Carla is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon. She is a former performer with the Pittsburgh Ballet Company and is a certified teacher of the Cecchetti Technique. She founded the first arts venue (the School of the Johnstown Concert Ballet) in Cambria City in 1964, opening its doors with four students. She continues to add to the Ballet's repertoire with stunning performances of ballet classics, and by choreographing and directing innovative works.
Today, she teaches at the Carla Prucnal Affiliated School of Ballet, passing on her wisdom to young performers and dancers. As a teacher, she engages students in a myriad of festivals, has choreographed a dozen signature pieces for special occasions, and directs the Johnstown Concert Ballet Company's annual crowd-pleasing Nutcracker.
Today, she teaches at the Carla Prucnal Affiliated School of Ballet, passing on her wisdom to young performers and dancers. As a teacher, she engages students in a myriad of festivals, has choreographed a dozen signature pieces for special occasions, and directs the Johnstown Concert Ballet Company's annual crowd-pleasing Nutcracker.
Services
Whether it was yesterday, or 20 years of yesterdays, you will always remember your days at the barre. Share your passion for the Arts with future generations, adding your name or that of your organization to the annals of Johnstown history. We have a list of projects that will enhance all of Cambria City.
The Johnstown Concert Ballet announces its next act: JCB Dance Works in the Cambria City Cultural District. JCB Dance Works is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization, ushering in a new phase of operations. At the heart of this new phase is an expansion of our programming and outreach, serving people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
Bethany Thomas is a Johnstown native and former student of Carla Prucnal. Ms. Thomas holds a Masters degree from Mary Baldwin University in Shakespeare & Performance along with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Pitt-Johnstown in Theatre Arts & Communications. Ms. Thomas has over 22 years' experience and training in Choreography, Ballet, Pointe, Modern Jazz, Lyrical, and Hip Hop.
The Johnstown Concert Ballet Company has been performing in Johnstown and surrounding communities for over 50 years. You'll find a small sampling of those performances in the videos below by Charles Voytko. Les Patineurs (The Skaters) - Spring Performance, 2013 The Johnstown Concert Ballet Company performed Les Patineurs (The Skaters) at the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center, Spring 2013.
The Johnstown Concert Ballet Company supports innovations in dance performance and cultural outreach. The Johnstown Concert Ballet Company is a 501c3 nonprofit, all-volunteer, organization, supporting the region's only local, professional, ballet productions. This includes JCB's annual Nutcracker Ballet, and a Spring performance that changes every year.
Reviews (9)
Anyone Anyone
Jan 02, 2019
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The teacher is trying very hard to get the kids interested in dance, but the girls are mean. The harsh environment that certain children experience is uncalled for. Miss.Carla is a sweet women that is trying to make her company the best it can be, but the girls that she supports in her company make kids quit. Structure and rules need to be enforced in this company or else the kids will start running this organization. I suggest you take you kid to this company, but if your child experiences bully to take him/her out of the company. Understanding the difference between correction and making fun
Karen Soliday
Oct 09, 2018
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Having been affiliated with this group for over 30 years I have nothing but praise for Carla and the company. I have seen many young girls developed into strong dancers and even more confident and poised young women. They learn discipline, respect and the value of hard work. I encourage anyone who is seeking ballet training, and even more, lessons in life, to explore classes with the Johnstown Concert Ballet. Exposure to this lovely art form and its teacher are well worth your time and effort. Y
Linda Barnes
Sep 21, 2018
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Johnstown Concert Ballet is the best thing that has ever happened to my daughter! She is a bright, graceful confident young woman because of the amazing lessons she learned in her 13 years with the Johnstown Concert Ballet. She still has 2 more years until she graduates. Miss Carla is the best ballet instructor in Johnstown and the surrounding area. If you are looking for a place where your child can learn and become a true classically trained ballerina then this studio is for you! Your child will have the best training and be able to participate in major productions like our annual Nutcracker
Taylor Mock
Aug 25, 2018
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The Johnstown Concert Ballet is a wonderful learning environment. Miss Carla teaches us the basic techniques of classical ballet, the harder more complex combinations and exercises, and how to be graceful and improve us as a ballerina, and person, in every way possible. Miss Carla will work one-on-one with us to make sure we are fully understanding every part of a combination of step, and never is hesitant about answering a very in depth question. We will have daily class discussions about the steps and combinations we are doing, go through what muscles are working, and the proper way to execute
Michelle Hamula
Aug 10, 2018
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Johnstown Concert Ballet has always been a great experience for my daughter and I. She has been attending since she was 4 and is now 13. I love the focus on classical ballet and that it truly is a “ballet company” where everyone pitches in and does their part to preserve this art. The dancers also are able to participate in volunteering and community service with the company which teaches strong core values that will stay with them throughout their lives. The dancers are able to challenge themselves to be the best they can be and Miss Carla keeps them “on their toes.” ❤️
Cherub Kycko
Jun 22, 2018
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Do not waste your time attending this ballet company only because you WILL be wasting your time waiting on the teacher/director to show up. Show up for practice, a rehearsal or a performance.I am sure she was wonderful 25 years ago. However, she is passed her prime. Girls leave weekly because of Carla's tardiness. I do wish the future of this company luck. It will come together after Carla realizes she can not do this alone.
Jill Ling
Jun 22, 2018
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We’ve been with JCB for 4 years and could not be more happy with the company! Carla does such a great job with the girls, whether they are 4 or 17! My daughter (8) has learned so much. She cried when the “season” was over in the spring, is happy to be part of some summer lessons and can’t wait to get started in the fall. The discipline in classical ballet is tough and to have a place that sticks to the classical ballet is wonderful.
Lauren Anderson
May 29, 2018
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As a current ballerina of the JCB, I couldn’t be happier with the kind and nurturing environment that I am surrounded with. Miss Carla teaches me not only the Classical Ballet technique, but many life lessons that I will continue to take with me as I grow as a student. The girls are always nothing but kind and nurturing. There is no better group of people to be doing the sport and art that I love with. I am blessed to be a part of a company that always wants what’s best for their dancers and is always trying to improve the ballet in any way they possibly can. From seeing the Nutctacker at age
John Barnes
May 17, 2018
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Miss Carla at the Johnstown Concert Ballet has been the best ballet teacher we could have ever asked for! Our daughter has been a student at JCB for 13 years and has not only learned classical ballet but also how to be graceful and how to work hard for what she wants. I would highly recommend JCB for any parent looking for a positive and enriching experience for their child. The lessons learned at JCB go well beyond the dance studio.
