Mansfield Conservatory West

Mansfield Conservatory West is a dance school at 319 West Main Street, Carnegie, Pennsylvania, founded and directed by Kim Rausch, who has taught since 1972. Now in its 19th season, the Conservatory builds its training on classical ballet technique, deliberately keeping classes small so each student receives one-to-one attention on placement, turnout and injury prevention. The Children's Program (ages 8-12) offers classical ballet technique, choreography and beginning tap; the Student and Open Level Programs (ages 13 to adult) offer ballet technique, open-level tap and a stretch and strengthening class, plus a private training program that requires an evaluation class for placement. Adult introductory ballet and tap classes are available for complete beginners. The school stages productions and a summer dance program but does not hold a costly annual recital, preferring uninterrupted class training. Students have gone on to summer intensives at Boston Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and American Ballet Theatre.