Discover Oakland’s Leading Dance Studio
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237 reviews
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4.9 on Google
"The ballet training she’s receiving is impeccable"
"My 13 yo daughter has been dancing at RSD since she was just 3 yo. I wouldn’t change a thing. The ballet training she’s receiving is impeccable & the performing opportunities through RSD & MBT are the icing on the cake! She’s been given the opportunity to learn & excel in all forms of dance and I couldn’t be prouder of the Dancer she’s become. Thank you Miss Jennie & RSD!"
Debbie Williams
Verified by Google
"The teachers and students there have been amazing!"
"I’ve been a dancer at the Rochester School of Dance for almost 13 years and the teachers and students there have been amazing! I absolutely love how I was able to improve so much as a dancer while also making close connections with the other students and teachers!"
Sandhya Anagurthi
Verified by Google
"I have grown a lot as a dancer and as a person at RSD"
"I danced with Rochester School of Dance/Michigan Ballet Theatre for over 10 years. The emphasis on technique, performance opportunities, professionalism, great teachers, and friendships made are unmatched! I have grown a lot as a dancer and as a person at RSD."
Yael Mizrahi
Verified by Google
"A wide variety to dance styles offered"
"I danced with Rochester School of Dance/ Michigan Ballet Theatre for 9 years and loved my time there! There’s a wide variety to dance styles offered and many performance opportunities."
Ella Kerekes
Verified by Google
Indulge your love of dance
Our Mission
Emphasis is placed on achieving each individual’s personal best by using positive reinforcement and encouragement.
We provide career-oriented students with professional training while also giving recreational students the opportunity to experience quality classes and learn the best technique.
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.