Eglevsky Ballet
Eglevsky Ballet
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  • About
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Leadership

Peter LeBreton Merz, Artistic Director

Peter LeBreton Merz is the eighth Artistic Director in the company’s distinguished line of succession, extending the legacy begun by founder and former New York City Ballet principal dancer André Eglevsky in 1961.

Peter brings a distinguished career in ballet education, artistic administration, and choreography. He has most recently served as the Director of Regional Tours for the American Dance Competition, where he spearheaded the organization’s first-ever regional tour in 2021–2022, significantly expanding its reach and impact. Previously, Merz was Director of the Academy at Ballet West, where he oversaw major growth in enrollment and revenue, expanded the Academy to multiple campuses, and launched a Professional Training Division. He also served as Head of Ballet at Point Park University, where he led ensembles to repeated success at the Youth America Grand Prix finals. His artistic administration experience includes serving as Artistic Administrator for the USA International Ballet Competition, where he managed all artistic aspects of the 2002 competition and created the inaugural USA IBC Gala in 2004.


Photo Credit: Chazz McBride

Rebecca Schmidt Castka, Executive Director

With nearly 25 years of expertise in nonprofit development and institutional fundraising, Rebecca Schmidt Castka is a seasoned strategist, writer, and nonprofit leader with experience serving a wide range of Long Island and New York City organizations. She holds a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from Adelphi University and is known for her strategic vision, collaborative leadership style, and ability to actualize complex organizational goals. Since 2017, she has been a trusted development partner of Eglevsky Ballet, where her work has supported the organization's artistic growth, educational programming, and community outreach initiatives. She has also led volunteer boards and served in executive leadership roles, bringing both strategic and hands-on experience to every project. Throughout her career, Rebecca has maintained a commitment to helping mission-driven organizations build sustainable futures and deepen their impact in and collaboration with the communities they serve.


Photo Credit: Amanda Wilson

Administration

Board of Directors

Administration

Holly M. Eaton

Director of Administration


Angela Testa

Manager of Special Projects


Aubry Miller

Social Media Manager


Donna Prince

Senior Office Administrator


Gloriana Rivera

Office Administrator

Faculty

Board of Directors

Administration

Our faculty consists of highly trained and experienced professionals who are dedicated to providing quality ballet education to our students. 

Meet Our Faculty

Board of Directors

Board of Directors

Board of Directors

Judd Gerber

President


Dr. Elvire Daniels


Jennifer Sauter


Dana Lentini


Kathryn D’Amico

Programs

At Eglevsky Ballet, class placement and promotion are based on ability and mastery—not age or years of study. Students may spend more than one year in a level to ensure a strong foundation. Consistent attendance is essential for progress. Placement is determined through evaluation, except for beginners ages 3–6, who are placed by age: First Steps, Pre-Primary, or Primary. Students 7 and older without prior training will be evaluated for appropriate placement.


Children’s Division (Ages 3–6)

Eglevsky’s Children’s Division introduces ballet through creative, age-appropriate instruction that builds coordination, focus, and musicality.

  • First Steps (3–4): Creative movement and rhythm exploration.
  • Pre-Primary (4–5): Early ballet fundamentals and body awareness.
  • Primary (5–6): Prepares dancers for Level I through basic technique and musical development.


Lower School

Levels I–V

Eglevsky Ballet’s Lower School builds a strong technical foundation while nurturing confidence, discipline, and artistry. Progression through Levels I–V is based on mastery and individual readiness.

  • Level I: Establishes proper posture, flexibility, strength, and vocabulary, fostering confidence in developing dancers.
  • Level II: Expands on fundamentals with greater focus on placement, alignment, musicality, and controlled technique.
  • Level III: Strengthens stamina and precision while preparing for the more demanding curriculum of upper levels. Most students spend two years here.
  • Level IV: Introduces pointe work once dancers show the necessary strength and technical mastery. Readiness is determined by faculty.
  • Level V: Final Lower School level preparing students for pre-professional study. Training intensifies with advanced ballet, pointe, modern, and jazz.


Advancement to the Upper School is individualized and made with great care to support each dancer’s potential and growth.


Upper School

Pre-Professional Training Program (PTP I–III)

Eglevsky Ballet’s Pre-Professional Training Program (PTP) is designed for dedicated students pursuing a career in dance. Admission is by audition or invitation only, and each dancer commits to a full year of intensive study.


Students maintain a high standard of attendance and participate in all performances and outreach events. Training includes daily technique classes, residencies, and master classes led by renowned educators, with opportunities for private coaching and individualized mentoring.

  • PTP I: Builds refined classical technique rooted in Vaganova, French, and Balanchine methods, emphasizing control, precision, musicality, and advanced jumps and turns.
  • PTP II: Increases intensity and technical demand, focusing on speed, strength, and artistry.
  • PTP III: The most advanced level, preparing dancers to perform at a professional standard with mastery of technique, style, and stage presence.


All PTP students perform in Eglevsky Ballet’s annual Student Workshop Performance.


Academy Program

Youth Beginner I–II, Youth Intermediate I–II, Teen Intermediate/Advanced I–II

Eglevsky Ballet’s Academy Program offers high-quality training for students who love to dance and wish to develop their skills in a supportive, non-competitive environment.


Students progress based on ability and commitment, with the same emphasis on focused work and personal growth found throughout the school.

  • Youth Beginner I–II: For students training once per week, focusing on foundational technique and enjoyment of movement.
  • Youth Intermediate I–II: Continues technical development for once-per-week students seeking steady progress.
  • Teen Intermediate/Advanced I–II: Offers up to three classes per week for students ready for more rigorous study.


All Academy students participate in performance opportunities that celebrate their dedication and growth.

Parent Handbook

EB-Revised-Parent-Handbook-2025-26 (pdf)Download

Connect With Us

Eglevsky Ballet

700 Hicksville Road, Suite 102, Bethpage, NY 11714, USA

516.746.1115 / info@eglevskyballet.org

Copyright © 2025 Eglevsky Ballet - All Rights Reserved.

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