Academy of Ballet Arts

For over half a century, the Academy of Ballet Arts has been a cornerstone of dance education in St. Petersburg, Florida. Established in 1969, it stands as one of the most enduring and respected dance studios in the Tampa Bay area. More than just a place to learn ballet steps, the Academy of Ballet Arts is a non-profit, pre-professional dance academy deeply committed to providing exceptional instruction and fostering the holistic development of its students. Its primary focus is to deliver professional dance training, particularly reaching an underserved urban community in the heart of St. Petersburg.

The Academy’s mission extends beyond technical prowess; it aims to develop each student’s potential to express individual ideas and emotions through the beauty of movement. They value diversity, nurture creativity, and actively build community. This dedication to artistic excellence combined with a supportive environment has solidified its reputation, preparing young dancers not only for potential careers in the arts but also equipping them with invaluable life skills such as discipline, self-esteem, and a strong work ethic. For anyone in Florida seeking a serious yet nurturing environment to pursue their passion for dance, the Academy of Ballet Arts offers a truly remarkable and historic opportunity.

The Academy of Ballet Arts is centrally located at 253 5th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA. This prime address places the academy in downtown St. Petersburg, a vibrant cultural hub within the heart of Pinellas County, Florida. Its proximity to significant landmarks like The Palladium, where the St. Petersburg Ballet Company frequently performs, enhances its accessibility and relevance within the local arts scene. The location is easily reachable for residents across St. Petersburg and surrounding areas, including Clearwater, Largo, and Gulfport, via various major roadways. Being in a downtown setting, there are generally parking options available in the vicinity, including street parking or nearby garages, making it convenient for parents dropping off students or attendees for performances. This strategic and central placement underscores the Academy's role as an integral part of St. Petersburg's cultural fabric, making it a convenient destination for aspiring dancers throughout Florida.

The Academy of Ballet Arts offers a comprehensive curriculum designed for students of all ages and skill levels, from young beginners to pre-professional dancers and adults. Their programs focus on classical ballet technique while also incorporating other relevant dance forms.

• Creative Movement: Introduced to children aged 3-5 years, these classes focus on combining imagination and movement with music, incorporating basic locomotor steps, rhythm, and directions in a playful environment.
• Pre-Ballet: For 5-8 year-olds, this class introduces the formal structure of a classical ballet class, focusing on essential elements of pre-ballet, including alignment, rhythm, and basic vocabulary, without requiring full outward hip rotation.
• Ballet Fundamentals: Designed for beginning students, this class introduces elementary barre work, stretches, and basic center work to build a strong foundation.
• Classical Ballet: Offered for students aged 8 and up in various levels, this is the core of the curriculum. Classes are held multiple times weekly and focus on precise conventional steps, graceful movements, and academic technique developed over centuries. Includes barre exercises, center work, allegro, and developing musicality and expression.
• Pointe: Teaches advanced students the classical ballet techniques involved in pointe work, where dancers support their body weight on the tips of their toes in specialized shoes. This requires considerable strength and skill.
• Boys' Class: Specifically designed for male dancers, focusing on building strength, balance, and coordination essential for male roles in ballet.
• Character Dance: The study of authentic steps and performance styles of ethnic and folk dances, stylized for the stage. This integral part of classical ballet training teaches rhythm, musicality, and performance techniques found in many 19th-century ballets.
• Contemporary / Modern Dance: Explores expressive dance styles combining elements of modern, jazz, lyrical, and classical ballet, focusing on fluidity, dynamics, mind-body connection, and storytelling through movement.
• Jazz: Offered for students 7 years and up, focusing on different contemporary styles of jazz technique to build strength, flexibility, exactness, speed, fluidity, versatility, and musicality.
• Hip-Hop: An energetic and freestyle form of street dance, focusing on urban movement and culture in a high-energy, fun, and fast-paced environment.
• Adaptive Ballet: A specialized program designated for children with Down Syndrome, Autism, and other physical, mental, and emotional challenges, making dance accessible to a wider community.
• Pilates / Dance Conditioning: Classes focused on building core strength, flexibility, and overall physical conditioning, essential for injury prevention and enhancing dance technique.
• Summer Intensive Workshops: Immersive programs during the summer, allowing students to deepen their training and explore various dance forms.
• St. Petersburg Ballet Company Rehearsals: As the home of the St. Petersburg Ballet Company, advanced students may have opportunities to participate in rehearsals for company productions.

