Meet Mary Beth Hansohn, Director of Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance's beloved Nutcracker
Since joining Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance (RCD) in 2014, Mary Beth Hansohn has become an integral part of the RCD family and a senior ballet faculty. In 2021, she took on the role of choreographing and directing the annual production of The Nutcracker, a performance that has become a Ridgefield holiday tradition at the Ridgefield Playhouse.
A Career Rooted in Ballet and Dance
Mary Beth’s pre-professional training began in Arlington, VA, where she studied classical ballet and the modern techniques of Martha Graham and Lester Horton. Summers saw her honing her skills at prestigious programs, including the highest level of The American Ballet Theatre Summer Program in New York City. As a student, she performed principal roles in classic ballets such as Giselle, Le Corsaire, and The Nutcracker.
From Professional Ballerina to RCD Instructor
At the age of 18, Mary Beth signed her first professional contract with The Ohio Ballet, launching a career that included performances with The Dayton Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, The Metropolitan Opera, and Twyla Tharp Dance. She has performed in some of the world’s most renowned venues, including The Metropolitan Opera House and The Joyce Theater in New York City.
Sharing Her Passion for Dance with Students
At RCD, Mary Beth teaches level 3-5 students in ballet, pointe, and conditioning for dancers and works with the Civic Ballet and Junior Dance Ensembles as co-director with Amy Piantaggini. Her vast experience and dedication to the art of dance have made her an inspiring instructor. In addition to her work at RCD, she has taught ballet technique at The Graham School, Broadway Dance Center, and currently Ballet Arts NYC and Ballet Rockland, among others.
Outside of ballet, Mary Beth holds a yoga teaching certification and has developed her own fitness class. In 2022, she co-founded the dance theater company HX THEATRE with her husband, James Graber. Together, they presented their first production, Night of the New Moon, in collaboration with the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance.
A Life in The Catskills
When not teaching, Mary Beth enjoys spending time at her home in The Catskills with her husband and their dog, Burdock. She also loves hiking, gardening, and playing the ukulele.
For more information on Mary Beth’s classes and other offerings at Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance, visit ridgefielddance.org.
Learn more about The Nutcracker at RCD: Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance Brings The Nutcracker to Ridgefield Playhouse.