Founder

Miss Francesca

1923-2011

FELLOW OF THE IMPERIAL SOCIETY OF TEACHERS OF DANCING. (CECCHETTI), ENGLAND

LIFE MEMBER ROYAL ACADEMY OF DANCE

Miss Francesca, Founder of The Classical Ballet School, opened her first school (which, incidentally, is still running today) in London, England in 1947. Since then she has taught in Toronto, San Diego, and Monterey; and her career (both as a teacher and as a renowned choreographer) has taken her all over the world including to France and Russia.

2007 marked Miss Francesca's 60th year teaching ballet, and the School celebrated with a Diamond Jubilee performance.
On February 24th, 2011, Miss Francesca lost her long battle with ALS, she died peacefully at home with her daughter, Stella at her bedside.

In Memoriam

The school will continue to work on producing a DVD of the Francesca Method syllabus, in her memory, which will be available to students in the near future, check back here for more information.

Miss Francesca was a Fellow of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (London). She was also a Life Member of the Royal Academy of Dance and held a Master's Degree in dance.
Miss Francesca studied all major ballet-teaching methods, including: Royal Academy; Balanchine; Vaganova; and others. However, in 2006 she introduced her own special syllabus for all students who are serious about becoming accomplished dancers.

The Francesca Method is based very strongly on Enrico Cecchetti's style of ballet. Using his terminology and many of his beautiful adages and allegros, exactly as he set them. She also added many other new arrangements. Miss Francesca was fortunate to study closely with Molly Lake, a pupil of Cecchetti himself. She also knew Nora Roche, another pupil of Cecchetti, and Cyril Beaumont (the co-author of the Cecchetti manual).

Fellow of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing

"Dedicated to producing dancers of the finest technique & quality."