The Academy of Ballet Arts boasts a rich history and several distinctive features that solidify its status as a premier dance institution in St. Petersburg, Florida.

• Long-Standing Legacy (Founded 1969): As one of the most established dance studios in the Tampa Bay area, ABA has a proven track record spanning over five decades. This longevity speaks volumes about its consistent quality and enduring commitment to dance education.
• Non-Profit & Community-Focused: As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, ABA's primary focus is to provide professional dance instruction, particularly to an underserved urban community in Midtown St. Petersburg. This mission highlights its dedication to accessibility and community enrichment.
• Home of the St. Petersburg Ballet Company: The Academy serves as the official home for the St. Petersburg Ballet Company. This direct affiliation provides unparalleled performance opportunities for advanced students, including annual productions of "The Nutcracker" and a Spring Show at prestigious venues like The Palladium, as well as performances at various Tampa Bay area events.
• Emphasis on Technique over Recitals: The Academy explicitly states that it "does not give recitals," believing that "class time is better spent learning dance technique." This rigorous approach ensures students receive maximum benefit from their training, with performance opportunities reserved for those who demonstrate the maturity and ability to audition for company productions or other community events.
• Exceptional Artistic and Studio Leadership: Co-founded by Suzanne Pomerantzeff (Artistic Director, fondly known as Ms. P.), who has an extensive background, including developing dance programs at St. Petersburg Junior College and Pinellas County Center for the Arts. Her students have competed in Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) finals, and she has received "Best Teacher" and "Best Choreographer" awards, underscoring the high caliber of instruction. Michelle Kuusela serves as the Studio Director.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Offering a wide array of classes from Creative Movement for the youngest dancers to advanced Pointe, Character Dance, Contemporary, Jazz, and Hip-Hop, the Academy caters to a broad range of interests and skill levels.
• Holistic Student Development: The mission emphasizes developing the "potential of each student to express his or her individual ideas and emotions through the beauty of movement," nurturing creativity, building self-esteem, discipline, and a strong work ethic.
• Adaptive Ballet Program: A significant highlight is their Adaptive Dance program, specifically designed for children with Down Syndrome, Autism, and various physical, mental, and emotional challenges, showcasing their commitment to inclusivity.
• Participation in Community Events: Beyond their own productions, dancers and instructors participate in community events like the Great American Teach-In and First Night in St. Petersburg, reinforcing their community engagement.

For inquiries about class schedules, registration, performance information, or to learn more about the Academy of Ballet Arts, please use the following contact details:

Address: 253 5th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA

Phone: (727) 822-3590

Mobile Phone: +1 727-822-3590

For locals throughout Florida, particularly those in the St. Petersburg area, the Academy of Ballet Arts stands as an unparalleled institution for dance education. Its profound legacy, dating back to 1969, speaks to its consistent excellence and deep roots in the community. What truly sets this academy apart is its dedication to providing professional-level ballet instruction within a non-profit, community-focused framework. Students here receive rigorous training that prioritizes technique and artistry, preparing them for serious dance pursuits, including opportunities to perform with the prestigious St. Petersburg Ballet Company. Beyond the technical skills, the Academy excels at fostering discipline, self-esteem, and critical thinking—life skills that are invaluable regardless of a student's chosen path. The inclusion of programs like Adaptive Ballet further highlights their commitment to inclusivity and serving the diverse needs of the local community. If you're seeking a dance home that offers a rich history, expert instruction, significant performance opportunities, and a supportive environment dedicated to holistic growth, the Academy of Ballet Arts is an ideal choice right here in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Academy of Ballet Arts

253 5th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA