Briety Tufte, a professional dance instructor, will be teaching ballet to people of all ages in classes to be held at the Oroville Fitness Center. Registration is this Thursday. Photo by Gary DeVon
OROVILLE – Breity Tufte will be teaching ballet for all ages at the Oroville Fitness Center beginning this spring.
Tufte has been a resident of Washington for the last four and half years. She was born and raised in New York and moved to Oroville in 2011.
“I am a dance instructor and choreographer with over 18 years experience and training. I have been trained in ballet, pointe, lyrical, modern, jazz, tap, hip-hop, and musical theatre,” said Tufte. “I was trained by Daphne Fusillo at Daphne’s Dream Dancers in Canastota, NY.”
She has performed in numerous plays and musicals including the first off-Broadway production of CATS and while living in New York she won several New York State World of Beauty titles. “Through my extensive training I have developed a true passion for entertaining people. I love passing along my happiness and knowledge to others through teaching,” she said.
This spring she will only be teaching ballet, although she plans to expand her class schedule to include other styles of dance in the near future.
“I will be teaching all ages; from a magical preschool class to an adult ballet class,” she said. “Ballet lessons are a wonderful way for both kids and adults to reap the health benefits of dance as well as learn self-discipline and body control. Anyone can enjoy the beauty and grace of ballet dancing, regardless of age, body size, or fitness level. Even if you’ve never stepped foot into a ballet studio, these lessons will enable you to explore ballet as an absolute beginner. You will be introduced to everything beginners want to know about ballet, including the first steps and basic positions.”
Registration for classes will be Thursday, Feb. 16 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Registration is a time where people can ask questions, meet the teacher and learn more about the exciting world of dance, according to Tufte.
“I have high aspirations to influence the community through dance. I believe that opening someone’s mind and imagination to dance can greatly influence their life. Ballet teaches discipline, health, fitness, and dedication. I feel that ballet is fun and creative outlet for people to express themselves,” she said.
Tufte says she has the support of a loving family, including her fiancé, Louis Koler and his two children Kale and Krislyn, who she describes as her inspiration.
“They encouraged me to share my passion of dance to the Oroville Community,” Tufte said.
Briety’s Ballerinas can be reached at the Oroville Fitness Center on 1300 Main Street or by calling (509) 476-3900. They’re now on Facebook and can be found under Briety’s Ballerinas for those that want to stay updated with announcements and schedules.
