Barbara's School of the Dance Celebrates 50 Years with Launch of New Production Company

50th Anniversary Announcement: Barbara’s School of the Dance Launches New Production Company with Sleeping Beauty Production Beginning Fall 2025

DELMAR -- In a bold step forward following five decades of excellence, Barbara’s School of the Dance (BSOTD) is launching a brand-new performance company, with the name to be announced soon. The company’s inaugural full-length production of Sleeping Beauty will premiere in May 2026, offering dancers a fully immersive theatrical experience—complete with storytelling, costumes, staging, and a blend of ballet and other dance styles.

Owned by Caley Dalpe, who also owns and directs BSOTD, the new production company will rehearse weekly throughout the 2025–2026 season, beginning in Fall 2025. Participation will be open to students in Grades 1 through 12 enrolled in ballet and other specific classes. Unlike the annual recital, this performance will be presented as a standalone spring production, allowing the recital to remain streamlined while still featuring a smaller ballet component.

To lead the company’s creative direction, Dalpe has appointed Elizabeth Hite as Artistic Director. Hite, a professional dancer and instructor, has taught at BSOTD for the past three years and brings a deep well of experience and artistry to the role. A graduate of Mercyhurst University with a B.F.A. in Dance, Hite trained with Albany Berkshire Ballet and performed professionally with companies including Charlottesville Ballet, SoMar Dance Works, Lake Erie Ballet, Ballet Concerto, and Island Moving Company.

“This is an incredibly exciting moment for our school, our dancers, and our community,” said Dalpe. “The production company gives us a new way to tell stories, push creative boundaries, and involve more dancers in unique performance experiences. Having Elizabeth at the helm ensures the artistic quality will be exceptional from day one.”

Additional details will be announced via BSOTD’s official channels in the coming months.
The 50th Anniversary Recital will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Proctors Theatre. This year’s show will include a special 50th Anniversary Opener—a tribute to the dancers, families, and traditions that have shaped BSOTD over five decades.