The Huntington Center for Performing Arts is a 4,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility that houses a premier ballet academy and music school in the Japanese tradition. The Huntington Ballet Academy offers five levels of ballet training designed to develop each dancer according to his or her ability. Whether the goal is to dance professionally, gain acceptance to a prestigious university or conservatory or attain a level of excellence— the Academy provides dancers with challenge at each level in which they study. In addition to the Academy the school offers open classes for children as young as 2½ years of age through adult in creative movement, pre-ballet, ballet, jazz, musical theater, and a new program: drama for kids. The Academy features a distinguished faculty headed by Principal Karen Lynch, formerly of Pacific Northwest Ballet and Kansas City Ballet. The facility is shared by the Huntington Suzuki Music School, which offers violin, viola, cello and piano in the Japanese Suzuki method of training. Pre-Suzuki classes are offered for children ages 2½-3½. New this this year are "Voice as Instrument" and "Voice and Movement." The faculty provides a nurturing environment for all levels of study. In addition to Suzuki training, traditional private lessons are offered.