Our Owner

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. With The Ballet Etudes Company, she 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 The Spot, and was the owner of Easton Dance Academy from 2001-2012. She is proud to be on the faculty and serving as the Associate Dean of Dance at 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.

Over the last few years, Kristin has established a reputation that attracts dancers from all over the country...thanks to social media! She represents Nikolay at prestigious ballet programs and competitions and has delivered lectures at various schools and institutions, most notably for Lynne Charles' 4Pointe teacher training in Tampa, New York City and Provo. She is grateful to be celebrating Attitude's 21st year.