The Director

Technique, Theatrics, and
Love for Ballet
Alison Smith-Vaniz has danced classical ballet for over thirty years. For several years she was a soloist with the Cambridge Chamber Ballet. She has extensive classical ballet training, having studied with Sylvia Silverman (Joffrey Ballet), Roseann Ridings, Sam Kurkjian, Jim Reardon (Boston Ballet) and Liz Lapuh, to name a few instructors.

She also studied jazz and musical comedy for years, dancing with Anne Brown Allen (Danny Sloan Dance Company) while at Boston University. She has performed leading roles in over 16 musicals, while being awarded “Best Supporting Actress” (for acting, singing, and dancing) at EMACT, an all-New England competition.

Alison holds an undergraduate degree from Clark University, where she danced extensively, and an MBA from Babson College. Now, finally pursuing her passion as a vocation, she brings a sense of delight to teaching. Alison looks forward to nurturing this love of ballet with her students.

Gerda Turner
Gerda Turner received her classical ballet education in Caracas and Vienna, attaining experience in both the Cecchetti and the Vaganova methods. For several years she danced as a principal with the ballet of the Opera Nacional de Caracas. After moving to New England, Gerda danced with Scott Ranagan (Bay State Ballet and Dance Prism), Mary Demaso (Dance Prism) and Judith Koeckhoven (Academy of Ballet Arts). She has also studied with masters from New York City Ballet, Boston Ballet, and Feld Ballet, and performed with Dance Prism for 18 years.

Gerda has been teaching all levels of ballet and pointe for over 20 years. While emphasizing solid technique, Gerda's expert coaching is greatly enhanced by her extensive performing experience, her creativity and sense of humor.