Lynne Stetson

Founder/Director Emeritus/Teacher

Lynne Stetson danced with The New York City Ballet Company for nine years under the direction of George Balanchine. She was discovered by ballerina Melissa Hayden and subsequently awarded a Ford Foundation Scholarship at age 16 to the School of American Ballet in Manhattan. Miss Stetson is a graduate of the Professional Children's School.

George Balanchine personally invited Miss Stetson to join The New York City Ballet at the end of her second year at S.A.B. While with the Company, she danced principal, soloist, and demi-solo roles.

Miss Stetson began her teaching career at The Dance Movement in N.Y.C., which was a school for adult beginners. The Ballet Class was founded in 1978 in cooperation with The Rye Arts Center.

Miss Stetson is married to David V. Forrest, M.D., a psychiatrist and professor at Columbia P&S, and has two children.

In 2007, Miss Stetson retired to become Director Emeritus and still remains involved in the school.