Meet the Artistic Director
Brittany Drushal
Ms. Drushal is a professionally trained former ballerina who has performed with companies such as the Joffrey Ballet and Dayton Ohio Ballet and had the honor of being invited to perform with the Moscow Ballet. Her journey in dance began with Ballet Omaha, where her passion for the art form flourished at a young age. Brittany received training from iconic mentors, including Patsy Swayze—renowned teacher and mother of Patrick Swayze—and Prima Ballerina Assoluta, Maria Tallchief. She also gained invaluable experience studying with world-class dancers from institutions like the Royal Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet, NYC Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Miami City Ballet, and Kirov Ballet. Ms. Drushal later earned a BFA in Dance, training under the beloved, Randall Newsom, a former Royal Danish Ballet member.
For over 20 years, Ms. Drushal has taught dance to students of all ages, from toddlers as young as two to advanced professional dancers. A former adjunct professor at the University of Florida, she is committed to fostering growth through her teaching philosophy, which emphasizes setting individualized, challenging, yet attainable goals for her students. With expertise in a wide range of ballet techniques (Cecchetti, Vaganova, Bournonville, RAD, French School, and Balanchine), Ms. Drushal prepares her students to become versatile and well-rounded dancers. This comprehensive approach ensures they are equipped to pursue opportunities with ballet companies that best complement their physical strengths and artistic style.
Ms. Drushal's rich background and profound love for ballet inspired her to find ways to share this beautiful art form with a broader audience. She recognized a gap in the full-inclusion of neurodivergent children in extracurricular activities, particularly in arts programs. This realization sparked her passion for creating programs that allow all children to experience the joy of dance in an environment where they feel welcomed, valued, and appreciated.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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No.
While these classes can compliment existing therapy your child may be receiving, these classes are NOT therapy. They should be thought of as elective extra-curricular activities only.
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No. However, your child will have an easier time moving in class while wearing dance attire (leotard, tights, etc).
There is currently no required uniform. However, we recommend you have your child wear clothing they can freely, comfortably, and confidently move in (i.e. sweat pants or yoga pants and a t-shirt). Please try to remember not to send your child in jeans or a dress/skirt unless there are bike shorts worn underneath.
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It depends.
Ballet: If your child is enrolled in ballet technique classes then canvas or leather, split-sole ballet shoes are highly recommended for class. If your child can’t tolerate these shoes or needs help adjusting to them, please let us know and their needs will be accommodated.
Pointe: You are responsible for purchasing your child’s pointe shoes. A PAS BALLET staff member can walk you through the process of buying pointe shoes and teaching you and your child how to properly sew the elastic and ribbon on the pointe shoes.
Creative Movement: No special shoes are required.
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Not at this time.
PAS BALLET is not yet an approved provider with the Step Up Scholarship Program. We have submitted our application and will let our members know when PAS BALLET is approved.
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No.
Every student is responsible for bringing their own dance clothing, dance gear, and footwear (ballet flats, pointe shoes, etc.)