Welcome to Fort Salem Studio!
Since January, 2022, Fort Salem Studio offers classes in various styles of dance and acting for participants of all ages and levels of experience.
Classes take place at the Fort Salem Studio, located inside the historic Central House (224 S Main St, Salem, NY 12865). 2024-2025 classes, workshops, and other opportunities coming soon. Questions? Contact Kyle@FortSalem.com today!
We are often seeking teachers for a variety of arts education classes. Please send you resume to Kyle@FortSalem.com if you are interested in teaching at Fort Salem Studio.
Class Descriptions:
Class Description: Ballet/Tap Combo Class
Our Ballet/Tap Combo Class at Fort Salem Studio offers a delightful fusion of two classic dance forms, designed to introduce young dancers aged 4-6 years old to the magic of ballet and the rhythm of tap dance. This class is perfect for children who are eager to explore the world of dance and discover their passion for movement and music.
Class Overview:
During this 50-minute class, our enthusiastic and nurturing instructors will guide your child through the fundamentals of both ballet and tap dance. The class structure is thoughtfully designed to engage young minds while developing their physical coordination, musicality, and creativity. We believe in fostering a positive and encouraging atmosphere where young dancers can build a strong foundation and gain confidence in their abilities.
What to Expect:
Ballet Basics: Through fun and age-appropriate exercises, students will learn ballet positions, basic techniques, and graceful movements. Emphasis will be placed on posture, balance, and developing a sense of poise and elegance.
Tap Dance Rhythms: Your child will be introduced to the lively world of tap dance. They will learn to create rhythmic patterns and sounds with their feet, promoting coordination and a strong sense of timing and musicality.
Creative Expression: We believe in the power of imagination and creativity. In each class, we'll encourage students to express themselves through movement and interpretive dance.
Choreography: As the session progresses, dancers will have the opportunity to learn short dance routines, combining ballet and tap elements, which they can showcase with pride.
Prop Exploration: Props such as scarves, ribbons, and small percussion instruments may be used to enhance the learning experience and add an element of playfulness to the class.
Benefits of Ballet/Tap Combo:
Development of fundamental dance skills in both ballet and tap dance
Improved coordination, balance, and motor skills
Increased musicality and sense of rhythm
Boosted self-confidence and self-expression through movement
Introduction to discipline, teamwork, and respect for others in a group setting
Class Requirements:
Children must be between the ages of 4 and 6 years old.
No prior dance experience is necessary. This class is designed for beginners and those with a budding interest in dance.
Black tap shoes.
Pink ballet shoes (black for male identifying dancers)
A solid colored leotard and/or leggings and a form fitting solid colored t-shirt. (Tutus optional)
Class Description: Ballet Basics
Discover the grace, beauty, and timeless art of ballet in our Ballet Basics class at Fort Salem Studio. Designed for aspiring dancers aged 7 to 12 years old, this class provides a solid foundation in classical ballet technique while fostering a love for the art form and a deep appreciation for its rich history. Whether your child is taking their first steps in ballet or has some prior experience, our Ballet Basics class offers a supportive environment for growth, learning, and artistic expression.
Class Overview:
In this 50-minute class, our experienced and passionate instructors will guide students through the fundamentals of ballet technique, terminology, and artistic expression. Each lesson is thoughtfully crafted to accommodate various age groups, allowing students to progress at their own pace and explore the beauty of ballet in a fun and engaging manner.
What to Expect:
Ballet Technique: Students will learn essential ballet positions, body alignment, and basic movements, focusing on developing strength, flexibility, and proper form.
Barre Work: Barre exercises will be introduced to help students build a strong foundation for their ballet training. These exercises aid in improving balance, coordination, and posture.
Center Work: As students advance, they will participate in center work, where they can practice movements away from the barre, further enhancing their control and grace.
Artistic Expression: Our instructors will nurture students' artistic expression by encouraging emotive movement and storytelling through dance.
Dance Combinations: Students will learn short dance combinations that incorporate the techniques they've learned, providing opportunities for creative expression and performance skills.
Ballet History and Terminology: We believe in enriching our dancers' understanding of ballet as an art form. Brief discussions about ballet history and terminology will be integrated into the classes.
