Cantarella School of Dance Official School of The Albany Berkshire Ballet

💜 Teacher Appreciation Spotlight: Miss Dede Swindlehurst 💜

This week we’d like to recognize someone who has been an incredible part of the Cantarella School of Dance family for many years—Miss Dede Swindlehurst.

Miss Dede’s journey began right here at Cantarella, where she trained under our founder and Artistic Director, Miss Madeline Cantarella Culpo. From those early years, her talent and dedication led her to become a principal dancer with the Albany Berkshire Ballet before continuing her professional career with the Pennsylvania Ballet, where she rose to the rank of soloist. Along the way, she also appeared as a guest artist at Jacob’s Pillow and toured nationally with distinguished artists. (Cantarella School of Dance⁠)

Today, she has come full circle, sharing that same passion, artistry, and love of ballet with the next generation of dancers. Her classes are filled with patience, encouragement, discipline, and genuine care for every student who walks through our doors. She inspires our dancers not only to become stronger technicians, but to grow into confident, respectful, and passionate young artists.

For so many students, Miss Dede has been more than a teacher—she has been a mentor, a role model, and a source of inspiration. We are incredibly grateful for the knowledge, experience, and heart she brings to Cantarella every single day.

Thank you, Miss Dede, for your unwavering dedication to our students and to preserving the tradition and excellence that make Cantarella so special. We are truly lucky to have you as part of our dance family. ❤️

If Miss Dede has touched your dancer’s life, we’d love to hear your favorite memory in the comments below! 💐

Congratulations to Miss Destiny and Jimmy Fiske, along with their helpers, on creating an amazing float for the Pittsfield 4th of July Parade! We also thank the dancers from our Cantarella Dance Teams, Cantarella students and Albany Berkshire Ballet dancer Kerry Piaggione for showing up extra early this morning! Another great job, another great day! Happy 4th to all!

The moment you've been waiting for is here... Our big announcement is officially out! ✨

Student audition registration for this year's tour of The Nutcracker is now OPEN! 🎄🩰

If you have a student dancer surrounding the following cities, join us for our annual tradition:
🎄 Pittsfield, MA
🩰 Albany, NY
❄ Burlington, VT
✨ Springfield, MA

We can't wait to see both familiar faces and first-time performers as we kick off another magical Nutcracker season. Let the countdown begin!

🔗 Register today: https://tinyurl.com/3hh6rruf

More images from Mr. David's dance team intensive last week - he challenges our dancers to reach a higher level each time he works with them! We are so grateful to have him at our studios every summer!

✨ Teacher Highlight of the Week ✨

This week, we’re honored to celebrate one of the true pillars of the Cantarella School of Dance family… Miss Nancy! ❤️

For decades, Miss Nancy has inspired generations of dancers with her knowledge, grace, patience, and unwavering dedication to the art of ballet. As a Cantarella graduate, former principal dancer and Ballet Mistress with the Albany Berkshire Ballet, and an accomplished choreographer, her impact reaches far beyond the studio walls.

Many of our dancers—and even some of our teachers—have had the privilege of learning from Miss Nancy. Her passion for ballet, commitment to excellence, and genuine love for her students continue to shape our school year after year.

Thank you, Miss Nancy, for sharing your talent, your wisdom, and your heart with our dance family. We are so grateful for everything you have given to Cantarella and to the countless students whose lives you’ve touched.

💕 Leave a comment below with your favorite Miss Nancy memory or tell us how she’s inspired you!

✨ THE SECRET IS OUT! ✨

Last week, we told you we had some exciting news to share…

Well, here it is! 💖

🎉 Introducing the NEW Cantarella Petite Dance Team! 🎉

Designed especially for dancers ages 5–7, this brand-new program is perfect for young dancers who are ready to take their love of dance to the next level!

🌟 Have a tiny dancer who is always performing in the living room?
🌟 Loves being on stage?
🌟 Dreams of being part of a team?
🌟 Wants to experience the excitement of competitions and special performances?

Then our Petite Dance Team is for them!

This exciting new program will focus on building confidence, teamwork, performance skills, and a strong dance foundation—all while having fun and making lifelong friendships.

💃 Auditions will be announced soon!
📅 Auditions will take place in September 2026.

We cannot wait to watch our youngest dancers shine and begin their competitive dance journey with the Cantarella family! ✨

Stay tuned for audition information and more details coming soon!

💕 Welcome to the next generation of Cantarella dancers!

July weekly classes begin in just 13 days! Don’t forget to register before it’s too late!-

Summer Program — Cantarella School of Dance Summer Dance ProgramClasses, intensives, and camps for all levels over the summer.Cantarella’s summer program offers elementary and entry-level dance camps, intermediate and advanced-level dance intensives, and weekly classes for children and adults.Intensive weeks are concentrated programs for th...

🚨 BIG NEWS IS COMING… 🚨

We’ve been working on something very special behind the scenes, and we can finally say…

✨ A brand-new opportunity is coming to Cantarella School of Dance! ✨

If you have a young dancer who loves to perform, shine on stage, and be part of something exciting, you’re going to want to keep an eye on our page over the next few weeks.

👀 Auditions will be announced this September!

Any guesses what we have in store? Drop them below! ⬇️💙

☀️🌟 SUMMER REGISTRATION IS OPEN! 🌟☀️

🎉 Don’t Let Your Dancer Miss Out! 🎉

Join us this summer at Cantarella School of Dance for an exciting season of dancing, creativity, friendship, and fun!

💃 Keep your skills strong
🌈 Make new friends
🎭 Explore new dance styles
✨ Build confidence
🎉 Have FUN all summer long!

📅 Summer Programs Include:
🦁 Rainforest Creatures Dance Camp
🎭 Musical Theater Intensive
🩰 Ballet & Technique Classes
💪 Conditioning & Strength Training
🌟 Dance Team Intensive
🦄 Magical Dance Adventures for our youngest dancers

Whether your child is stepping into the studio for the very first time or is an experienced dancer looking to stay in shape for the fall season, we have something for everyone!

🔥 Spots are limited and classes are filling now!
📣 Register today to reserve your place.

❤️ Give your child a summer filled with movement, creativity, confidence, and unforgettable memories.

📍 Cantarella School of Dance
📞 413-442-1307
📧 [email protected]

🌟 REGISTER TODAY! 🌟
https://cantarellaschoolofdance.org/summer

The best summer memories start on the dance floor! ☀️🩰✨

Summer Program — Cantarella School of Dance Summer Dance ProgramClasses, intensives, and camps for all levels over the summer.Cantarella’s summer program offers elementary and entry-level dance camps, intermediate and advanced-level dance intensives, and weekly classes for children and adults.Intensive weeks are concentrated programs for th...