School
Classical training and level progression
KFortier Studios is the official school of Ballet Apetrei, with classes taught using the Russian Vaganova method.
About
A professional ballet school, nonprofit company, and community arts home.
KFortier Studios is the official school of Ballet Apetrei. Ballet Apetrei is the Northshore's resident nonprofit ballet company, and The ArtWalk creates space for visual, performing, and musical artists.
Identity
The full organization is more than a class schedule.
KFortier Studios provides Russian Vaganova ballet training for ages four through adult, with jazz, contemporary, recital, Nutcracker, and company pathways. Ballet Apetrei is a non-profit company founded in 1988 by Constantin and Kelly Apetrei, whose purpose is to give young, talented dancers the opportunity to train in a professional environment, and to bring fine performances as well as international guest artists to our community. Ballet Apetrei is the Northshore's own resident ballet company and is the only ballet company based in western St. Tammany that also holds all of its performances in St. Tammany.
Artistic Director
Kelly Fortier
Kelly Fortier is the Artistic Director of KFortier Studios and Ballet Apetrei, with professional performance roots in Houston Ballet, Hartford Ballet, New York City, and the Dallas Opera.
Kelly is a native of New Orleans, where she received her early training. She also trained and danced with the Houston Ballet, the Hartford Ballet, and in New York City. She danced as a soloist at the Dallas Opera from 1984 until 1988, when she retired from her performance career.
In 1988, Kelly and Constantin Apetrei opened the Apetrei Dancenter and founded Ballet Apetrei. Kelly has choreographed several ballets for Ballet Apetrei, including Requiem, Guide Me Home, and Symphony Classique.
Known for her understanding and teaching of classical ballet technique, Kelly is deeply involved in arts education and community outreach. Ballet Apetrei has received the Legacy Award from the St. Tammany Parish Chamber of Commerce and has been recognized by the St. Tammany School Board for its involvement in the Special Ed Workplace Program and arts education.
Her work extends into the wider community through performances, volunteer efforts, scholarships, and The ArtWalk, a collaboration with local artists that uses the studio as a forum for visual art, performance, and community connection.
Company
Performance work and stage identity
Students can perform in Ballet Apetrei's Nutcracker each December and the studio recital each May.
Community
ArtWalk and arts impact
The ArtWalk is an art gallery and performance space for visual, performing, and musical artists to work, perform, and show.