Academy of Ballet Arts Inc

For over five decades, the Academy of Ballet Arts Inc (ABA) has been a distinguished cornerstone of dance education in St. Petersburg, FL, and the broader Tampa Bay area. Established in 1969 by Lester Jacobsen and Suzanne Pomerantzeff, ABA is far more than just a dance studio; it's a non-profit, pre-professional dance academy with a profound mission: to provide high-quality, professional dance instruction to individuals of all ages and skill levels, with a particular focus on serving the Midtown urban community in the heart of St. Petersburg.

The Academy of Ballet Arts is a beacon of excellence, renowned for its serious approach to dance training. Instructors, including the esteemed Ms. P., are deeply passionate about their craft, and their dedication is evident in the caliber of dancers they produce, with many going on to professional careers in prestigious ballet companies worldwide. ABA emphasizes a curriculum focused on strong technique, artistry, and self-expression, providing a structured yet supportive environment where every dancer is encouraged to develop their full potential. If you're in Central Florida and seeking an institution where dance is taught with discipline, passion, and a commitment to genuine artistic growth, the Academy of Ballet Arts Inc offers an unparalleled opportunity.

The Academy of Ballet Arts Inc is conveniently located at 515 22nd St S Suite C2, St. Petersburg, FL 33712, USA. This accessible location places the academy within the vibrant Warehouse Arts District and Midtown area of St. Petersburg, making it a central hub for dance education in the community. Its position ensures relative ease of access for residents throughout St. Petersburg and neighboring Pinellas County areas like Gulfport, Kenneth City, and the wider Tampa Bay region. While specific parking details often vary with urban locations, a commitment to proper parking etiquette is highlighted by the academy, indicating designated spaces for pupils and parents to ensure convenience and respect for the premises. The academy's location within a culturally rich district further enhances its appeal, providing a dynamic environment for students and visitors alike.

The Academy of Ballet Arts Inc (ABA) offers a comprehensive and professional dance training curriculum designed for students of all ages and skill levels, from beginners as young as three to adults. As a pre-professional academy, its primary focus is on robust dance technique and artistry. Here’s a detailed overview of the services and classes typically offered:

• Extensive Ballet Curriculum:
  • Creative Movement (Ages 3-5): Introduces young dancers to the joys of imagination and movement with music, focusing on fundamental concepts.
  • Pre-Ballet (Ages 5-8): Formal introduction to classical ballet structure without requiring full outward hip rotation, teaching elementary vocabulary.
  • Ballet Fundamentals: For beginning students, including elementary barre work, stretches, and center work.
  • Ballet (All Ages and Skill Levels): Core ballet classes with age-appropriate barre work, stretches, and center work for strength, balance, and alignment.
  • Pointe: Advanced classical ballet techniques for qualified students, focusing on dancing en pointe with proper form and safety. Director's permission and additional ballet classes required.
  • Boys Class: Designed specifically for young gentlemen to introduce balance, coordination, and flexibility.
  • Pilates: Classes focusing on core strength, flexibility, and overall body conditioning, beneficial for dancers.
• Diverse Dance Styles:
  • Contemporary/Modern: Expressive dance combining elements of modern, jazz, lyrical, and classical ballet, emphasizing fluidity, dynamics, and storytelling.
  • Jazz: Incorporates techniques of classical ballet and modern dance with popular forms, focusing on body isolations, coordination, and musicality.
  • Hip-Hop: High-energy classes that bring the beat and funk of music to movement, fostering rhythm and self-expression.
  • Character: Study of authentic steps and performance styles of ethnic dances, teaching rhythm, musicality, and performance techniques.
  • Musical Theatre: Focuses on theatrical jazz within a performance context.
• Adaptive Ballet Program: Specifically designated for children with Down Syndrome, Autism, and physical, mental, and emotional challenges, offering inclusive dance instruction.
• St. Petersburg Ballet Company: As the official company-in-residence at ABA, it provides serious ballet students with opportunities to refine technique, gain stage experience, and grow as performing artists. The company performs annual productions like The Nutcracker and a Spring Show at venues like the Palladium, as well as various community venues.
• St. Petersburg Performing & Folk Ensemble: Home to the Russian folk dance ensemble, offering diverse cultural dance experiences.
• Summer Intensive Workshops: Immersive programs allowing dancers of all levels to train, refine technique, and explore multiple dance styles, providing high-level instruction and performance opportunities.
• Community Engagements: Dancers and instructors participate in community events like the Great American Teach-In, showcasing their art and passion.

