Appalachian Ballet Theatre
About Us
The philosophy of ABT is to provide serious dance instruction in an environment that encourages the development of artistic ability, instills a self-disciplined approach to dance and increases each dancer’s awareness and understanding of their unique artistic, creative and physical potential. The ballet curriculum at ABT, modeled after the famous Vagonova Method of Ballet, is a progressive training program, designed to increase technical skill, stamina and discipline appropriate for each dancer’s age and physical development. The classical ballet program is complemented by instruction in variations, dance composition, character dance and pointe work. The study of pointe begins when a dancer has developed the skills and strength required for pointe work. A dancer must be ten years or older to begin pointe.
Leah Brinkman
Appalachian Ballet Theatre is owned by Beth Hoffman. Beth teaches all levels of classical ballet at ABT. Beth also serves as the Artistic Director of the ABT Dance Ensemble. Beth began her training in Virginia under Dorothy Ewing, and later was a dance scholarship recipient at Shenandoah College and Conservatory of Music.
While at Shenandoah, Beth had the opportunity to study under the direction of such groups as Ballet Met, Cincinnati Ballet, Washington School of Ballet, Merce Cunningham and Company, and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center. Beth has performed in Europe and Australia and has danced lead roles in ballets such as Don Quixote, La Sylphide, Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. Beth earned Bachelor of Science Degrees in Biology and Dance from Shenandoah College and Conservatory of Music. She earned a Master’s degree from James Madison University and Frostburg State University.
Leah Brinkman has studied ballet for twenty-three years and has danced at ABT since 1995. Leah is the Director of the ABT Dance Ensemble, and works as an Assistant Instructor in Ballet I, II and III and is a class demonstrator in Ballet IV. Leah also volunteers many hours choreographing the ensemble’s dances and designing and constructing costumes. She has danced in every ABT dance production, most recently dancing the role of Cinderella and as the Sugarplum Fairy in The Nutcracker. Leah is a 2005 graduate of Frostburg State University.
Beth Hoffman