Benefits of Ballet Basics:
Development of strong ballet technique and posture
Improved flexibility, coordination, and body awareness
Enhanced musicality and artistic expression through movement
Increased self-discipline and focus in a structured dance setting
Opportunities for personal growth, creativity, and self-confidence
Class Requirements:
Open to students aged 7 to 12 years old with little to moderate ballet experience.
No prior knowledge of ballet is necessary, as this class welcomes both beginners and those with some prior training.
Pink ballet shoes (black for male identifying dancers)
Black leotard, or black leggings and a white t-shirt.
Class Description: Jazz/Hip Hop Classes (Levels 1 and Levels 2)
Get ready to groove and move in our dynamic Jazz/Hip Hop classes at Fort Salem Studio! These high-energy classes are designed to introduce students to the exciting worlds of jazz and hip hop dance, where they will explore various styles, master energetic routines, and ignite their passion for dance. With separate classes for Levels 1 and Levels 2, we cater to dancers with varying levels of experience, ensuring a challenging yet supportive environment for each student's growth.
Class Overview:
Each 50-minute class is packed with engaging exercises, upbeat music, and expressive movements. Our experienced and talented instructors will guide students through the foundations of jazz and hip hop, allowing them to develop their technical skills, performance abilities, and individual style. Whether your child is new to these dance forms or has some prior experience, our Jazz/Hip Hop classes promise an exciting and enriching dance experience for everyone.
Level 1 Class (Beginners):
In our Levels 1 Jazz/Hip Hop class, beginners will explore the basics of both jazz and hip hop dance. The focus is on building a strong technical foundation, introducing fundamental steps and movements, and enhancing coordination and musicality. This class is perfect for those who are eager to jump-start their dance journey in a supportive and fun environment.
Level 2 Class (Intermediate):
For students with some prior jazz and hip hop experience, our Levels 2 class offers an opportunity to take their skills to the next level. Dancers in this class will delve deeper into more complex combinations, improve their technique and performance quality, and expand their dance vocabulary. Students will be encouraged to express themselves confidently and explore their unique style.
What to Expect:
Warm-Up and Stretching: Each class begins with a dynamic warm-up and stretching session to prepare the body for movement, increase flexibility, and prevent injuries.
Technique Training: Students will learn foundational jazz and hip hop moves, including kicks, turns, isolations, and rhythmic footwork.
Choreography: Dancers will participate in exciting dance combinations and routines, allowing them to apply their newly acquired skills in expressive and dynamic performances.
Freestyle and Improvisation: We believe in nurturing creativity and individuality. Students will have opportunities to freestyle and explore their own unique movements.
Performance Skills: Our instructors will focus on developing stage presence, confidence, and storytelling through dance.
Benefits of Jazz/Hip Hop Classes:
Improved coordination, rhythm, and musicality
Enhanced physical fitness and flexibility
Increased self-confidence and self-expression
Opportunities to explore creativity and individuality through dance
Building a strong sense of teamwork and camaraderie among peers
Class Requirements:
Level 1: Open to students with little to no prior experience in jazz and hip hop dance.
Level 2: Suggested for students with some prior dance training, seeking to further develop their skills, but open to beginners.
Black jazz pants
Black jazz shoes
A solid colored t-shirt
Class Description: Teen Jazz & Contemporary Classes
Unleash your creativity and express your passion for dance in our Teen Jazz & Contemporary Classes at Fort Salem Studio! Designed for young dancers aged 13 to 18, this dynamic 50-minute class combines the rhythmic excitement of jazz with the fluid artistry of contemporary dance. Under the guidance of our experienced instructors, teens will explore diverse movement styles, develop technical precision, and find their unique voice as performers.
Class Overview:
Our Teen Jazz & Contemporary Classes offer an invigorating blend of jazz and contemporary dance techniques. These two styles complement each other, providing students with a well-rounded dance education that emphasizes versatility, creativity, and personal growth. Aspiring dancers with varying levels of experience will thrive in this supportive and inspiring environment.
What to Expect:
Warm-Up and Conditioning: Each class begins with a comprehensive warm-up and conditioning exercises to build strength, flexibility, and stamina, preparing students for the challenges ahead.
Jazz Technique: Teens will learn foundational jazz steps, turns, leaps, and kicks, focusing on precision and musicality. Emphasis will be placed on developing strong performance skills and stage presence.
Contemporary Dance: Students will explore the fluidity and emotional expression of contemporary dance, mastering movements that blend modern and ballet techniques.
