About Ballet & Dance of Upstate NY
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn - Welcome to Ballet & Dance of Upstate New York!
At Ballet and Dance of Upstate NY, we are dedicated to providing exceptional dance training to students across the region. Our mission is to create well-rounded, technically skilled, and expressive dancers, giving them the foundation they need to pursue a career in dance or
simply enjoy it as a lifelong passion.
Our Legacy and Philosophy
Founded over 30 years ago by Kathleen Rathbun, Ballet and Dance of Upstate NY was born from her vision to create a space where dancers could truly grow—not just through classes and recitals, but by being mentored and inspired by professionals. Kathleen's goal was to immerse students fully in the art of dance, instilling the discipline, passion, and artistry required for success in the world of dance.
With over three decades of experience, Kathleen has built a legacy of excellence in dance education. She has a remarkable ability to develop young dancers' technique, strength, and artistry. A former soloist with the Princeton Ballet Society of New Jersey and the Dancer’s Ensemble of Syracuse, she attended Juilliard on scholarship and trained under world-renowned teachers such as David Howard, Melissa Hayden, and Finis Young.
​
Her extensive teaching career includes positions as a ballet instructor at Syracuse University and as the director of the Dance Department at the Metropolitan School of the Arts. In 1997, Kathleen reintroduced classical ballet to Central New York, presenting full-scale productions of beloved ballets such as Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Romeo and Juliet, Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and Cinderella, all performed with the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra. These performances received four-star reviews and sold-out audiences, cementing her reputation as a prominent
figure in the regional dance community.
​
Today, under Kathleen's leadership, Ballet and Dance of Upstate NY has become the premier destination for dance training in the region. The school offers world-class instruction in Ballet, Pointe, Contemporary, Modern, Jazz, and Tap. At the heart of our curriculum is Ballet, the foundation of all dance forms. We believe that a strong foundation in ballet enhances every dancer's technique, vocabulary, and artistry, which is why we require students to be enrolled in a ballet class at the appropriate level before taking other styles of dance.
​
Kathleen continues to inspire and guide her students, helping them develop their unique artistic voices while equipping them with the technical skills and discipline necessary for
success, both on and off the stage.
Training With Purpose
Our dedicated faculty members provide students with more than just technical skills; they encourage dancers to develop their unique artistic voices while fostering a culture of discipline, detail, and musicality. The lessons learned here shape not only dancers but also individuals prepared for success in any path they choose. Whether or not students pursue a professional career in dance, the skills they acquire at Ballet and Dance of Upstate NY will last a lifetime.