From Faith to Foundations: How Marla Hirokawa Built Brooklyn’s Beloved Covenant Ballet Theatre

Nestled in the heart of Brooklyn is a dance institution that’s been quietly transforming lives through grace, grit, and grand jetés. Meet Covenant Ballet Theatre of Brooklyn, a school and performance company that’s not just teaching ballet—it’s shaping well-rounded, confident, and creative individuals. At the helm is Marla Hirokawa, founder and artistic director, whose vision has been guiding students of all ages for over three decades.

 

A Name with Meaning

Covenant Ballet’s origin story begins with purpose. The word “covenant” signifies a contract—one Marla says she made with her faith to do this work with excellence and heart. “I knew I was called to build something meaningful,” she says. And that calling has turned into a Brooklyn institution, blending artistic rigor with care and community.

 

More Than a Dance School

Covenant Ballet is structured around three core “buckets” of programming: the school, mainstage productions, and arts-in-education outreach.

 

The School

From toddlers to adults, the school welcomes dancers at every stage of life. Tiny dancers start as early as 2.5 years old in pre-ballet classes, while older children (8 and up) enter a structured training program that can continue into their early twenties. Adult students can take workshops or open classes, whether they’re returning to dance or trying it for the first time.

A standout offering is Covenant’s Junior Company, a youth performance group giving serious students the chance to gain stage experience. Whether performing at nursing homes or taking part in showcases with schools like the Peridance Collective in Manhattan, these students are immersed in the artistry and discipline of performance.

Then there’s the Boys Blast Off Program—a 12-week, tuition-free series for boys ages 8–13 that offers two weekly classes in ballet and modern jazz. Taught by male instructors and assisted by older male students, the program breaks stereotypes and creates a welcoming space for boys to explore dance. “It’s about promoting the idea that this is not only okay—it’s fun,” Marla says.

And it’s not just dance technique that’s being taught. Through programs like SCIP (Strengthening, Conditioning, and Injury Prevention), students also learn about physical health, resilience, and self-care—skills that extend well beyond the studio.

 

Mainstage Magic

For Marla, choreography is a joyful extension of her mission. “I didn’t want to just do recitals,” she explains. “I wanted students to be part of something bigger.” That philosophy birthed Mainstage, a creative outlet where students work alongside professionals while telling stories through dance. Every dancer, no matter their role, contributes to the narrative—an experience that builds teamwork, responsibility, and pride.

 

Arts in Education

Covenant Ballet’s outreach work brings the power of dance to local public schools. Drawing on Marla’s experience teaching for the New York City Ballet education department, the program uses storytelling through dance to engage young learners in meaningful ways.

A highlight was The Orphan Train Ballet, a moving piece based on New York history and the early days of the foster care system. It captured the attention of schools across boroughs, including a special visit from a Bronx school in 2023.

 

A Culture of Care

What truly sets Covenant Ballet apart is its whole-child approach. The school doesn’t just focus on turnout or technique—it nurtures growth, wellness, and character.

Marla shares the story of a young student struggling with “toeing in.” Rather than brush off the concern, her team worked with the student and her parent to devise a custom solution using toe separators in her ballet slippers—a small change with a big impact. “This is where she needs to be,” Marla affirms. “Ballet is how she’ll strengthen her body and build confidence.”

Nutrition and wellbeing are also front and center. One student, Max, stood out for his boundless energy but lack of proper meals. “We’re the only ballet school where, when a student walks in, the first question is, ‘What have you eaten today?’” Marla laughs. From helping him buy lunch to encouraging healthy habits, it’s clear Covenant goes beyond traditional dance education.

 

Building Lifelong Relationships

Marla sees herself not just as an instructor, but as a partner in each child’s journey. Unlike schools where students pass from one teacher to the next, Covenant teachers often stay with students for years. “We see them through high school, even into college,” she says.

The school’s tight-knit culture includes midterm evaluations with both parents and students, ensuring transparency and collaboration every step of the way. “Parents are involved here,” Marla explains. “They know we’re invested in their child.”

 

A Place for Every Dancer

At the end of the day, Marla’s message to parents is simple: You don’t have to dream of your child becoming a professional dancer to enroll. “What matters is that they’re learning how to learn. Dance opens their minds, strengthens their bodies, and gives them confidence.”

Whether it’s their first plié or their final performance before college, Covenant Ballet students are part of something lasting—a community rooted in care, creativity, and a covenant to grow together.

Website: www.covenantballet.org

Phone: 718-891-6199

Email: info@covenantballet.org

251 Avenue U, Brooklyn, NY 11223