History

Huntington Center for Performing Arts – History

Joan Albright and Susan Alessi established The Huntington Center for Performing Arts (“The Center”) in 2005 to offer Long Island a conservatory environment in which to learn & experience the performing arts, without having to travel to NYC! First they established the Huntington Ballet Academy to support the ambitious work of Huntington Ballet Theatre (HBT); the organization where they had forged their friendship some 5 years prior.

One year later, in 2006, they acquired the Huntington Suzuki Music School, a school with a 30 year history in Huntington. While nurturing the development of these 2 schools, now currently located under one roof, they continue to dedicate a significant amount of time and Center resources in support of HBT, now in its 21st year. HBT is dedicated to producing professional ballet productions as well as original works that include professional, pre-professional and aspiring ballet students.

In addition to offering children, as young as 3 years, classes in ballet and the study of string instruments, The Center has expanded to include a musical theater program which includes the study of voice, dance & theater arts, culminating in the performance of a children’s musical each year. In addition The Center would like adults to explore the performing arts in string ensemble class, private lessons in voice, piano and strings as well as ballet, jazz and modern dance.

The teaching staff for all programs is well-trained, educated and accomplished performing artists in their own right. The bios of their esteemed permanent faculty and guest teachers are posted on this website.

There is always a standing invitation for all to come and visit the Center to experience these programs first hand.