Barbara's School of the Dance

To every dancer who has stepped into our studios, young and youthful at heart, we extend our heartfelt thanks for being an essential thread in the tapestry of our ever-growing family. Your presence, spirit, and commitment to dance and movement make our community a rich and diverse garden of talent.

This season, as we dance together, let’s remember that you are capable of ANYTHING, and we are here to foster and witness your spectacular journey.

Thank you for being a part of our amazing dance family. Let’s keep growing together, reaching for the stars, and remembering, every step of the way, that in this home, you will always be seen.

Here’s to the art of dance and to you, the heart of Barbara’s School of the Dance.

Let’s dance into the 50th season with joy in our hearts

xoxo,
Miss Caley
Studio Director/Owner

Special thanks to Emotivo Productions, Samantha Bailey Photography, and Leslie Horn Marketing, LLC. for making this video a reality!

Dear BSOTD Families,

As we celebrate the close of our 50th Anniversary season, we’re excited to share what’s next: the launch of a bold new chapter in the evolution of BSOTD.

Introducing Our New Production Company

Beginning this fall (2025–2026 season), BSOTD will launch a brand-new production company (official name coming soon!) that will stage a full-length theatrical performance each year—completely separate from our annual Recital.

Our first-ever production? The timeless fairy tale Sleeping Beauty, reimagined through ballet and additional dance styles. The performance will premiere in May 2026 at a venue to be announced.

Why This Change?

In recent years, we’ve included ballet-only acts within our Recital, which brought beautiful storytelling to the stage—but also extended the overall run-time. By transitioning that act into a fully staged, standalone production, we’re creating space for a richer, more theatrical experience while keeping our annual Proctors Recital more focused and enjoyable for dancers, families, and audiences alike.

At the same time, BSOTD remains deeply committed to our Recital tradition. After 50 years of vibrant year-end performances, we’re continuing to strengthen and reimagine this cherished showcase for all styles and ages.

Who Will Be Involved in the Production Company?

All students in Grades 1–12 enrolled in ballet-specific classes during the 2025–2026 season will participate in the Sleeping Beauty Production. In addition to ballet, we will also offer styles such as acro, jazz, tap, or character development as part of the Production.

• Fall classes will focus on technique-building
  
  
• Choreography will begin in the winter, during regular class time
  
  
• No auditions are required
  
  
• Upperclassmen will receive featured roles, in recognition of their long-term commitment to BSOTD
  
  
• Occasional full cast rehearsals will be held at the studio, with dates announced at the start of the fall season

What’s New for Recital and Production Company Dancers?

Our Recital dancers will continue to shine in our re-energized year-end showcase, which will feature a wide range of dance styles, thoughtful pacing, and the same joyful spirit that has defined BSOTD for generations.

Our Production Company dancers will perform Sleeping Beauty in a standalone, full-length production on a separate date and stage. This new structure allows for more in-depth storytelling, creative staging, and role development.

This exciting shift means:

• A Recital that’s streamlined and energized, while continuing to celebrate every dancer
  
  
• A full-length Production with expanded creative roles and theatrical storytelling
  
  
• Two equally valued experiences under the BSOTD umbrella—each designed to help dancers grow, express themselves, and love being on stage
  
  

Leadership Announcement

Miss Caley Dalpe, Owner and Executive Director of both BSOTD and the new production company, has appointed Miss Elizabeth Hite as Artistic Director. Miss Elizabeth has taught at BSOTD for the past three years and brings a wealth of professional experience, having danced with companies across the country and trained with nationally recognized ballet programs.

“I’m honored to step into this new role as Artistic Director and to help bring our first full-length production to life. This new production company is all about giving you the chance to grow, stretch creatively, and experience what it’s like to tell a full story together on stage. I’m so excited to work with our dancers in this new way—helping them discover what they’re capable of, both individually and as a cast. Sleeping Beauty will be an unforgettable experience, and I truly can’t wait to begin this journey with all of you!”

— Miss Elizabeth Hite, Artistic Director

We’ll be sharing more details—including casting, venue, and ticket information—as we move into the fall. We’re so grateful to have you with us as we take this exciting step forward—together.

Warmly,
Caley Dalpe
Owner & Executive Director
BSOTD