January 15th, 2024

 

Rochester, NY — Odasz Dance Theatre proudly announces its achievement, securing the #36 spot among the top 5% of the most prestigious ballet academies in the United States. This recognition comes as a result of a groundbreaking scientific study conducted by Northeastern University titled "Quantifying Hierarchy and Prestige in U.S. Ballet Academies as Social Predictors of Career Success."

 

The study, focusing on the social dynamics and prestige within U.S. ballet academies, utilized network centrality as a precise indicator of social prestige. Unlike traditional measures, this approach emphasizes the critical role of social connections in enhancing prestige, ultimately influencing professional development and job placement of students.

 

Analyzing data from 6,363 ballet students affiliated with 1,603 schools in the United States, who participated in the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) between 2000 and 2021, the study revealed that schools' strategic network position bridging between communities captures social prestige and predicts the placement of students into jobs in ballet companies.

 

Odasz Dance Theatre's impressive #36 ranking highlights its commitment to fostering a network that promotes the success of its talented dancers. By emphasizing the importance of both individual competition performance and the school's reputation in predicting successful job placements in ballet, it showcases the close connection between individual achievements and the school's prestige.

 

"We are thrilled to be recognized among the top ballet academies in the nation," said Jessica Odasz, Artistic Director at Odasz Dance Theatre. "This achievement is a testament to our dedication to providing not only exceptional training but also fostering valuable connections within the dance community.  Many past students have gone on to join prestigious ballet companies, such as SAB, Joffrey, Tulsa, Ballet Met, Ballet Austin, Alonzo King Lines & Kibbutz Contemporary, highlighting the success of our holistic approach to dance education."

 

In addition, Andrea Astuto, Assistant Artistic Director, added, "This ranking affirms our belief that dance education goes beyond technical skills—it's about building a community that supports and propels each dancer towards success. Odasz Dance Theatre's commitment to excellence extends beyond the studio to the broader dance community."

 

The study underscores the significance of social networks in shaping success in the performing arts and highlights the potential of data-driven methods to objectively analyze these effects. Odasz Dance Theatre remains committed to excellence in dance education and looks forward to continuing its contribution to the advancement of the ballet community.

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Editors Note:

"Quantifying Hierarchy and Prestige in U.S. Ballet Academies as Social Predictors of Career Success." Yessica Herrera-Guzmán, Alexander J. Gates, Cristian Candia & Albert-László Barabási* *Corresponding Author

 

About Odasz Dance:

Odasz Dance Theatre, in Rochester, NY, offers award-winning classical training and professional performance experiences for students aged 3 and up. Our comprehensive dance education, centered on ballet's technical precision, forms the foundation for diverse dance styles. Students undergo rigorous ballet training and explore jazz, musical theatre, contemporary, modern, improvisation, and dance conditioning in classes and private lessons.

 

Founded in 2003 by Jessica Odasz, Odasz Dance Theatre stands as a beacon of excellence in dance education. The school has consistently achieved recognition, receiving the Outstanding School award at the prestigious Youth America Grand Prix in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023. Outstanding teacher 2015.

 

Under the guidance of Andrea Astuto, who joined Odasz Dance Theatre in the summer of 2012 as the Contemporary Program Director and Assistant Artistic Director, Ms. Astuto's exceptional creative contributions were further acknowledged with the 'Outstanding Choreographer Award' at Youth America Grand Prix Chicago semi-finals in 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 and Finals 2022, 2023 & 2024

 

Odasz Dance Theatre continues to be a nurturing ground for talent, fostering creativity, discipline, and a passion for the art of dance. As the school looks towards the future, Odasz Dance Theatre remains committed to shaping the next generation of dancers and contributing to the artistic diversity of the Rochester community.

 

For media inquiries, please contact:

Jessica Odasz

Artistic Director

jodasz@wnyballet.com

585-622-6120