Renaissance Man, Jimmy Raye, Spotlighted During Marblehead School of Ballet's 45th Season

The Marblehead School of Ballet (MSB) is featuring instructor Jimmy Raye during its 45th anniversary season. Trained in classical ballet and Pilates, Raye's extensive art portfolio includes recognition as a prominent fashion collector of vintage shoes, hats, purses and clothes by the Boston Globe, Boston Herald, and The New York Times.

Raye began dancing at MSB as a college student of ballet and eventually, he performed with the North Shore Civic Ballet, Boston Ballet, Boston Opera Company, and the Arlene Erb Jazz Company. Under the direction of Ian Hahn, he performed Doris Humphrey's work at the Windhover Center for the Arts, and he appeared in numerous musical theatre productions choreographed by Thomas Molinaro. As an entrepreneur, Raye owned Action Dance Theatre in Salem, Massachusetts for over 20 years and eventually, he studied Pilates with master teacher Romana Kryzanowska, the inheritor of Joseph Pilate’s studio. Raye became one of the first teachers to bring Pilates from New York City to the North Shore.

This new direction brought him back to the MSB, where he has taught Pilates for 12 years. "He started with the school by winning a scholarship and later performed with the North Shore Civic Ballet Company. Then, he continued his education and performing experience and developed into a fine teacher of dance and Pilates. He has come full circle serving on the staff at MSB, bringing a depth of knowledge about the body and the arts to his classes. Jimmy has an incredible sense of humor and brings laughter and joy to all the hard work. He is a great asset to the Marblehead School of Ballet," said Paula K. Shiff, director.

Pilates

"The Pilates Method is a form of exercise based on the powerhouse of the body's physical center. It offers many benefits, including strengthening and stretching and emphasizes an alignment of the body that promotes healthy posture. Also, this can be done for a lifetime," said Jimmy Raye.

He adds a personal approach in his classes. "I added Pilates to my dance and teaching background because it is a form of exercise beneficial to everyone. My instruction is informative, individualized and taught with a sense of humor, utilizing a creative approach in understanding the movement of the exercises," stated Raye.

Pilates classes are offered at the MSB on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., with a new class to be added toward the end of October on Mondays from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Drop-ins and new students are welcome to attend a class. Classes are taught at the school's studio, located at 115 Pleasant Street, in Marblehead, Massachusetts.

Dance Bridges Fashion

When he is not teaching in the studio, Raye pursues actively his knowledge of collections, antiques and fashion. "My interest in antique and vintage fashion, clothing, and accessories is rooted in a passion I have for history, as well as my career in theatre and dance. My professional time is divided between teaching and consulting as a vintage collector and presenter for museums," explained Raye.

Pieces from his extensive collection have been featured in museum exhibits at the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM); Boston Museum of Fine Arts; Norton Museum in Palm Beach, Florida; and the Coe Hall Mansion in Oyster Bay, New York. He choreographed the fashion show for Hats: An Anthology by Stephen Jones. His exhibit, Shoes: Pleasure and Pain, opens at the PEM to the public on November 19, 2016 with a special program, Walking in Style. Raye will be featured as a presenter with moderator Jay Calderin, fashion designer, founder of Boston Fashion Week, and instructor and director of the Creative Marketing at the School of Fashion Design in Boston.

MSB Stresses Quality

The MSB stresses a motto of quality education, individual attention and working with people to reach their goals. Classes are offered in stretch and strength, Pilates, and creative movement for children. Seasoned dancers, avocational, and aspiring dancers -- men, women, girls, and boys of all ages -- enjoy dancing ballet, modern, jazz, ballroom, fox trot, swing, Latin, Argentine Tango and salsa. Private lessons are also available for people preparing for an audition, a wedding, and a special event or seeking additional instruction. For a class schedule and further information, call 781-631-6262, send an e-mail to msb@havetodance.com or visit the school online.