Once Upon a Dream
"I remember sitting on the bus in middle school and thinking about my future dance school and company. I drew pictures of dance positions and choreography, and I even started a journal with ideas and inspiration. As I grew older, I began saving pennies. Every time I received money in cards for my birthday or for a holiday, I would divide the amount into thirds — part for my personal savings, part for my future dance school, and part for my future dance company," says Kelly Murray Farrell, Founder & Director of Ballet 180 School.
After high school, Kelly says her "dreams began to take shape into skills acquired through tactical steps." She danced professionally, attended college, read business guides, spoke with knowledgeable leaders, and gained experience in event planning and marketing. "I also volunteered time with local organizations and performed mission work. Through these activities, I prepared my heart and my mind for the founding of 180 and its affiliated school, Ballet 180 School," Farrell continues.
When she formed Ballet 180 School, Farrell says she wanted to harness her passion for dance and her concern for the wellbeing of others by "establishing a dance company that broke the mold of traditional ballet." Kelly wanted to make dance "accessible, engaging, and inspirational" and is "thrilled to say that I’ve been able to lead a professional ballet company with exceptional dancers performing cutting edge work, a school of talented and eager students, and outreach programs that bring dance to the community."
"When I see dancers walk through the door of our school, I am honored that I get to be a part of their story. I’m proud of how far we have come as an organization and I am so thankful for every person who has been a part of the process," she says. "We value each and every dancer at 180, and I look forward to seeing how your individual imprint will help write the next chapter of our story!"
More Than Just Dance
Farrell founded Ballet 180 School in 2013. The school began in a small storefront with one dance studio and now serves hundreds of students each year. As a leading organization within the local community, Ballet 180’s reputation precedes it. Students often discover Ballet 180 through word of mouth and travel from as far as Philadelphia city center to enjoy the school’s quality training.
Ballet 180 School is a multi-year award winning dance school providing top-notch training for preschoolers to professionals. The school’s unique focus on building community and spreading kindness through the art of dance enables its students to reach their greatest potential in dance and in all areas of life.
In addition to offering dance classes and instruction, Ballet 180 School offers performance opportunities through their Nutcracker Sweets performance and Spring Showcase. Further performance opportunities are available to their pre-professional group, the Ballet 180Student Company, which fosters individual growth and artistic development for ages 8-18, helping to grow dance students into dance professionals.
The Big Move
"When COVID hit, it was scary," Farrell remembers. "We had just signed the lease for a larger space and suddenly we needed to shut down. We figured out how to pivot, and pivot again, until suddenly we realized that we were not only surviving COVID, but were growing,"
Armed with a long wish-list for their growing studio, Farrell says she found a space that fulfilled everything Ballet 180 School could ever need - and more: a dedicated space just for Ballet 180 School that is only 4 miles from their current location, street visibility on a main road, train/bus accessibility, easier flow for drop off and pick up, lots of parking spaces and overflow parking for events, 4 large dance studios with high ceilings and plenty of sunlight, extra bathrooms and kitchenette for staff, a centralized and welcoming lobby, a dedicated changing area for dancers, storage for their growing costume wardrobe, a grassy area for picnics, and a contemporary look and feel that matches their unique branding.
Best of all, Farrell says she's excited for the Ballet 180 School community to experience their new space. "It is going to truly realize the Ballet 180 School vision, and I can foresee so many great things happening here," she adds.
Stay tuned for details on Ballet 180's School grand re-opening - with Macaroni Kid Main Line!
Click here for Ballet 180's 2024-2045 dance class schedule.
For a special message from Kelly Murray Farrell, click here.
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Ballet 180 School's new address:
209 W. Lancaster Ave.
Suite 200
Paoli, PA 19301
phone: 484.639.9571
email: school@ballet180.org
