About Us

Johnstown Concert Ballet is a nonprofit organization proudly serving the Johnstown area with almost 60 years of exceptional ballet training and inspiring performances. Founded by the late Carla Prucnal and now under the direction of Eden Mishler Ihrig, JCB has become a cornerstone of the local arts community. We are committed to nurturing dancers of all ages in a supportive, professional, and enriching environment where creativity, confidence, and discipline flourish. From timeless productions like The Nutcracker to original full-length ballets each spring, Johnstown Concert Ballet offers an experience that is both artistically meaningful and deeply rooted in tradition.

Mission Statement

A nonprofit, educational, organization which continues to raise the barre on dance instruction, expression, and performance. With classical ballet at our core, the JCB strives to contribute to the lifelong development of everyone in our communities, academically and culturally, by:

  • Encouraging the progress of dancers who have a serious interest in classical ballet.

  • Fostering educational programs for students of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.

  • Staging classical and innovative performances for communities throughout Johnstown and neighboring areas.

Board of Directors

Monica Petak, President

Mike D’Arrigo, Vice-President

Philip Petak, Interim Secretary

Denise Esch, Treasurer

Maryann Ackman

Tom Brubaker

Robert Fink

Kamal Gella

Harry Mangus

Cecilia Slifko

William Stasko

Sarah Teich

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Tradition

A legacy of almost 60 years

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Precision

Top-notch classical ballet training

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Artistry

Incredible performances and events

Eden Mishler Ihrig Johnstown Concert Ballet Executive Artistic Director Ballet Training Ballet Pointe Private Lessons PBT Conditioning Johnstown, PA

Our Director

Eden Mishler Ihrig

Eden Mishler Ihrig started her classical ballet training in Johnstown, Pennsylvania as a member of the Johnstown Concert Ballet for 11 years. To further her training, she attended Intensive Summer Programs at Allegheny Ballet Company and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre (PBT) where she was also influenced by modern, jazz, character, pilates, and contemporary. She then attended Mercyhurst University’s prestigious Dance Department where she earned her Bachelor’s of Arts in Dance with a Choreography Concentration. While at Mercyhurst she performed roles in Giselle, Cinderella, Firebird, Les Patineurs, and many others. Her most recent role was “Snow Queen” in Lake Erie Ballet’s The Nutcracker in 2017. Eden Mishler Ihrig has aspired to share her knowledge of dance with others since the young age of 13. She has taught at studios and conventions across Pennsylvania including Johnstown Concert Ballet, Lake Erie Ballet, Erie Dance Theater, Dance Masters of Pennsylvania Teacher’s Training School and Conventions. She was also Department Chair and Dance Instructor at Villa Maria Academy and Cathedral Preparatory School in Erie, PA where she taught ballet, modern, jazz, tap, contemporary, hip hop, musical theater and dance conditioning. She choreographed and set many original works in her time at Prep-Villa and grew the program from the ground up. She was also the sole choreographer for the Cathedral Preparatory School and Villa Maria Academy Musical Theater Department under the direction of Father Mike DeMartinis where she choreographed over a dozen theatrical productions. She has big plans for the Johnstown Concert Ballet and is honored to be continuing Carla Pruncal’s legacy as Executive Artistic Director.

Our Faculty

Madalyn Barnes (Maddy) Johnstown Concert Ballet Mommy and Me Parent and Child Ballet Classes

Madalyn Barnes

Parent & Child, Pre-Ballet 1 & 2, Grades 1 & 2

Abby Hoffman Johnstown Concert Ballet Classes

Abby Hoffman

Grade 4

Anita Lorek Johnstown Concert Ballet Classes

Anita Lorek

Grade 3

Sarah Carthew (Orletsky)  Johnstown Concert Ballet Classes Training Pointe

Sarah Carthew

Grades 4, 5 & Senior Company

Samantha Stevanus Johnstown Concert Ballet Classes Training Pointe

Samantha Stevanus

Grade 5 & Senior Company

Get started with a free trial class

Join us for a free trial class and experience the joy, discipline, and artistry that define Johnstown Concert Ballet. Whether your child is just starting out or looking to take their training to the next level, we’ll help you find the perfect class.

Johnstown Concert Ballet training classes mommy and me Johnstown, PA

What Our Dance Families Have to Say

Real stories. Lasting impact. Lifelong memories.

I adore this ballet school's inclusive spirit, where everyone thrives, and patient instructors nurture young talent! Winter and spring shows celebrate unity, showcasing dedicated efforts! Classes are affordable, and my daughter eagerly anticipates her weekly ballet journey! - Jasmine Rivera

Our experience with Johnstown Concert Ballet has been overwhelmingly positive. My daughter not only continues to develop into a skilled dancer but has also gained a close knit friend group, and valuable life skills such as discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. I am grateful for the role JCB has played in her journey, I wholeheartedly recommend JCB to any parent seeking a top-notch dance education for their child. - Michal Wiles

This is our 2nd year at JCB. The girls are so sweet and welcoming. Encouraging one another and working hard together! The moms are amazing and really care about all of the dancers and each other. Eden is amazing! Looking forward to where she'll lead. And Monica is the glue that holds it all together. Thank you all for doing what you do. - Lisa Marsh

Carla Prucnal In Memoriam Johnstown Concert Ballet

Our Founder

Carla Prucnal

August 20, 1946 - December 12, 2020

Carla Prucnal studied at Carnegie Mellon University from 1963 to 1967, performing with the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre during her time there. After earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, she returned to Johnstown and settled in the culturally rich Cambria City neighborhood. There, she opened an art studio in a building constructed by her father on Power Street. Carla began teaching ballet at the Polski Dom Club before moving instruction into her studio.