Choreography: Dancers will participate in the creation of captivating dance routines, developing their ability to convey emotions and tell stories through movement.
Improvisation: We encourage teens to explore their individuality and creativity through improvisational exercises, allowing them to find their unique artistic voice.
Performance Skills: Our instructors will mentor students in refining their performance skills, enabling them to captivate audiences with their technique and emotion.
Benefits of Teen Jazz & Contemporary Classes:
Advanced dance training in both jazz and contemporary styles
Enhanced technical skills, flexibility, and body awareness
Increased self-confidence and self-expression through dance
Opportunities to participate in performances and showcase their talent
Development of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance
Class Requirements:
Open to teens aged 13 to 18 years old with some prior experience in musical theater choreography, jazz, contemporary, or ballet dance. Beginner to intermediate dance level.
Black jazz shoes
Black jazz pants
A solid colored t-shirt
Meet Our Instructors
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Susi Thomas
2024-2024 CLASSES:
TEEN JAZZ & CONTEMPORARY
Susi made her professional debut at the age of 12 at Ashcroft Theater in the UK. She then went on to earn her BA in Dance from the University of Surrey, where she worked as a professional dancer and choreographer. Later, Susi set up her own Dance and Theatre company, Charlie's Works, in London and was always kept busy with product launches, fashion shows and reviews for renowned companies such as Tommy Hilfiger and British Airways. Since her arrival in the States she has choreographed and produced shows for the likes of Adirondack Childrens Troupe, Salem Central School, Salem Courthouse, Fort Salem Theater, Queensbury High School, Long Trail School (Dorset Vermont) and Broadway Upstate (Glens Falls, NY).
In Salem, Susi is an active member of the Chamber of Commerce, an owner of the upcoming Jacko’s Corner, and creator of The Susi Shoes Dancers, who are made up of a diverse crowd of enthusiasts who dance and perform for community events, whose goal is to touch the lives of young people and to get shoes and any necessary items gently and gracefully on the right hands and feet, and to always ensure that youth who cross their path stand tall with confidence and pride. -
Mikayla Schaefer
2023-2024 CLASSES:
BALLET/TAP COMBO
BALLET BASICS
HIP HOP/JAZZ LEVELS 1 & 2
Mikayla Schaefer is a versatile and accomplished dance teacher with a rich background in both performance and education. Holding a B.A. in Theatre & Performance with a concentration in acting and a Playwriting Minor from SUNY Purchase College's prestigious Conservatory of Theatre Arts, Mikayla brings a unique interdisciplinary approach to her teaching.Her extensive dance training at SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Dance, under the guidance of distinguished mentors Joseph Malbrough and Wallie Wolfburger, has provided her with a solid foundation in various dance forms. Additionally, her studies at Broadway Dance Center and Ferrara’s Dance Studio, under the tutelage of Jennifer Zimmerman and Lynn Ferrara, have further honed her technical prowess.
Mikayla's dedication and talent have earned her accolades, including the coveted 1st place national title at Royal Dance Competition and a Top 10 Overall Senior placement at Starpower Dance Competition. Her exceptional stage presence and performance skills have been showcased in a range of productions, notably including iconic works such as West Side Story, Footloose, and the Polar Express Experience.
In addition to her stage work, Mikayla has a wide range of experience on film, contributing memorable performances in productions like "The Good Mother," "You’re So Shy," and the award-winning "Meet Cute On Dance World" (Best Experimental Short Film - Adirondack Film Festival 2020), among others.
With a passion for teaching and a wealth of experience in both dance and performance, Mikayla is committed to nurturing the next generation of dancers and performers. Her multifaceted background and dedication to the arts make her a valuable asset to any aspiring artist seeking to hone their craft.
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Kyle West
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Kyle West has three decades of creating award-winning theatre under his belt, working as a producer, director, choreographer, designer, and performer. His work has been seen all across the US, from Cape Cod, to Boston, Arizona and Dallas, to New York and has been recognized by the AriZoni Awards of Excellence, BroadwayWorld Awards, Column Awards, Annie Award, MET Awards, and MHSDG Awards, among others.
