The Walter Schalk School of Dance was started in 1957 by professional dancer Walter Schalk.  Over its 62 years, more than 160,000 students from New Canaan and surrounding towns attended dance classes, from ballroom dancing to hip hop and musical theater. Students still remember the Holiday Revues and recital performances put on each year, and the fancy costumes they wore.  When the school closed in 2019, the costumes were sold with proceeds going to local youth performing arts groups as well as a scholarship here in New Canaan.