About me
Charmaine Ristow began dancing at the age of three and has never looked back. Trained in the Cecchetti, Vaganova, French and RAD ballet systems along with earning certification in Pilates Reformer, Personal Cross-Fit Training, and Nutritional Counseling while also holding a Florida Pre-School Teaching Credential, Ms. Ristow’s half-century comprehensive background encompasses and defines a very unique, comprehensive teaching method.
While dancing professionally around the USA and Europe, she earned her Bachelors of Special Education Degree from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, then served as Associate Professor of Ballet there for 25 years. Owning and directing her own dance studios and companies for over 40 years, Charmaine has also taught Preschool in Wisconsin and Florida for 15 years.
Ms. Ristow‘s five decades of teaching experience with students aged 3-80+ developed through unparalleled tutoring from David Howard, Edward Villella, Madame Xenia Chlistowa and Galina Zatkrutkina while performing with the Wisconsin, Milwaukee and Cullberg (Swedish) Ballets and at the Edinburgh Arts Festival, culminated in an unforgettable residency dancing lead roles in “Les Sylphides“ with RUDOLF NUREYEV.
She was also a homeschooling mom for a reluctant student who is now a project management engineer for a prominent automotive company.
Charmaine’s ballet students have and can be seen with such notable companies as Pacific Northwest Ballet, American Ballet Theater, Alonzo King LINES Ballet, Alvin Ailey, Milwaukee Ballet, and in Broadway productions as well as earning medals in the YAGP. Many of her students have other rewarding careers as doctors, lawyers and numerous professional pursuits.
Her nutritional fitness program and testimonials can be viewed at: smallsteps2greathealth.com.
Co-founding, founding and directing while remodeling five spaces into state of-of-the-art studios for Ballet Madison, Kanopy Dance Theatre, Choreographers Consortium, BalletU and Verona Youth Ballet Nutcrackers, Miss Ristow’s vast experience in developing for both profit and not-for-profit companies, successful fundraising, teacher training seminars, private injury prevention/rehab and nutrition coaching HR/employment and creating efficient rehearsal, class and theater week schedules, she has received many accolades, including the Wisconsin Dance Council's Distinctive Achievement Award.
Ms. Ristow’s most recent activities include serving as Ballet Teacher at Star Academy in Palmetto, FLBallet Mistress for the professional Magnum Opus Ballet, Youth Prepointe/Pointe Ballet at the Bradenton Dance and Performing Arts Center and as guest artist at Ballet U -VIRTUALLY and CDC compliant in-class-where she teaches all levels/ages, beginner through professionals - including basic and intermediate adult - and as choreographer of the Verona Youth Ballet’s annual production of the Nutcrackers - both organizations she founded decades ago.
Charmaine is available to teach academic year private or group classes in studios, give weekend seminars or serve as a substitute orpart-time staff position.
© Copyright Charmaine Ristow - Ballet, Fitness, Nutrition