A Connecticut native, Stephanie Gagliardi began her formal training with the School of the Hartford Ballet at the age of 13. She has attended notable summer intensives such as Boston Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, and Princeton Ballet. In 2004, she was awarded the Nora Orphanides Scholarship and was invited to study at the Princeton Ballet School for two years where she had the opportunity to perform with the American Repertory Ballet. Mrs. Gagliardi obtained her B.F.A. from the University of Hartford’s the Hartt School on merit scholarship where she graduated magna cum laude in 2011. While an undergraduate, she was invited to join the Hartt School’s Community Dance Division faculty in 2008. During this time she discovered a passion for teaching students of all ages, served as a college mentor, and worked with the Boys and Girls Club of Hartford. She has also taught for Ekklesia School of Ballet, Eastern Connecticut Ballet, and Premiere Dance School. Mrs. Gagliardi was a Company Artist with Ekklesia Contemporary Ballet from 2013-2017. A founding company member, she also operated as instructor, choreographer, rehearsal assistant, Director of Outreach, and in 2018 – was the Assistant Director of Ahavah: A Christmas Mystery. She performed in original works by choreographers such as Vincent Hardy, Steve Rooks, Caleb Mitchell, Elizabeth McMillan, and Elisa Schroth. In 2017, she danced with Arrows International ministering throughout the Philippines and Malaysia. Also a yoga instructor, Mrs. Gagliardi received her certification through West Hartford Yoga’s Teacher Training Program in 2018 and joined their staff in 2021. Currently she is on faculty with Ballet Hartford and choreographs for the company. Stephanie is ecstatic to join the Shoreline Ballet community and is excited to share her love for the art of dance!

Shoreline Ballet instructor

Stephanie Gagliardi