Welcome to The Studio of Classical Dance Arts
The Studio's purpose is to provide professional level, quality ballet training in a safe, supportive and nurturing environment. We offer classes for beginning through pre-professional students, a Boys only class and quality performing opportunities including “The Story of the Nutcracker” and our annual Spring Showcase for students throughout southeastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois.
While building the foundation vital to excellence in all dance styles, students will learn the value of self-discipline, personal responsibility and commitment. Whether they are studying to pursue a career in dance or simply taking class for sheer enjoyment, students will develop self confidence and a love of the arts that will last a lifetime.
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Directors
Linda Bennett, originally from Southern California, trained at the American Ballet School, under the direction of Lynda Yourth (formerly with the New York City Ballet). At 18 she moved to New York to continue her training on full scholarship at the Joffrey Ballet School studying under Francesca Corkle, Trinette Singleton and John Magnus where she also began teaching. In 1989 Linda was invited by to join the Milwaukee Ballet Company where she rose to the rank of soloist in 1991 and quickly became a favorite of the Director and audiences alike. Versatility was a hallmark of her performing career, which included many soloist and principal roles in a variety of ballets ranging from the classic Swan Lake to Balanchine's innovative Four Temperaments. Linda has performed leading roles as a Guest Artist with companies and schools around the country in addition to teaching extensively throughout the Midwest. Before opening The Studio of Classical Dance Arts in the fall of 2005 she and her husband, Marc Darling, served as faculty members for both the Milwaukee Ballet School and the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee.
Marc Darling began his career in Chicago under the guidance of legendary ballet instructors Bentley Stone and Walter Camryn, appearing in the final performance of the famed Stone-Camryn Ballet after just two short years of training. Marc went on to perform soloist and principal roles with the Pennsylvania Ballet, Ballet Austin, Indianapolis Ballet Theater, Tulsa Ballet Theater, and the Milwaukee Ballet Company. Throughout his career, Marc has followed in the footsteps of his mentors Mr. Stone and Mr. Camyrn by placing equal emphasis on both teaching and performing. Marc met his wife Linda Bennett while with the Milwaukee Ballet, and since retiring from the stage in 1995 the couple has taught throughout Southeastern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. In 1999 they returned to the Milwaukee Ballet, this time helping to build and manage a new branch of the Milwaukee Ballet School in Waukesha Wisconsin. Marc and Linda enjoy sharing their love of classical ballet with students of all ages and are excited to have the opportunity to develop and nurture America's next generation of young dancers.