International Ballet of Florida Introduce
Hello, aspiring dancers and ballet enthusiasts across Florida! Are you searching for a ballet academy that offers world-class training, nurturing guidance, and unparalleled performance opportunities, right here in the beautiful University Park area? Look no further than International Ballet of Florida. This esteemed institution is more than just a dance studio; it's a dedicated home for classical ballet, deeply committed to the rigorous Vaganova method, and fostering a truly supportive, family-like environment for its students. For locals seeking a ballet education that can truly elevate their skills and passion, International Ballet of Florida stands as a beacon of excellence in the Sarasota-Bradenton region.
International Ballet of Florida (IBF), founded in 2010 under the artistic direction of Sergiy Mykhaylov and Darya Fedotova, offers a unique and highly respected approach to classical ballet training. Both directors are former international ballet dancers, having graced stages as principal and soloists with prestigious companies like the National Ballet of Ukraine, Classical Ballet of Paris, Orlando Ballet, and Sarasota Ballet. They are graduates of the Kyiv State Ballet School, known as one of the world's best ballet schools, and bring with them the authentic Vaganova (Russian) Method of ballet training. This highly effective method is integrated into all levels of training, from students as young as 3 years old through adults.
What truly sets IBF apart, as highlighted by glowing testimonials, is the "amazing attention to detail for each and every student." Dancers, even those new to pointe or the Vaganova method at a later age, find themselves "coached and pushed" in every class, all while maintaining a fun and kind atmosphere that never compromises on the hard work needed for serious progression. The studio provides a supportive, almost "family-like" environment, which is crucial for the intense dedication required in ballet. Furthermore, the opportunity for students to perform alongside "worldwide ballet stars" in their "amazing and professional" performances is a rare and invaluable highlight, offering unparalleled experience and inspiration. IBF also prides itself on creating new ballets, offering students unique opportunities to perform new roles in full-length productions, a rarity even among professional companies. For any dedicated dancer in Florida, IBF offers a comprehensive and deeply enriching ballet education.
International Ballet of Florida is conveniently situated in University Park, Florida, making it an accessible and attractive option for aspiring dancers throughout the Sarasota-Bradenton area and surrounding communities. You can find this renowned ballet academy at:
8031 Cooper Creek Blvd #102, University Park, FL 34201, USA
This prime location on Cooper Creek Boulevard places the studio in a well-trafficked and easily reachable area. University Park is known for its blend of residential and commercial spaces, offering excellent connectivity to major roads and highways, including I-75. This ensures a relatively smooth commute for families coming from Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, and other parts of Manatee and Sarasota counties. Ample parking is typically available at the location, providing convenience for drop-offs and pickups, which is a significant factor for busy parents. Being located in University Park means IBF is nestled within a vibrant and growing community, making it a central hub for classical ballet education in Southwest Florida.
International Ballet of Florida offers a comprehensive classical ballet program rooted in the Vaganova method, designed for dancers of all ages and levels of commitment. Their services include:
- Vaganova Method Ballet Training: The core of their curriculum, offering a rigorous and systematic approach to classical ballet technique, known for developing strong, expressive, and versatile dancers. This method is applied across all age groups.
- Ballet Classes for All Ages (3 through Adult): Providing age-appropriate instruction from creative movement for young children to advanced technique for pre-professionals and open classes for adults who love to dance.
- Pointe Classes: Specialized instruction for approved students, focusing on developing the necessary strength, technique, and artistry for pointe work. (One student review mentions starting pointe at 15 and being coached well.)
- Performance Opportunities with Professional Artists: A unique highlight where students have the chance to perform alongside "worldwide ballet stars" in professional productions, offering invaluable stage experience.
- Classical Ballet Repertoire: Training in well-known classical ballets, preparing students to perform iconic variations and excerpts.
- New Ballet Creation: IBF uniquely offers students the opportunity to create and perform new roles in full-length productions, expanding their artistic range.
- Individualized Coaching and Attention: Instructors provide "amazing attention to detail for each and every student," pushing them while offering kind and supportive guidance.
- Full Year Programs: Providing continuous training throughout the academic year to ensure consistent progress and development.
- Drop-in Classes: Available for various class lengths (e.g., 45min-1hour, 1.5 hours, 2 hours) for all ages, offering flexibility for those with varying schedules.
International Ballet of Florida stands out as a premier ballet institution in Florida due to several key features and highlights that enhance the student experience and outcomes:
- Authentic Vaganova Method Training: The school's adherence to the Vaganova (Russian) Method, taught by directors who are graduates of the Kyiv State Ballet School and former international ballet stars, ensures a high standard of classical training.
- Exceptional Instructors (Sergiy Mykhaylov & Darya Fedotova): The artistic directors are not only experienced professional dancers but also highly effective coaches, known for their "amazing attention to detail," kindness, and ability to push students to higher levels without compromising enjoyment.
- Opportunities to Perform with Worldwide Ballet Stars: This is a rare and significant highlight, providing students with unparalleled real-world performance experience alongside renowned professional dancers. The performances are described as "amazing and professional."
- Nurturing and Family-Like Atmosphere: Despite rigorous training, the studio fosters a supportive and "family-like" environment where students feel encouraged, valued, and happy to be part of the community.
- Holistic Student Development: Beyond technical skill, IBF aims to inspire, motivate, and mentor students to develop into confident, young artistic performers, cultivating creativity and artistry.
- Focus on Individual Progress: Reviews confirm that instructors are dedicated to coaching and pushing each student individually, helping them find their strengths and make significant improvements, even if they start with limited experience in the Vaganova method.
- Introduction of New Ballets: The studio's commitment to creating new works and roles provides students with unique and modern performance opportunities rarely found elsewhere.
