Despite being one of the most celebrated ballerinas of all time, Margot Fonteyn felt limited in her artistry because of her lack of education in music and art.

Despite being one of the most celebrated ballerinas of all time, Margot Fonteyn felt limited in her artistry because of her lack of education in music and art. During the last 12 years of her life, she worked with close friend and colleague Ken Ludden to develop a blueprint for her ideal school. In October, Ludden opened it: the Margot Fonteyn Academy of Ballet.

"Margot saw ballet becoming too focused on the technique and the differences between ballet styles," explains Ludden. "She envisioned a pure approach to teaching the mechanics of movement so the dancer is truly a blank slate for choreographers to work with." The Academy is located outside of Manhattan in Peekskill, NY--close enough to reap the city's artistic benefits, but far enough away to avoid becoming distracted. Just as Fonteyn would have wanted.

In addition to academy classes for aspiring dancers, Ludden also offers a company class that is free for professional dancers, either working or retired. "When I was dancing, there was this feeling of being in a tribe," says Ludden. "I could take class or use studio space wherever I wanted." He hopes to create a welcoming, family-like atmosphere for professionals. www.fonteynacademy.org.