Laura Curley Pendergast

Owner and Artistic Director

Laura Curley Pendergast graduated from Saint Lawrence University in Canton, New York with a Theater Arts Major. Upon graduating, she moved to New York City and started her acting career and professional training. While studying for three years at the Robert Patterson Studio where she earned her Meisner technique, she also studied jazz and ballet with the renowned Broadway Dance and Steps studio in New York.

Laura has worked in New York in many productions and theaters including the award winning Ohio Theater, The Riant Theater and the Wooster Theater. She was Managing Director of the Triangle Theater with Jon Margolies, Artistic Director and Romulus Linney as the resident playwright.  It was here that her play, FAT CHANCE was produced to excellent reviews. She also appeared in many commercials and films as a voice over artist.

Laura Curley Pendergast's first love is the theater and sharing her love of acting, imagination and the creative process with her students. Theater training not only helps with the performing arts, but helps the children with poise, overcoming fear, learning how to speak in front of a group and also simple technical lessons like learning how to speak clearly over a microphone! It enhances a student’s ability to read and understand literature, and learning about playwrights like Shakespeare along with the other great writers gives students a sense of history and brings humanity, past and present to life on stage!

Dance & Choreography Instructor

Kristine is a 2 time National competitor in Jr & Sr Pairs. She holds a B.A. in dance from University of California Irvine and has worked professionally, serving as Dance Captain in many professional productions including Disney on Ice at Madison Square Garden. She teaches Moves in the Field, Freestyle, and specializes in choreography. She has choreographed for International competitors as well as US National and Jr. National medalists. She did her professional training with with Chet Walker and was a professional dancer in NYC for 15 years! 

Jazz, Musical Theater Dance, & Tap Instructor

Stevi comes to The Ridgefield School of Dance by way of Radio City Music Hall, where she was a Rockette for 15 years. She has performed and served as dance captain on musicals including Damn Yankees, Bubbling Brown Sugar, 42nd Street and Mame, to name a few.  Stevi has also performed in national commercials and worked with many stars including Liza Minnelli, and Bette Midler.  She has appeared in over 20 MTV videos and has been choreographer for regional productions of The Fantasticks.