The Academy of Ballet Arts Inc is distinguished by several key features that underscore its long-standing reputation as a premier dance institution in St. Petersburg, FL. These highlights point to its commitment to artistic excellence, student development, and community involvement:

• Established Excellence Since 1969: As one of the most established dance studios in the Tampa Bay area, ABA boasts over five decades of providing professional dance instruction, indicating a deep-rooted commitment to quality and longevity.
• Professional and Dedicated Instruction: The academy is known for its "professional and well-run studio with instructors who are serious about dance." Teachers like Ms. P. are highly praised for their passion, quality of instruction, and ability to cultivate professional dancers.
• Non-Profit, Pre-Professional Focus: As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, ABA's primary mission is to provide professional dance instruction, particularly to underserved urban communities, emphasizing technique and artistry over casual recitals.
• Home of the St. Petersburg Ballet Company: This affiliation provides serious students with invaluable performance opportunities, including annual productions like The Nutcracker and a Spring Show at significant local venues like the Palladium, offering real-world stage experience.
• Emphasis on Technique Over Recitals: ABA prioritizes class time for learning and refining dance technique, encouraging students to audition for community productions and specific performance opportunities rather than mandatory, costly recitals.
• Diverse Dance Styles Offered: While specializing in classical ballet, the academy also offers a wide range of other styles including contemporary, modern, jazz, hip-hop, character dance, and musical theatre, providing a well-rounded dance education.
• Adaptive Ballet Program: A highly inclusive feature, offering dance instruction specifically tailored for children with various physical, mental, and emotional challenges, demonstrating a commitment to accessibility in the arts.
• Proven Track Record of Success: Many ABA dancers have gone on to perform with prestigious ballet companies globally, including Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, American Ballet Theatre, Ballet Met, Cirque de Soleil, and Houston Ballet, showcasing the caliber of training provided.
• Supportive and Nurturing Environment: Despite its professional focus, the academy fosters a supportive atmosphere where students feel encouraged and enthusiastic about their dance journey, as evidenced by a child's positive reaction after a placement class.

To learn more about class schedules, registration, performance opportunities, or to get in touch with the Academy of Ballet Arts Inc, please use the following contact details:

Address: 515 22nd St S Suite C2, St. Petersburg, FL 33712, USA

Phone: (727) 327-4401

Mobile Phone: +1 727-327-4401

For residents of St. Petersburg and the wider Tampa Bay area, the Academy of Ballet Arts Inc stands as an exceptional and highly suitable choice for professional dance education. Its long-standing history since 1969, coupled with its non-profit, pre-professional focus, signals a deep commitment to artistic excellence and community enrichment. Locals seeking serious dance training, whether for a young aspiring dancer or an adult wishing to return to ballet, will find ABA's rigorous yet nurturing environment ideal. The emphasis on technique over traditional recitals, combined with invaluable performance opportunities through the St. Petersburg Ballet Company, provides a unique and effective path for genuine artistic development. Furthermore, the inclusive Adaptive Ballet program demonstrates ABA's dedication to making dance accessible to all. Located centrally in the vibrant Warehouse Arts District, the academy is conveniently accessible and plays a vital role in the local arts scene. For families in Central Florida looking for a dance institution that instills discipline, passion, and a pathway to true artistic mastery, the Academy of Ballet Arts Inc is a premier and highly recommended local resource.

Academy of Ballet Arts Inc

515 22nd St S Suite C2, St. Petersburg, FL 33712, USA