Who we are

At the Vaganova Academy of Brownsville (VAB), we believe that world-class ballet training should be accessible — no matter where you live. Founded and directed by Summer Reed, a certified instructor through the Bolshoi Ballet Academy Teacher Certification Program and longtime mentee of Nikoloz Makhateli (former Principal Dancer of the State Ballet of Georgia), our academy brings the excellence of the Vaganova method to Fayette County, Pennsylvania.

Summer’s professional performing career included international guest work in Spain, the Dominican Republic, and in companies across the United States. Her experience — both on stage and in the classroom — shapes the unique balance of professional rigor and personal mentorship that defines VAB.

Our training is rooted in tradition, but alive with passion. We are more than a training program — we are a community where students learn discipline, resilience, and confidence that last far beyond the stage.

Our Professional Program:

Our Pre-Professional Program is more than just a schedule of classes — it is an individualized mentorship program for serious dancers. Enrollment is limited in space to ensure every dancer receives close guidance, personal coaching, and long-term development tailored to their unique goals.

Students in this track train at an international standard, preparing for competitions, summer intensives, and professional careers, with a focus on artistry, technical depth, and resilience. The mentorship model allows us to not only refine technique but to shape dancers as artists and as people.

Our Community Programs:

While our professional program is selective, VAB is equally dedicated to serving the broader community through accessible classes and outreach.

We proudly offer:

• Pre-Ballet (ages 4–7): Introducing children to rhythm, creativity, and discipline.

• Adult Ballet & Open Ballet: Welcoming dancers of all ages and levels to experience the benefits of ballet.

• Community Outreach: Free classes, nursing home performances, and local events that bring ballet to new audiences.

These programs create pathways for anyone — from a child’s very first plié to an adult rediscovering dance — to find joy and growth in ballet.

The image features black bold text that says 'RAISE the BARRE' with a smaller line of text below reading 'Vaganova Academy of Brownsville' and the logo of Nikolay, an official partner school, at the bottom.

Our Impact:

As a nonprofit academy, we are committed to breaking barriers to access. Since 2020, VAB has awarded over $50,000 in scholarships to help dancers pursue their training. Beyond the studio, our students give back through outreach performances that inspire, uplift, and share the beauty of ballet with the community.

Our Standard:

VAB is proud to be a Nikolay Partner School. Our dancers train exclusively in Nikolay uniforms, ensuring the highest quality, consistency, and professionalism across every level of training. This partnership reflects our commitment to excellence and unity within our student body.

A young girl dressed as a ballerina in a tutu is leaning over a table and talking to two girls sitting at the table, one with a hair scrunchie and the other with a bow. Other people are sitting in the background in a warmly lit room.
Four young girls in ballet attire sitting on yoga mats during a ballet class, with some using foam blocks for support, on a polished floor in a dance studio.
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Young girl in a red leotard and beige ballet slippers, sitting on the floor and stretching her legs, wearing a silver tiara, against a plain white background.
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Young girl in ballet attire sitting on a white chair, adjusting her pointe shoe in a studio with plain white and gray background.
A young ballet dancer performs a high kick on stage, wearing a pink tutu, ballet slippers, and a tiara, with a dark curtain in the background.
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Line of young ballet dancers in pastel leotards and tights practicing on stage
A ballerina in a tutu is performing on stage, bending forward with her hands on her knees and bowing. She is wearing pointe shoes, a colorful tutu, and a ribbon in her hair. The stage has wooden features and a black curtain in the background.
Group of young ballerinas in costume, standing on stage with arms raised, performing a dance.
A ballerina performing on stage with a black curtain backdrop, wearing a sheer, brown dance costume and pointe shoes, in a graceful pose with one arm extended upwards and the other bent.

Contact us

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