While ballet may be an old art form, nonprofit dance company Kingwood Ballet teaches skills that are still valuable today, even outside the dance world, Co-Director Kelly Agnew said.
About the program
Kingwood Ballet is a nonprofit pre-professional dance company housed inside Stacey’s Dance Studio in Kingwood, Agnew said. The organization is co-directed by Agnew, Trish King, Anoushka Miranda and Kerri Hawk.
“We all love to dance, and we also all love seeing what dance can inspire in each student,” King said.
At Kingwood Ballet, children ages 5-18 can take classical ballet—including technique and pointe sessions—as well as yoga and contemporary classes, Agnew said. Regardless of whether students want to become professional dancers, ballet teaches them important life skills such as determination and resilience, Agnew added.
“They fall right in front of you and you’re like, ‘You okay? Good. Stand up, let’s try it again,’” Agnew said. “It’s just a tiny little life lesson all in an hour and a half.”
Students also form tight-knit bonds with their classmates, especially since they dance in phone-free environments, Miranda said.
“I think it’s important that they love being here,” Miranda said. “They just love being at the studio.”
The backstory
Kingwood Ballet was founded in 1984 as Kingwood Dance Theater by Sheryl Rowland, according to the company’s website.
Rowland wanted to give locals the opportunity to see professional-level performances at more affordable prices than professional companies typically offer, Agnew said.
“She also wanted to give local dancers the opportunity to have really good classical training,” Agnew said.
Looking ahead
Kingwood Ballet holds several community performances, fundraisers and other events annually during the nonprofit’s winter and spring seasons, according to the company’s website.
On Dec. 5-6, Kingwood Ballet will host its 42nd annual “Nutcracker” performances, which will feature the nonprofit’s dancers alongside professionals, Agnew said. This coming spring, the company will perform “The Little Mermaid” for the first time as part of the nonprofit’s annual storybook shows.
Kingwood Ballet’s directors are always looking for volunteers to help with shows, especially those who have costume-making experience or can assist with lighting or painting sets, Agnew said. However, community members can also support Kingwood Ballet by attending performances and fundraisers such as Sugar Plum Tea and the Ballet Gala.
“Convincing people that [ballet] will be entertaining is always, I think, a little difficult because it’s an old-fashioned art form,” Agnew said. “So, helping to keep it current is always something we work on.”