Best known for creating larger-than-life musicals, some of Kyle’s credits include Hairspray, Next to Normal, Evita, White Christmas, I Love You Because, Fiddler on the Roof, Guys and Dolls, The Music Man, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, A Man of No Importance, West Side Story, Footloose, Into the Woods, RENT, The Rink, The Boyfriend, Schoolhouse Rock Live, Little Shop of Horrors, A Chorus Line, Chicago, Grease, La Cage aux Folles, The World Goes ‘Round, Cabaret, Pirates of Penzance, My Favorite Year, Annie, and Fame.
Kyle’s favorite onstage appearances include Footloose (Ren), West Side Story (Action), Godspell (Judas/John the Baptist), Grease (Eugene), and in commercials for Sony, American Eagle Outfitters and others.
In 2005, Kyle became manager of concessions for Broadway’s New Amsterdam Theatre, which was home to Mary Poppins at that time, before moving on to Broadway productions of Chicago and The Color Purple. He has since worked on marketing and social media for dozens of Broadway national tours and regional theatres. In June 2019, Kyle was asked to present to Broadway touring presenters about theatrical marketing and social media strategy at the Southwest Presenters conference. In attendance were leaders from Irving Arts Center, Charles W. Eisemann Center for Performing Arts, Children's Performing Arts Series, Cross Timbers Fine Arts Council, The Strand Theatre of Shreveport, MSC OPAS, Angelina Arts Alliance, Stephen F. Austin State University SFA School of Theatre, Corsicana Palace Theatre, Navarro Council of the Arts / Corsicana Palace Theatre, Grand Prairie Center, Mansfield ISD Center for the Performing Arts, Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts, Piney Woods Fine Arts Association, UT Tyler Cowan Center, Reynolds Performance Hall, Letourneau University, Grand 1984 Opera House, Oklahoma City Community College, Banners at McNeese State University, Coppell Arts Center, McKinney Performing Arts Center, Courtroom Theater, Walton Arts Center and more!
Kyle has served on the Board of Directors of Mesa Encore Theatre, and as a board liaison for Phoenix Youth Ballet Theatre/Legacy Ballet Foundation.
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Krista Sullivan
LEGACY TEACHER
Krista Sullivan is a full-time childcare professional with decades of dance and fitness experience. Krista became a certified Zumba instructor in 2007, creating some of the first classes of the kind in the Salem community. Since then, she’s taught a wide range of dance and exercise classes, including Turbo, Piyo, Stride, Bokwa, Zumba Kids, Zumba Toning, Zumba, Step, Zumbini and more. Krista is a certified personal trainer through AFAA and certified Group Fitness Instructor through AFAA/NASM. -
Kyra Gee
LEGACY TEACHER
Kyra grew up on her family's farm in Hebron and is a recent graduate of Yale University, where she double majored in Evolutionary Biology and Theater Performance. At Yale, she directed a production of an original virtual musical entitled Wakaresaseya, written by Parker Redcross, and co-directed Sweeney Todd with NYC- and DC-based director Noam Shapiro. Kyra is also an actor and a singer; she has studied vocal performance for four years through the Yale Shen Curriculum for Musical Theater, and has appeared on Yale stages as Maggie Winslow in A Chorus Line, Joanne Galloway in A Few Good Men, Mary Jane in Mary Jane, Heather in American Idiot, and Tobias in Sweeney Todd. Kyra grew up performing on the FST stage with her family, including in the world premiere of Happy If Happy When, an original musical co-written by her parents. Kyra and her family later performed Happy If Happy When off-off-Broadway in NYC in 2018. Last summer at the FST Kyra directed a staged reading of Nietzsche! The Musical, and most recently served as director for The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition. -
Arianna Dreher
LEGACY TEACHER
Arianna is a recent graduate of the keystone high school. She is one the three cofounders of the new immersive theater company in Glens Falls, N.Y., Company of Curiosity’s LLC. She is also a dance instructor for the Spa City Dance and the Arts Competitive Team. Some of Arianna’s favorite roles include ZigZag, A New Musical (GIRL), Frozen Jr. (Elsa) All Together Now! (Jo March), and Grease (Cha-Cha). Most recently, Arianna appeared as Margo in Bright Star at Fort Salem Theater. -
David Braucher
LEGACY TEACHER
Since relocating to Greenwich, NY, David has directed throughout the Capital Region, including shows at Curtain Call Theater, Confetti Stage, Hubbard Hall, Greenwich Youth Center, Soul Rebel Performance Troupe [now Black Theatre Troupe of Upstate New York], and the premiere of Our Time by Ken Levine (head writer “MASH”, “Cheers”) at Saratoga Arts Center. In addition, he has done training for Skidmore College’s “Awkward Kids Talking” improv troupe, and has performed here at Fort Salem Theater, where he appeared as Dracula in Jay Kerr’s Dracula’s Grandmother and as Linus in You’re an Old Man, Charlie Brown.
