On a Monday night in the Strip District, the trill of a piano carries down the hallways of the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. In one of the mirrored studios, adults of all ages line the barres as live accompanist Aida Olarte plays. For most community dance studios, recorded tracks suffice. At PBT, every adult ballet class includes a live pianist — something usually reserved for professional companies, not hobby dancers in T-shirts and socks.
It’s a small difference that points to something bigger: here, ballet isn’t just about steps and technique. It’s about belonging
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