A step up for the Ohman School.

"Once, during a rehearsal of Slaughter on Tenth Avenue, Mr. Balanchine paid me a wonderful compliment," recalls Ohman former New York City Ballet soloist. "He told me, 'You're very devoted.' In 22 years with the company, I never missed Balanchine's class. Not ever," he says.

When Ohman retired from the stage in 1984, he brought that sense of devotion to his own school and student-based company in Commack, NY, The Ohman School of Ballet and The New York Dance Theatre, which celebrated 30 successful years in January. With his razorsharp attention to detail, Ohman can spend an entire class on port de bras or the nuances of a tendu. During variations class, he shares snippets of Balanchine's choreography and stories of what it was like to dance for Mr. B.

It's not easy to run an arts organization these days, but Ohman has made it work. "For a non-profit ballet school that focuses on ballet, to survive and thrive is an amazing thing," he says. His students have gone on to dance with companies like NYCB and MOMIX.

With spirits running high around the 30th anniversary, there couldn't be a better year to move to a bigger space. In January, Ohman took over a new location within his current building. He now has three large studios to accommodate his flourishing school. He has also reorganized his board of directors, who will help create a fresh start for 2009. The studio offers technique, pointe, pas de deux, and variations at different levels, but Ohman is looking to add yoga and tap in the future. NYDT gives an annual performance of Balanchine's The Nutcracker, and the school offers master classes with NYCB stars past and present, such as Diana White, Jennifer Tinsley, Sean Lavery, and Stacy Caddell.

"When Melissa Hayden saw me at NYCB's 50th Anniversary Gala," Ohman says, "she shouted out, 'Frank Ohman! Mr. Balanchine adored you!' I think he sees what I'm doing now, and I think he's proud of me."

A local gala is planned for March to toast the new dance space. Ohman would like to include former students, teachers, and dancers he worked with at NYCB. If you're an alumna of The Ohman School, visit www.ohmanballet.com or call 631. 462.6266.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]