- Structured Levels for Progression: Classes are organized by level (e.g., Vaganova 1-4, Advanced, Pre-Pointe, Intermediate, Advanced) ensuring appropriate challenges and continuous development for students.
Ready to discover the world of classical ballet at International Ballet of Florida? Here’s how you can get in touch:
Address: 8031 Cooper Creek Blvd #102, University Park, FL 34201, USA
Phone: (941) 962-6664
Mobile Phone: +1 941-962-6664
For detailed class schedules, registration information, and to discuss how International Ballet of Florida can meet your or your child's ballet aspirations, it is highly recommended to call the studio directly. The dedicated team will be delighted to provide you with all the necessary information and guide you through the process of joining their esteemed ballet family in University Park.
For families and individuals across Florida, particularly those in the Sarasota-Bradenton area and University Park, International Ballet of Florida stands as an eminently suitable choice for classical ballet training. Its strong suitability for locals stems from a unique blend of world-class instruction, a deeply nurturing environment, and unparalleled opportunities that are hard to find elsewhere in the region. Firstly, the studio's unwavering commitment to the authentic Vaganova method, taught by former international ballet stars who graduated from top schools, ensures that students receive a classical education of the highest caliber. For parents who value rigorous technique and a foundational understanding of ballet, this commitment provides immense reassurance that their child is receiving professional-level training right here in Florida.
Secondly, the studio's ability to foster a "family-like" atmosphere, as repeatedly highlighted by satisfied students, creates an incredibly supportive and positive learning environment. Ballet training can be demanding, and having instructors who are not only expert coaches but also "kind" and patient makes a significant difference in a student's journey. This balance of hard work and genuine care ensures that dancers, from young beginners to advanced pre-professionals, feel motivated, confident, and eager to attend class. The emphasis on individual attention, with teachers pushing students while respecting their pace, is crucial for personalized growth and achieving significant progress, even for those new to challenging techniques like pointe.
Finally, the extraordinary performance opportunities, including the chance for students to share the stage with "worldwide ballet stars" in professional productions, make IBF an exceptional proposition for local aspiring dancers. This real-world experience, coupled with the opportunity to perform in both classical repertoire and new ballets, provides invaluable exposure and motivation. For any dedicated Floridian seeking a ballet school that combines elite technical training with a supportive community and genuine performance avenues, International Ballet of Florida in University Park is not just suitable; it is a transformative destination for a truly enriching dance experience.
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International Ballet of Florida Location
International Ballet of Florida
8031 Cooper Creek Blvd #102, University Park, FL 34201, USA
International Ballet of Florida Reviews
Such amazing attention to detail for each and every student! I started there at 15, new to pointe and not trained Vaganova method previously but very passionate about ballet. They’ve been amazing with coaching me and pushing me in every class. They’re so kind and make class fun without compromising the hard work we need to get in. Amazing teaches and experience there it feels like family 🤍🤍🤍🤍
Apr 03, 2025 · KatieMy daughter in this studio for more than 7 years now end we couldn't be more happy. The performances is amazing end professional. Coaches are top of the world. Kids performing with the worldwide ballet stars. Highly recommend!
Feb 11, 2025 · Natalya KoloneyMy daughter has danced with Dariya and Sergei at the studio since they opened in 2010. They put their heart and soul into each one of the students, with their teaching and with the shows they produce.The kids that dance at the studio treat each other like family. I’ve been amazed at how year by year, the kids are very supportive and genuinely pleased for their fellow dancers when they receive a sought after role in a production. I’m happy to say that this studio is the opposite of “dance moms”! We feel so privileged to be at The School Of Russian Ballet”.
Jun 06, 2019 · Roni DuthieI'm so sorry to have to leave a review this poor, I bought tickets for the Nutcracker, I had seen the Moscow Nutcracker a few years earlier and thought it was a fantastic bargain and a lovely production, I thought this might be something like that, I was really disappointed this was more like a school play, The sets were flat & dark, the dolls box made of cardboard or something that looked like cardboard, the costumes were nothing like I anticipated, Drosselmeyer was running around in black tennis shoes and the Nutcracker had some sort of Halloween mask on,(very strange looking) over all the entire production seemed more like a program designed for the parents, as they were snapping photos & taking videos. The venue while possessing a beautiful lobby had terrible seating it felt like you you do when your sandwiched in an over crowded airplane we were packed in like sardines practically sitting on top of each other, having back problems this was all unbearable . I can not apologize enough to the young dancers who worked so hard to bring this to the stage, it's not their fault, While I fully support the Arts I will not leave a dishonest review I believe the problem is with the Managers, or producers or whoever is in charge of the production, I simply cannot recommend this to anyone who is expecting a professional program. I sincerely hope that this helps people who are investing in tickets. And that it's an inspiration to improve future programs again I'm disheartened and sad to even leave a review like this.
Dec 30, 2023 · Shelly KatesWe followed Darya and Sergei from their prior location as teachers when they opened their studio in 2010. They are amazing! They teach Vaganova in true form, and while having high expectations from their students, they are also kind, loving, and full of laughter. Their rates are reasonable, costume rental fees lower than elsewhere. They have expelled occasional students due to inappropriate behavior, so there may be a few disgruntled families. In the interest of maintaining a class act and a safe, positive environment, they are willing to lose the income or even a great dancer if behavior is unpleasant or risky for others. I have seen my daughter, and all those who remain and put in effort, blossom into beautiful dancers.In addition, they learn character and acting/performing skills. If you want to see objective, transforming results in return for your investment of time and money, this is absolutely the place. Serious dancing, with enough time to continue your studies...best of both worlds! We are so fortunate to have them. If you want to see proof, come to any one of the shows...you will find true quality. It speaks for itself!
Sep 12, 2015 · cynthia
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