Prior to moving upstate, he lived, directed, performed and taught in both Atlanta and the NYC area. In Atlanta, on the strength of his Atlanta Circle of Drama Critics Best Actor-nominated performance as Jimmy Porter in Look Back in Anger, he joined Actors Equity and performed as Gunner in Misalliance with Dana Ivey (Hal Scott, director). Several other acting roles followed. While still performing, he began directing, and also taught acting and improvisation classes, from which he formed “Good Clean Fun – the Improvisation Company.” He went on to write and direct The Book of Esther and The Hermitage Show with the troupe, in addition to booking improv engagements at colleges, cabarets, schools and community groups. He also spent two years an actor-teacher-writer-director with the Academy Theater State Tour Team of Atlanta, an NEA-funded ensemble formed to tour to middle and high schools throughout Georgia, and created over twenty original theater pieces with his students.
In NYC, he taught, directed and performed at Process Studio Theater, as well as directing at Altered Stages and Good Clean Fun’s improv show at Storefront Blitz. At TOSOS, he assisted writer-director Doric Wilson in the comedy hit The West Street Gang and later joined the cast. He also appeared in productions at 13th Street Theater, at the Actors Studio under the direction of iconic director Gene Frankel, Circle in the Square, and at The Kitchen.
He also spent three years directing the highly praised Teen-Life Theater touring company for Planned Parenthood of NJ in association with Dwight Morrow High School. Later, while teaching and directing at William Carlos Williams Center for the Arts and at Paul Sorvino’s American Stage company, David taught, wrote and directed for Allyn Sitjar’s Youth Theater of New Jersey. At the Williams Center, he trained and directed the Manhattan Improv Troupe which performs widely in the New York metropolitan area.
David owes much to his directing studies with Carlo Mazzone-Clementi, Geraldine Fitzgerald, Gene Frankel, Hal Scott, Claude Chagrin, Keith Johnstone and Paul Sills. -
Heather Magee
LEGACY TEACHER
Heather Magee is an experienced classical ballet teacher who joined the esteemed MOMIX dance company back in 2002 with the mesmerizing show Opus Cactus. She participated in new creations, performed several of their full-length productions, and toured the world with LunarSea, The Best of Momix, Viva Momix 35th Anniversary Tour, and Baseball. Heather has also performed as a dancer and principle character actress for Franco Dragone in his water spectacular called "The House of Dancing Water" located in Macau, China. Raised in Connecticut, she began her training with Arlene Begelman and Robert Maiorano at the School of Performing Arts and graduated from the School of the Hartford Ballet. She performed with Ballet Arizona, Atlanta Ballet and Madison Ballet Theatre. Under the direction of George Jagatic (Axis Danz), she learned “flagging” and has enjoyed sharing and exploring the craft. Theatrically, Ms. Magee toured internationally with the "The Phantom of the Opera" and danced in the musical "Carousel” and now resides in Hebron. -
Alina Jennings
LEGACY TEACHER
Miss Alina is a graduate of the Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts, where she studied musical theater and various forms of dance before starting her career as a performer and a teacher. For her work, Miss Alina has twice been named “All Star Performer” at the celebrated Junior Theater Festival and was also featured in the Junior Theater Academy’s All Star America group where she had the opportunity to travel and train in Europe. Miss Alina was also selected among thousands of dancers to film iTheatrics Choreography DVDs (Roxie in Chicago and Katherine in Newsies, among others) where she traveled to New York and performed with iTheatrics. Her recent choreography credits include Titanic, and Buddy: The Buddy Holy Story. She has been seen onstage in West Side Story (Consuela), Hairspray (Dynamite), Starlight Express (Buffy), Bye Bye Birdie (Penelope), Matilda the Musical, Tuck Everlasting, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and The Little Mermaid. Miss Alina is a guest at Fort Salem Theater, appearing in Little Shop of Horrors this March!