Mia Klinger, Artistic Director of Ballet Excel Ohio and Nan Klinger Excellence in Dance, Named National Visiting Fellow for School of American Ballet

Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Mia Klinger, Artistic Director, Ballet Excel Ohio and Nan Klinger Excellence in Dance, was recently recognized as one of five classical ballet teachers nationwide to participate in the School of American Ballet’s (SAB) National Visiting Fellows program in New York City.

Every year, the School of American Ballet selects 5 classical ballet instructors who have demonstrated commitment to teaching students from diverse backgrounds. Klinger has been working with underserved youth for over two decades through Ballet Excel Ohio’s Reach Out And Dance® (ROAD®) program. “I believe in the value of the arts being taught at the highest level possible, not watered-down versions,” Klinger said. “It brings students to a higher level of intelligence and achievement.” 

As a Visiting Fellow, Klinger will attend two week-long SAB sessions to observe, meet with faculty to discuss SAB’s curriculum and strategies for progression, teach SAB students, receive faculty feedback, teach at the school, and discuss relevant dance education topics with administrative staff. 

Currently, one of her ROAD® students, Jonathan McCray, is attending SAB on a full scholarship for his high school years. “I look forward to working with SAB faculty, and bringing back the knowledge to my current dancers to help put Akron, Ohio on the map for great classical ballet training.”