About us
Every child should know what it feels like to dance
This is the founding principle of Tutu School. We believe that motor skill development is infinitely enhanced by Tchaikovsky and Bach, that young imaginations benefit immensely from exploring the enchanted worlds of swans and sugar plums, and that twirling should be a fundamental part of any childhood. – TUTU SCHOOL’S MISSION STATEMENT
Our Philosophy
Tutu School exists to make space in the lives of children for creativity and joy.
Boutique Ballet Education
We do one thing – provide very young students with a magical introduction to ballet – and we focus all of our energy on doing that one thing in the highest quality manner possible. This means that every aspect of your child’s experience at Tutu School- from the sparkling spaces to the smiling faces – has been specifically tailored to the needs of even the tiniest dancers.
Thoughtfully Trained Teachers
Our carefully crafted curriculum was designed by dance professionals and developmental specialists to ensure that precisely the right amount of ballet technique is being introduced to students at exactly the right time, and not any earlier than their little bodies and young imaginations are ready for it. Importantly, our Tutu teachers receive thoughtful training in our curriculum and in the best ways to support young dancers, whatever their age, developmental stage, or level of experience.
Emphasis on Creativity & Joy
We believe in introducing students to ballet in a way that makes sense for their bodies and their development, but that also nurtures their creativity and love of music and movement. We want to cultivate an appreciation of the arts and to provide students with a solid technical foundation to study ballet more seriously later on (if they choose), but more importantly, to give them the kind of formative early enrichment experience that will serve them well in whatever dreams they follow later on.
Meet Team Tutu
Alison, Kandice & Siobhan
Tutu School Upper East Side Owner
Meet our magical owners of Tutu School Upper East Side!
Kandice Pelletier Halpin is a graduate of NYU, former Radio City Rockette, Miss New York and can be seen at Madame Tussauds’s on 42nd street as the Rockette wax figure. Before moving to NY, Kandice danced for the GA Ballet Company. Some highlights of her entertainment career include being on the cover of Vanity Fair, Sopranos issue, and in CBS’ The Amazing Race.
Siobhan studied at Point Park University as a Dance Major. She then moved to NYC where she trained on scholarship with Broadway Dance Center. Becoming a Radio City Rockette at Radio City in NYC for five years was a dream come true. Broadway credits include Monty Python Spamalot (1st National tour). Other favorite performance credits include performing in the Macys Thanksgiving parade multiple times! Siobhan opened her first studio, Art in Motion Dance Center in 2010 and has since grown to open AIM Dance NY in Northport, and the first Tutu School on Long Island!
Ali Ribellino was born and raised on Long Island and began her dance training at local studios. She continued her education at Towson University and graduated in 2015 with a BFA in Dance Performance and a K-12 Teaching Certification. While at Towson she had the opportunity to be a part of many works by her fellow classmates, as well as faculty members and guest artists including Linda- Denise Fisher-Harrell, Runqiao Du, and Christopher K. Morgan. In 2018 Ali underwent the intensive teacher training program with the American Ballet Theatre to become an ABT Certified Teacher for Pre-Primary – Level 3. Ali opened AIM Dance NY with Siobhan in 2019 and Tutu School Commack in 2021!
We are excited to bring the utterly unique boutique ballet education experience that Tutu School offers to Tribeca!
What our members are saying
This class is the highlight of my daughter's week. She's always excited and engaged which isn't always easy for a 2 year old. Teacher Bella is incredible with the kids, they're lucky to have her and my daughter adores her. The environment is welcoming and safe. Couldn't ask for anything more from the class.
Eric, Tutu Parent
Our daughter has been at this ballet spot for half a year now, and wow, does she love it! Every class day is like a countdown for her, and it's all thanks to the teachers and atmosphere. They've got this magic touch that's not just about learning ballet moves but also about sparking a real passion for dance and learning to listen. I would definitely recommend this place.
Pavel, Tutu Parent
My daughter loves going to Tutu school. The class is not only twirling around, but they talk about colors, they have story time, bubbles, and most importantly, discipline without them knowing. My daughter has gotten better at following instructions and listening to us, specially at her most difficult age. Teachers are loving and personable. Overall is an hour of our day full of magic that my husband and I can't miss.
Tutu Parent
The absolute best option for any budding ballerinas out there. The teachers (shout out to Teacher Maggie) are extremely patient and the use of games, songs, rhymes, and props is a brilliant way to make the classes fun and without pressure.
Tutu Parent
Our Story