Mission & History

Mission Statement
Neglia Ballet Artists is dedicated to enriching the region’s cultural environment by building appreciation and support for the art of ballet. We are committed to preserving the artistry, technique and traditions of ballet through high quality performance and superior instruction.

 

Vision Statement
Our goal is to be the most vibrant, significant and diverse professional ballet company in the region and a nationally recognized training center, with a reputation for identifying and nurturing young talent throughout all sectors of the community.

 

History
In September of 1994 Heidi Halt and Sergio Neglia established the Neglia Conservatory of Ballet, to introduce Western New York dance students to a new level of classical training. The Conservatory has been very successful at identifying and developing young ballet talent throughout the region. Over the years students from the Conservatory have gone on to careers with dance companies such as the Colorado Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, North Carolina Dance Theatre and the Richmond Ballet in Virginia. Conservatory students have also received scholarships and acceptance to prestigious dance schools including American Ballet Theatre, and School of American Ballet. Most recently a Neglia student won the regional Youth American Grand Prix in Chicago and was invited to participate in the New York City international finals where she was offered scholarships to American Ballet Theatre and the Kirov Academy.

In 1999 Neglia Ballet Artists was formed, giving Buffalo a true professional performing company. Now in its 12th year, Neglia’s performances have drawn glowing reviews.  The Buffalo News called the 10th Anniversary Gala performance “spectacular” and “the finest performance of the decade.”  For three consecutive years, the Buffalo Philharmonic has chose Neglia to perform with it at Artpark; the Buffalo News has called Neglia’s performance with the BPO “brilliant.”  In collaboration with the BPO and Shea’s performing Art Center, Neglia Ballet Artists presented its brand new production of The Nutcracker on November 28th and 29th, 2009. With a total of 7,668 people attending, The Nutcracker was our highest attended performance in Neglia’s history.

Neglia Ballet’s CityDance program allows children in the Buffalo public schools to learn about dance through lecture/demonstrations, live performances, and dance classes at their schools free of charge. Students with particular promise are offered scholarships to the Conservatory. To date approximately 18,000 school age children have attended our “On School Time” performances of Baba Yaga, Don Quixote, Romeo & Juliet, Spartacus and The Nutcracker.

In April 2010 Canisius College approached Neglia Ballet Artists regarding establishing a dance program. A proposal was submitted and approved within 17 days! A dance minor was offered in the fall of 2010 for 26 students. Canisius and Neglia are optimistic that the new dance program will grow significantly over the years and be mutually beneficial to both programs.

In March 2011, Neglia Ballet Artists presented Romeo and Juliet with the BPO at Shea’s. This performance marked a milestone for Neglia, the BPO and the community. No other ballet company, local or otherwise has ever produced more than one full length production with the BPO within one year. Many larger regional ballet companies do not have that privilege. We will continue our collaboration with the BPO and Shea’s by presenting an All Tchaikovsky Program in May 2012.