending her Vaganova training with biomechanics to help students build strong technique and a love for ballet.

#ballet #dance #upstateny #syracuse #meettheteacher #teacher

✨🩷MEET MISS LYDIA!🩷✨

Lydia began her training in Wisconsin and later studied at the Kirov Academy of Ballet in DC as part of its final graduating class. She is completing her B.S. in Exercise Science at SU, blending her Vaganova training with biomechanics to help students build strong technique and a love for ballet.

#ballet #dance #upstateny #syracuse #meettheteacher #teacher

a little glimpse into what we’ve been working on in advanced contemporary with Miss Alli!🤍

#contemporary #dance #upstateny #syracuse #balletanddanceofupstateny #training

a little glimpse into what we’ve been working on in advanced contemporary with Miss Alli!🤍

#contemporary #dance #upstateny #syracuse #balletanddanceofupstateny #training

🩷✨MEET MISS LOREN!✨🩷

A Syracuse native, Loren trained with Kathleen Rathbun and performed with Syracuse City Ballet before joining its trainee program. She studied ballet at the University of Utah and later danced with Canyon Concert Ballet in Colorado in works including The Nutcracker, Romeo and Juliet, and Giselle. Loren is excited to return home to perform with CNY Ballet and share her passion for teaching.

#ballet #dance #upstateny #syracuse #meettheteacher #teacher

🩷✨MEET MISS LOREN!✨🩷

A Syracuse native, Loren trained with Kathleen Rathbun and performed with Syracuse City Ballet before joining its trainee program. She studied ballet at the University of Utah and later danced with Canyon Concert Ballet in Colorado in works including The Nutcracker, Romeo and Juliet, and Giselle. Loren is excited to return home to perform with CNY Ballet and share her passion for teaching.

#ballet #dance #upstateny #syracuse #meettheteacher #teacher

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