Kristin Ruggieri received her formal training at The Academy of Ballet Etudes in Norwalk under the direction of Nanette Vallas and Russell Fratto. She continued her studies at the Joffrey School, and with renowned teachers Finis Jhung and David Howard. Kristin was a scholarship student at SUNY Purchase’s esteemed dance department and also studied musical theater and dance on scholarship at Marymount Manhattan College. She has performed soloist roles in Nutcracker, Coppelia, Pas de Quatre, La Sylphide, La Boutique Fantasque, La Bayadere, Sleeping Beauty and many other classical and contemporary ballets. In 2007 she had the privilege of appearing in George Balanchine’s Who Cares, and was coached by Judith Fugate.
Kristin has been teaching since 1994 at local schools including The Academy of Ballet Etudes and Just Dance, and was the owner of Easton Dance Academy from 2001-2012. She is proud to be on the inaugural faculty of Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts, an accredited performing arts college. Teaching has always been Kristin’s passion and she applies her knowledge, experience and expertise as a dancer and teacher to each pointe shoe fitting.
Since opening in 2003, she has established a reputation that attracts dancers from all over the country. Kristin proudly represents Nikolay as an expert fitter at various prestigious ballet schools and competitions in Connecticut, New York and Florida and has given lectures at several schools and institutions, most notably for Lynne Charles' 4Pointe teacher training. She is beyond elated to be celebrating Attitude's 20th year.
Photo by Rosalie O'Connor