LICSB was founded in 2006 and is recognized today as one of the foremost dance programs in Queens, New York. We focus on developing strong technique and physical conditioning in our students while fostering an appreciation for the performing arts. Our curriculum is based on the classical ballet training of Cecchetti with aspects of Vaganova for strength and Balanchine for speed.
LICSB students learn the value of hard work, attention to detail, experience the pride of accomplishment and the joy of performing.
Eric Ragan
Founder and Artistic Director of LICB LICSB
Eric Ragan, a seasoned professional with over 30 years of dance experience, is an inspirational force in the world of motivational speaking. His journey began under the guidance of dance legends, including Flemming Flindt at Dallas Ballet and Natasha Krassovska of the Ballet Russe. In a pivotal moment, he was handpicked by Frederic Franklin to portray Johnny in Ruth Page Center’s Frankie and Johnny, launching a remarkable career that owes much of its brilliance to Franklin, his cherished mentor.
Eric’s ascent continued as he joined the Tulsa Ballet Theatre in 1988. He swiftly rose to the position of soloist and delivered unforgettable performances, including the roper in Agnes de Mille’s Rodeo. His artistic pursuits next took him to Ballet Austin, then to the Eugene Ballet, where he collaborated with renowned choreographer Tony Pimble, leaving an indelible mark as Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet.
Venturing to Switzerland’s Stadttheatre StGallen, Eric enchanted a new international audience before returning to the Eugene Ballet, bringing with him 15 years of honed expertise. New York beckoned, and he embraced it with soloist roles in prestigious companies like Dances Patrelle, Ballet for Young Audiences, and the Suzanne Farrell Ballet at the illustrious Kennedy Center. Eric’s guest performances, most notably with the American Ballet Theatre, where he portrayed the Roper in Rodeo, solidified his status as a dance luminary.
Beyond his remarkable dance career, Eric Ragan is the visionary founder and artistic director of the Long Island City Ballet, a platform where he champions the arts with unwavering passion. As a choreographer and producer, he has demonstrated his exceptional talents, enriching the world of dance. Eric’s commitment to ballet’s artistic evolution is unparalleled.
Furthermore, Eric is a co-founder of Ragan Pilates, alongside his beloved wife Bootsie Ragan, where he pioneered
ART:
Assisted
Restorative
Therapy
positively impacting thousands by enhancing their physical and mental well-being. Currently, he is diligently crafting a video biography and authoring a book titled “The Last Grotesque,” showcasing his multifaceted talents and unwavering dedication to the arts. Eric Ragan is not only a motivational speaker but a true inspiration in every facet of his extraordinary journey.
Marissa Frey
Instructor
Born in Pennsylvania, Marissa Frey began training at Greater York Youth Ballet under the direction of Lori Garling. She studied on scholarship at Pennsylvania Regional Ballet. She has studied under renowned teachers: Laszlo Berdo, Sandra Carlino, Richard Cook, and Cherie Noble. As a former member of Regional Dance America, she has earned numerous scholarships. In 2009, she graduated from SUNY Purchase New York, achieving a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance. She has worked with choreographers: Luis Fuentes, Marilyn Klaus, Jessica Lang, Rodney Rivera and Andrei Vassiliev. Marissa has performed works in premiere venues: including The Beacon Theatre, Skirball Center for the Performing Arts, Stage 48, Bucks County Playhouse, Cleveland Playhouse Square, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, The Tenth Anniversary Dumbo Dance Festival: Finale, along with many more. She has been a company dance member with Ballets with a Twist, Connecticut Theatre Dance Company, Brooklyn Ballet, Neville Dance Theatre, The Eglevsky Ballet, DeMaDance Company, Yesid Lopez Contemporary Dance : The Collective, and Janusphere Dance Company. Marissa was a former ballet teacher at Callina’s School of Dance, Studio E School of Dance, Chrystie Street Ballet Academy, Ballet Academy East, and Long Island City School of Ballet. She has taught for two consecutive summers at the Conservatory of Music in Paris, France. Marissa is currently the principal instructor, choreographer, and rehearsal director at The Ballet Institute of New York.
Elena Madrigal
Assistant Director/Instructor LICB LICSB
Elena Madrigal, Born in Costa Rica, Elena began her studies in classical ballet under the supervision of Mrs. Flor Montalban and Ingrid Cruz. Her partenerting skills are based on the superior training of teachers from The Cuban Ballet, Pedro Martin and Anya Boza.
She graduated in character and classical dance from the British Academy of Dancing and received two honorary diplomas with the highest grades. She has been fortunate enough to work with Ms. Gelsey Kirkland and Mr. David Howard.
Winner of the gold medal in the 1994 Latin and Central America Ballet competition, a program created by Dame Margot Fonteyn.
Principal roles:
Don Quixote, Le Corsaire, The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Le Sylphide, Sleeping Beauty, Romeo And Juiet, Manon, Carmen, Le Petite Mort, and several original contemporary pieces from choreographer Felix from the Cuban Ballet.
She has also choreographed two full ballets for The American Ballet Arts Company.
Teaching And Coaching Skills:
Her class focuses primarily on the use of rhythm and the importance of style and alignment for each movement. Many professional dancers have come to her to understand this better and the results have been incredibly well received.
Cristina Tummillo
Instructor
“Originally from Ridgewood, NJ, began her training with Eugene Petrov at Irine Fokine School of Ballet and Petrov Ballet School. She then continued her dance education at Marymount Manhattan College under the direction of Katie Langan and graduated with a BFA in Dance, concentration in ballet. While at Marymount, she had the opportunity to perform works by David Parker, Megan Williams and Nancy Lushington. She has since performed in an original work by Sheena Annalise, Director of Arch Contemporary Ballet as well works choreographed by Dannon O’Brien and Kerry McManus. She is grateful and excited that she’s able to share her love and passion for ballet with the students of LICSB!”
Ashley Talluto
Instructor
Originally from North Reading, Massachusetts, Ashley received her early training at The Boston Ballet School and went on to receive a BFA from The Boston Conservatory. She has been teaching for over ten years at Long Island City School of Ballet as well as teaching masterclasses all over the country. Professionally Ashley has toured with West Side Story and Flashdance The Musical. She also has appeared in The New York Spring Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall and performed with many dance companies such as Alma NYC, Eidolon Ballet, Ballet For Young Audiences, and Directions Dance Ensemble.
Jillian Rosner
Instructor
Originally from Red Bank, NJ began her training at the Academy of Dance Arts in Red Bank, NJ and later the Dance Stop Dance Education Center in Parlin, NJ. She graduated with honors from Marymount Manhattan College where she earned her BFA in Dance with a Ballet concentration. During her time at Marymount she had the opportunity to perform works by a number of esteemed choreographers including Megan Williams and Elizabeth Roxas-Dobrish. She has received additional training from Kaatsbaan Extreme Ballet and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. Since graduating, she has performed with several dance companies throughout NYC/NJ including: Axelrod Contemporary Ballet Theatre, Keiko Fujii Dance Company, and ARIM Dance. Jillian is thrilled to share her passion for dance and movement with her students!
Fall 2023 begins Sept 11th
This 70s Nutcracker Queens Theater Date coming soon!
All new students aged 9 and above require placement before registration
Call 718 781 1169 to RSVP