After falling in love with ballet as a child, Artistic Director Ariadne Conner devoted her life to studying the craft. Initially studying at the Academy of Movement and Music, a Doris Humphrey Memorial School in Chicago, she left home at age 13 for the best training she could find, including:

Houston Ballet Academy

Chamberlain Ballet in Plano, Texas

The Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet

Miami City Ballet School

School of American Ballet in New York City

The School of Ballet Chicago

Two years as a trainee at the Richmond Ballet

Ariadne studied under many accomplished teachers who had worked personally with George Balanchine and became steeped in the American tradition of ballet.

in 2012, Ariadne relocated permanently to Louisville, Kentucky, and was honored to join the faculty of the Kentucky Governor's School for the Arts. She witnessed the demand for pre-professional ballet training in Kentucky and was inspired to create a new studio.

Thus, she found a home at the Mellwood Arts Center, which is perfectly situated to serve students from a variety of locations, but in need of serious renovation.

Fortunately, Ariadne’s husband is a designer with an extensive construction background and shares her passion for ballet! Through diligent research, they have reduced the cost of construction of both material and labor to about 50% of retail. Here are some details on the expenses and savings:

Most important item, and most costly--a sprung floor! It’s required to protect the dancers bodies. It can be built for only $6,300 instead of the $12,000 in estimates received from flooring companies.

Over 300 sf of mirror for the 1600 sf space! This can be sourced locally at about 40% of retail pricing.

Wood rails for ballet barres! Located at 30% of the cost.

Adjustable brackets for the barres! These are expensive and the only items so far where full retail price will be paid.

Along with construction materials, paint, and several weeks of sweat equity, a beautiful and effective studio can be created for $12,000; rather than the retail estimates of $25,000-$35,000.

We appreciate your contributions in helping make our dream, and the aspirations of future ballerinas, a reality!