Southeastern Professional School of the Arts
Southeastern Professional School of the Arts (SPSA) is a 501c(3) non-profit organization that provides a professional and disciplined study of high-quality dance to low- to moderate-income families and at-risk youth in the State of South Carolina. Established in 2009, SPSA works in partnership with the Southeastern School of Ballet to offer after-school introduction programs, multiple levels, and styles of dance training, workshops, seminars, and annual performances. All programs are structured around 6 fundamental goals: 1) Develop an appreciation of the Arts; 2) Develop self-expression; 3) Improve self-esteem and self-respect; 4) Establish work ethic; 5) Develop awareness of physical well–being; and 6) Develop sensitivity and empathy. SPSA services are offered FREE to all participants through corporate and individual funding.
Our Official Partner: Southeastern School of Ballet
Board of Directors
Hillary Krieger-Toth | Executive Director
Hillary has over 25 years of classical ballet experience, including training at the prestigious Joffrey Ballet School in New York City and studying under well-respected dance instructors such as John Magnus, Eleanor D’Antuono, and Francesca Corkle. Additionally, she trained at the Walnut Hill School of Performing Arts in Boston, Massachusetts, and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Utah under the tutelage of Conrad Ludlow, Attila Ficzere, Bene Arnold, Sharee Lane, Maureen Laird and Richard Wacko. She and her husband, Gabor Toth, co-founded the Southeastern School of Ballet in 2006 and SPSA in 2009.
Cary J. Krieger | Co-Executive Director & Treasurer
Cary has been a South Carolina resident since 1996 is a longtime supporter of the Arts. His extensive professional career as a Senior Financial Executive includes broad domestic and international experience in accounting, strategic planning, financial reporting, cash management/bank relationships and administration. He has served on the SPSA Board since 2009.
Gabor Toth | Board Member
Gabor began his formal dance training at the world-renowned Hungarian Dance Academy in Budapest. He is trained in ballet, folk dance, acrobatics, stage dance, acting, historical dance, pantomime, partnering and contemporary dance. Upon graduation, he was awarded a scholarship to the School of Alicia Alonso in Madrid, Spain, where he received instruction in Spanish folk dance and classical ballet. He and his wife, Hillary Krieger-Toth, co-founded the Southeastern School of Ballet in 2006 and SPSA in 2009.
Jaquelin Bailey | Board Member
Jaquelin, originally a native of Upstate South Carolina, has lived in Columbia for 23 years. She graduated from University of South Carolina with a Degree in Biology and Nursing. She has been affiliated with Southeastern School of Ballet and Southeastern Professional School of the Arts for the past 13 years. She has helped organize numerous fundraising events and showcases during this time. She has two daughters currently enrolled in Southeastern School of Ballet. Her time with the organization has helped her develop a true appreciation for the arts and the endless benefits they provide to the community and all those involved.
Kimberly Walker | Board Member
Kimberly Walker has spent over a decade in higher education with a background that includes continuous improvement, institutional effectiveness, institutional research, accreditation, and curriculum design. Kimberly earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UofSC Columbia, a master’s in education from Columbia College and a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from North Carolina A&T State University.
Kimberly is a ballet mom with two children dedicated to dance. Kimberly resides in Columbia, and in her spare time, she enjoys reading, listening to NPR, and spending time with her dog, cat, ball python, and axolotl.
Haiqing Kaczkowski | Board Member
Haiqing is a registered Professional Civil Engineer who has over 25 years of experience in coastal engineering, beach restoration, marina design, numerical modeling, and construction administration. She has led engineering teams and served as Project Manager in numerous operations in the United States and internationally. She has also taught undergraduate and graduate-level courses and directed research projects in universities. She and her husband, Dr. Stephen Kaczkowski, are longtime supporters of the Arts, and she has been taking classes at the Southeastern School of Ballet since 2013. As an adult dancer, Haiqing encourages other adult students to pursue their dreams of dancing at any age in the midst of their busy lives.
