Best Dance/Theater Instruction: Fairmount Center for the Arts Focuses on Technique, Not Competition

Fundamentals and experience without the pressure of competition. Fairmount Center for the Arts welcomes both children and adults to explore the world of dance in a nurturing, professional environment. Executive Director Elizabeth Bolander occasionally will hear someone question a school’s value if there is no focus on competition.

“We are very proud to have a strong commitment to teaching high-quality technique, but we do it in a really supportive way,” says Bolander, noting that Fairmount offers ballet, contemporary jazz, hip-hop and tap classes. “If someone really gets into dance and wants to go into competition, they will have had a good start here. I suggest anyone first think of the kind of music they enjoy, or a type of dance they always wanted to try, and do it.”

Theater is a great place to start if someone is unsure of their place in the performing arts, because it offers so many avenues, says Bolander. Fairmount offers traditional acting classes and workshops, plus sampler classes that include improv, costuming, scenery, acting basics, singing and dancing, plus opportunities to be on stage. 

This fall a new Shakespeare for Kids class (for ages 8 to 14) will debut.
  
8400 Fairmount Road, Novelty; 101 Main St., Suite105, Chardon; 440-338-3171, fairmountcenter.org