Carla was deeply trained in the Cecchetti Method of Ballet, a structured and precise style rarely taught in the U.S. She was a certified instructor and proud member of the Cecchetti Council of America, frequently hosting workshops and encouraging students to take the rigorous Cecchetti Exams.

In 1981, Carla and a group of dedicated mothers formed the Johnstown Concert Ballet (JCB), naming her Artistic Director. Her first major production of The Nutcracker, in collaboration with the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra, premiered at the Cochran Auditorium. She personally designed many of the costumes, brought to life by volunteers. The Nutcracker became an annual tradition, staged every December.

Under her leadership, JCB’s repertoire expanded to include Cinderella, Snow White, Coppélia, Beauty and the Beast, Peter and the Wolf, Les Sylphides, Alice in Wonderland, and many others. Carla never called them "recitals"—to her, they were always "performances," each treated as a unique work of art. She designed costumes, headpieces, props, and sets with meticulous care and creative flair.

Carla was a constant presence in the Johnstown arts community. She participated in the annual Ethnic Fest, choreographed The Flood Ballet for the 100th anniversary of the 1889 Johnstown Flood, and served on the board of the BottleWorks Ethnic Arts Center. She took part in BottleWorks’ first program in 1992 and was inducted into the Johnstown Arts Hall of Fame in 2005.

Her creativity remained boundless. In 2010, she choreographed a piece for the grand opening of ArtWorks. In 2015, she received a grant for Pucks and Pirouettes, a unique ballet featuring high school hockey players performing alongside her company, debuting at the War Memorial Arena. In 2017, she was honored to stage an excerpt of Martha Graham’s Appalachian Spring with the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra. In 2018, she collaborated with the Allied Artists of Johnstown, choreographing dances inspired by visual artwork.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Carla compiled a filmed retrospective of past Nutcracker performances, aired on Atlantic Broadband in December 2020 as a gift to the community.

Over decades of teaching, Carla instilled not only ballet technique but also poise, discipline, and confidence in her students. She found and nurtured each dancer’s strengths, regardless of ability, making everyone feel valued and seen. Many of her students pursued careers in the arts; many more carried her lessons into every corner of their lives. Her impact reached beyond dancers—she trained backstage crews, costumers, and volunteers, always upholding professionalism and artistry.

Carla's legacy continues through the Johnstown Concert Ballet. In 2017, the organization committed the creation of JCB Dance Works at 316 Broad Street, a dream Carla helped design. Though she will never get to teach in the new space, its largest studio will bear her name—a lasting tribute to her vision.

“She was more than a dancer and mentor—she was an artist.”

"Johnstown lost a creative giant, but her spirit lives on in every step taken on her stage."

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age should my child start ballet?

We recommend beginning ballet as early as age 3 in our Pre-Ballet 1 class, which focuses on creative movement, musicality, and basic coordination in a fun and supportive environment. As children grow, they can progress through our structured levels of classical ballet training. We even offer a Parent & Child class for children as young as 2 years old and a caregiver as an introduction to movement, a dance studio environment, and some of the fundamentals of dance. However, it is never too late to start. Many professional dancers did not begin training until their early teen years.

How can I get my child involved in The Nutcracker or the spring production?

All students enrolled in our Pre-Ballet 1 classes and up perform in our annual productions. Auditions for lead roles (ages 11+) for The Nutcracker are typically held in early September while auditions for the spring production take place at the top of the new year. To be included in The Nutcracker, students must be enrolled by October 1st, and the deadline to be included in our spring production is typically mid-February.

Do I need prior experience to enroll?

Not at all! We welcome dancers of all experience levels, from beginners to advanced students. Our faculty will help place each student in the class that best supports their growth and development.

What should my child wear to class?

We have a dress code, which includes a leotard, tights, ballet slippers, and hair secured neatly in a ballet bun or french twist for girls. Boys must wear a black or white t-shirt, black footed ballet tights, and black ballet slippers. However, we do not expect dancers to be in dress code for their trial class. Specific details will be provided via email upon registration or trial class confirmation.

Where are classes held?

All of our classes are held at our studio at 300 Power Street in Johnstown, PA. Visit our Training page for our current class times and location details.

When does the season start and end?

Fall classes begin in early September and run until our Nutcracker production. Classes then resume at the top of the new year and run through late May when our faculty evaluates the dancers, provides progress reports, and determines readiness for progression into the next level. Enrollment is open July through early October for our Fall session and December through mid-February for our Spring session.

Johnstown Concert Ballet ballet classes training dance classes near me Johnstown, PA 143 Photography

Interested in more information on our programs, policies, etc.?

When you fill out the form below, you'll receive a copy of our Studio Info Kit via email within minutes which contains information on our tuition, pricing, policies, dress code and more.

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Studio Address: 300 Power Street, Johnstown PA 15906

DanceWorks Address: 316 Broad Street Johnstown, PA 15906

Call (814) 536-7599

Site: johnstownconcertballet.org

Copyright Johnstown Concert Ballet 2025. All rights reserved

Photos for this site have been taken & provided by 143 Photography & Studio, Holly Lees, Coultan Lucas Photography, Brittney Lybarger and Charles Voytko,