Haiqing shares the SPSA’s belief that hard work, disciplined study, compassion, respecting others, and awareness of physical and psychological well-being are traits that will help an individual lead a healthy and productive life. Therefore, Haiqing is pleased to serve in the SPSA to help them achieve their goals of providing professional, high-quality artistic instruction to the greater Columbia community.
Sponsors
The SPSA Programs
From formal dance training in classical ballet to creative movement & discipline.
After-school Introduction
This program provides an introduction to formal dance training in classical ballet and creative movement/discipline. The program nurtures self-esteem, creativity, peer relationships and healthy living, and builds skills for future success. Classes are taught by a qualified instructor at a participating public/private school facility. The program runs from September through May offering students approximately four to six hours of training per month. Classes are limited to 20 students.
Classical Ballet
Classical ballet is a traditional, formal style of ballet that adheres to classical ballet technique. It is known for its aesthetics and rigorous technique, graceful, flowing, and precise movements, and ethereal qualities. The focus of training includes Classical Ballet Technique, Rhythm, and Pilates.
Creative Movement/ Discipline
This course offers children under the age of 6 the opportunity to explore dance in a fun-filled environment, utilizing imagery, free movement, and role play.
SPSA Arts Education Fund
The SPSA Arts Education Fund brings the many benefits of dance education and training to children in families with financial situations that might otherwise preclude participation in the Arts.
In addition to physical fitness benefits, funded students are exposed to the disciplined structure in a caring and encouraging environment at the Southeastern School of Ballet (SSB).
SSB offers instruction in Classical Ballet Technique, Pointe, Variations, Modern Technique, Character Technique, Classical and Contemporary Repertoire, Pilates, Stretch and Conditioning, French Terminology and Nutrition. Students benefit from learning and developing:
- Muscle control and coordination
- An awareness, strengthening and better understanding of the human body
- Physical grace, ease of movement and joint improvement
- Creative and Artistic Expression
- An appreciation for all types of music including Classical and Contemporary
- Proper poise, posture and presentation of the art
- Self-discipline, self-awareness, and self-esteem
- A strong work ethic
- Focus and concentration skills
- Problem solving and reasoning skills
- Basic French vocabulary and terminology
- Respect for self, teachers, and peers
Enrollment: Annual enrollment at Southeastern School of Ballet averages 65 students.
Art Experience
Always among the highest expression of any culture, the arts teach us about every historical period through literature, visual arts, music, dance, and drama. Today, it is recognized that to be truly well educated one must not only learn to appreciate the arts but must have rich opportunities to actively participate in creative work. The arts are languages that most people speak, cutting through individual differences in culture, educational background, and ability. They can bring every subject to life and turn abstractions into realities. Learning through the arts often results in greater academic achievement and higher test scores.
As such and in partnership with the South Carolina Public Education System, SPSA is proud to host an Arts Lectures series throughout the year at local schools during school hours. Lectures last 45-60 minutes and include a mini performance. Topics include, but are not limited to, an overview of Arts Education, Ballet & Sports Similarities, Character Dance, Modern Dance and Art History.
SPSA’s Annual Performance
Through a local partnership with the Koger Center for the Arts, all Southeastern School of Ballet participants Along with dance schools within the Columbia community will have the opportunity to audition for a part in SPSA’s Annual Performance.
The Koger Center for the Arts is located in Columbia, SC and has the capacity to seat 2,254 community members. With an Orchestra Pit, Dressing Rooms, and adequate lighting and Stages, participants from dance schools within the Columbia Community will have the opportunity to reach their maximum potential. professional organizations worldwide will be invited to participate to offer an exceptional performance level. All ticket sales will ensure sustainability of SPSA programs and services.
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Contact Us
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We rely on people like you…
Southeastern Professional School of the Arts relies on donations from the community to offer arts education to low- to moderate-income families and at-risk youth in the State of South Carolina.
The arts are languages that most people speak, cutting through individual differences in culture, educational background, and ability. They can bring every subject to life and turn abstractions into realities. Learning through the arts often results in greater academic achievement and higher test scores.
