Rochester School Of Dance
1979
Our early days
Rochester School of Dance
Our school was founded by Cornelia Sampson. The studio was launched with the aspiration of availing students with a school that offers quality instruction in a nurturing environment.
From day one, emphasis has been placed on helping each individual to achieve their personal best by using positive reinforcement and encouragement.
1981
Enriching our community
Michigan Ballet Theatre
Cornelia Sampson founded the Michigan Ballet in 1981. The company is committed to bringing cultural enrichment to audiences throughout Michigan. It is comprised of talented dancers drawn from an open audition, and its home is the Rochester School of Dance. In addition to performances with local symphonies and an annual performance of the Nutcracker, MBT offers lecture demonstrations and performs for civic and cultural organizations. As a resident company, we hope to partially fulfill the growing demand for cultural enrichment in Michigan and give our talented youth the opportunity to perform and grow through the art of dance. By giving back to the communities in which audiences reside, we hope to make a positive, lasting difference in the lives of those we reach.
To date, MBT has presented two decades of Nutcrackers and Spring Galas. These have included performances with local symphonies and The Detroit Symphony Orchestra at professional venues including the Birmingham Theatre, Royal Oak Music Theatre and the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts. In addition, MBT was selected to choreograph and present a made-for-TV version of the Nutcracker Ballet in conjunction with Oakland Community College and the Detroit Institute of Arts. This aired nationally, prime time, on public television.
Present Day
Our legacy
Training industry professionals
Rochester School of Dance and Michigan Ballet Theatre has trained many dancers now in the professional field.
Dancers have been accepted into major companies including American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, The Joffrey Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Miami City Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and The Royal Danish Ballet.
We are proud of our track record and continually invite alumni home to perform, entertain, and inspire the new young achievers in pursuit of professional careers.
Years Of Dance
Rochester School of Dance is one of the most recognised institutions in Oakland County.
Dance Classes On Offer
We take pride in teaching quality technique while helping students to develop self-confidence and discipline.
Students Enrolled
First and foremost, students are encouraged to enjoy themselves and make wonderful friends.
Professionals Produced
RSD students go on to professional careers across the USA.
Our Directors
Cornelia Sampson
Artistic Director Emerita,
Michigan Ballet Theatre
Cornelia Sampson began her training in Detroit with Violette Armand. She was trained and examined in the National Academy of Ballet Syllabus. She continued her studies at Les Grand Ballet Canadienne in Montreal, in New York at the School of American Ballet, official school of New York City Ballet, and as a scholarship student at Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo where she was accepted into the company. Ms. Sampson has taught master classes for many organizations including, Interlochen Arts Academy, American Ballet Theatre, Oakland University, Flint Institute of Music and Dance and Burklyn Ballet Theatre.
She founded the Rochester School of Dance in 1979, Cornelia’s School of Dance and Michigan Ballet Theatre in 1981. Ms. Sampson has staged and choreographed many works for MBT including a TV version of the Nutcracker that aired prime time on national TV. Her students have been accepted into major companies including American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, Joffrey, Boston Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet Co, Miami City Ballet and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. As a private coach, her dancers have won numerous 1st place awards and medals in recognized competitions. Ms. Sampson was named Outstanding Choreographer for her piece titled “After the Ball” and received the awards for Best Teacher and Best School at the Youth America Grand Prix competition.
Jennifer Ristoski
Rochester School Of Dance Director and
Artistic Director of Michigan Ballet Theatre.
Artistic Director of Michigan Ballet Theatre, and Rochester School of Dance ballet instructor, began her journey in dance at the young age of four with the Rochester School of Dance and at the age of 12, was accepted into Michigan Ballet Theatre under the direction of Cornelia Sampson. During her six-year tenure, Jennifer performed numerous soloist roles in full length ballets including Sleeping Beauty, Le Corsaire, Paquita and The Nutcracker Ballet. Ms. Ristoski also received additional training at summer intensives with American Ballet Theatre, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, and NCDT. After graduation, Jennifer continued her professional career at North Carolina Dance Theatre working directly with artistic director Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, Patricia McBride and Mark Diamond. Jennifer has been on faculty at the Rochester School of Dance for the past 14 years, is a certified teacher with American Ballet Theatre’s National Training Curriculum and is currently the Artistic Director of Michigan Ballet Theatre. Ms. Ristoski has choreographed several original works that have competed at YAGP and local competitions, receiving great accreditation and multiple overall wins. Under her coaching, students have placed Top 24 and Top 12 at YAGP regional competitions, high placings at World Ballet Artistic Competitions, Hope Awards and scholarships to prestigious summer intensives.
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