About Us
Who we are
The School of the Garden State Ballet, a non-profit educational organization is ...
"A tradition of Excellence in Training ...
under the guidance and inspiration of outstanding professional instructors, designed for the pleasure and development of all age groups."
Founded in 1951, the School enjoys national recognition for quality and excellence in training.
Students of all levels and ages ranging from preschoolers to adult beginners enjoy the physical and artistic benefits of training under a staff of dedicated teachers who are interested in the individual development of each student, whether in pursuit of a professional career or a healthful and enriching exercise program.
The School of the Garden State Ballet admits students of any race, color or national origin in the administration of its educational policies, scholarship programs and other school administrated programs.
Staff
Jody Jaron – Director
Trained at San Francisco Ballet School and School of American Ballet; Official School of the New York City Ballet.
She also trained under Melissa Hayden and Don Farnsworth. She performed in the Broadway Production of "Chorus Line". She later joined the administration of American Ballet Theatre, working Mikhail Baryshnikov, Antony Tudor, Jerome Robbins and Agnes DeMille. She was named Associate Director of GSB in 1995. In addition to the numerous dance activities that she is involved with, Jody directs the School's Youth Company.
Allison Wyss
Attended SUNY Purchase and graduated from the University of Utah with a BFA in Ballet Performance. Previously, she had trained with renowned Russian teacher, Irene Fokine. Allison was a soloist with Sangre de Cristo Ballet Theatre in Pueblo, Colorado. She was also ballet mistress, teacher and administrative assistant for their school and company. Here in New Jersey, she is a Senior Artist Assistant for the production department at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Since 1997, she has worked with US and international dance companies as well as artists from other performing disciplines. She was trained and certified in NYC under Pierre Dulaine with Dancing Classrooms. She was a ballroom teaching artist at the NJPAC for the Newark, NJ, school systems.
Allison has been on the faculty for GSB since 2001. She currently teaches all levels at both the Newark and Rutherford schools.
Meg Jaron
Maria Zago
Born in Brazil, Maria Zago has been dancing since age 3. After moving to Newark, NJ, she found The School of the Garden State Ballet and it quickly became her second home. Her journey with GSB started in 2007 and having come full circle, she now stands as a teacher at her former school, ready to make a difference in the lives of aspiring learners.
As an alumna, she is intimately familiar with the school's values and curriculum, allowing her to seamlessly integrate her knowledge and expertise into the existing program. With her extensive experience in both teaching and performing, she is excited to give back to the institution that played a pivotal role in shaping her career, and she looks forward to guiding and inspiring the next generation of dancers.
Sponsors
The School of the Garden State Ballet gratefully acknowledges its many donors. Our educational and performance programs would not be possible without their generous support. In addition to our sponsors and our volunteer staff listed below, the School of the Garden State Ballet wishes to express thanks to our many other volunteers who continuously give countless hours of their time and talents to our organization.
Victoria Foundation
Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation
Volunteers
Sarah Chase
Tailor
Franco Ravenatti
Set designer
Anna Chibisova
Website designer