Friends Level & Benefits:
Friend ($100 – $249)
Annual recognition in a Southeastern Professional School of the Arts publication
Invitation to all events sponsored by Southeastern Professional School of the Arts
“Behind the Scenes: Training for a Dream” Invitation to Observation Exam
Member ($250 – $499)
Annual recognition in a Southeastern Professional School of the Arts publication
VIP (Free Admission X Two) Invitation to all events sponsored by SPSA
“Behind the Scenes: Training for a Dream” Invitation to Observation Exam
Contributor ($500 – $999)
Annual recognition in a Southeastern Professional School of the Arts publication
Bronze Class Card – 3 months of free classes in Southeastern School of Ballet’s Adult Open Division (Retail Value $360)
VIP (Free Admission X Two) Invitation to all SPSA-sponsored events
“Behind the Scenes: Training for a Dream” Invitation to Observation Exam
Supporter ($1,000 – $2,499)
Annual recognition in a Southeastern Professional School of the Arts publicationSilver Class Card – 6 months of free classes in Southeastern School of Ballet’s Adult Open Division (Retail Value $720)
VIP (Free Admission X Four) Invitation to all SPSA-sponsored events
“Behind the Scenes: Training for a Dream” Invitation to Observation Exam
Patron ($2,500 – $4,999)
Annual recognition in a Southeastern Professional School of the Arts publication
Gold Class Card – 12 months of free classes in Southeastern School of Ballet’s Adult Open Division (Retail Value $1,080)
VIP (Free Admission X Six) Invitation to all SPSA-sponsored events
“Behind the Scenes: Training for a Dream” Invitation to Observation Exam
Corporate Level/Benefits
Dancer ($2,500–$4,999)
Recognition as a sponsor in press releases, advertisements and select marketing materials
Enrollment Discount – 5% off of enrollment at Southeastern School of Ballet for One Year
VIP (Free Admission X Six) Invitation to all SPSA-sponsored events
“Behind the Scenes: Training for a Dream” Invitation to Observation Exam
Instructor ($5,000–$9,999)
Recognition as a sponsor by press releases, advertisements, and other materials for the general public
Employee Discounts – 10% off of enrollment at Southeastern School of Ballet for One Year
VIP (Free Admission X Eight) Invitation to all events sponsored by Southeastern Professional School of the Arts
“Behind the Scenes: Training for a Dream” Invitation to Observation Exam
Choreographer ($10,000–$14,999)
A corporate contribution of $10,000 or more will provide your company with the opportunity to designate its gift to a specific fund, program or event.
Recognition as a sponsor by press releases, advertisements, and other materials for the general public
Employee Discounts – 15% off of enrollment at Southeastern School of Ballet for One Year
VIP (Free Admission X Ten) Invitation to all events sponsored by Southeastern Professional School of the Arts
“Behind the Scenes: Training for a Dream” Invitation to Observation Exam
Artistic Director ($15,000–$24,999)
A corporate contribution of $10,000 or more will provide your company with the opportunity to designate its gift to a specific fund, program or event.
Recognition as a sponsor by press releases, advertisements, and other materials for the general public
Employee Discounts – 25% off of enrollment at Southeastern School of Ballet for One Year
VIP (Free Admission X Fifteen) Invitation to all events sponsored by Southeastern Professional School of the Arts
“Behind the Scenes: Training for a Dream” Invitation to Observation Exam
Executive Director ($25,000 and above)
A corporate contribution of $10,000 or more will provide your company with the opportunity to designate its gift to a specific fund, program or event.
Recognition as a sponsor by press releases, advertisements, and other materials for the general public
Employee Discounts – 40% off of enrollment at Southeastern School of Ballet for One Year
VIP (Free Admission) Invitation to all events sponsored by Southeastern Professional School of the Arts
“Behind the Scenes: Training for a Dream” Invitation to Observation Exam
Unique client opportunities to interact with the Board of Directors of SPSA and the Faculty of Southeastern School of Ballet at post-performance events.
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