The Sarasota Ballet School

For those in Sarasota, Florida, with a passion for the elegance and discipline of classical ballet, or for parents seeking an exceptional dance education for their children, The Sarasota Ballet School stands as a distinguished institution. More than just a place to learn pliés and pirouettes, this school is the official training ground for The Sarasota Ballet, a renowned professional company. This affiliation ensures that students receive a world-class education rooted in the highest artistic standards. The Sarasota Ballet School is dedicated to nurturing young talent, fostering a love for dance, and developing well-rounded individuals through the rigorous yet rewarding art form of ballet. Locals have come to appreciate the school for its commitment to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where students not only achieve technical prowess but also build confidence, develop discipline, and experience the thrill of performing in professional-caliber productions.

The Sarasota Ballet School is ideally situated at 1400 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA. This prominent location places it within the vibrant Rosemary District of downtown Sarasota, an area known for its artistic and cultural institutions. Being on the Boulevard of the Arts provides not only a prestigious address but also easy accessibility for residents across Sarasota and its neighboring communities. The central location means that students and families can reach the school conveniently from various parts of the city, whether by car or other local transportation options. Its presence in a cultural hub further enhances the overall experience, connecting students to the wider arts scene. Ample parking in the vicinity and the general ease of navigating this part of Sarasota contribute to a stress-free arrival and departure, allowing students to focus on their training. This thoughtful placement underscores the school's dedication to making high-quality ballet education accessible to the local Florida populace.

The Sarasota Ballet School offers a comprehensive and meticulously structured curriculum, designed to cultivate classical ballet technique and artistry across all age groups and skill levels. Their programs are rooted in the highest standards of ballet education.

• Primary Levels (Ages 3-7): These foundational classes introduce young dancers to the joy of movement, music, and basic ballet concepts through creative and imaginative exercises. The focus is on developing coordination, musicality, and a love for dance in a fun and nurturing environment.

• Levels 1-7 (Ages 8+ and up): Progressing from the primary levels, these structured classes follow the internationally recognized American Ballet Theatre® National Training Curriculum. Students receive rigorous technical training, developing strength, flexibility, balance, and artistry. As students advance through the levels, they are introduced to more complex barre work, center combinations, allegro, adagio, and eventually pointe work (for eligible students).

• The Margaret Barbieri Conservatory: Named after The Sarasota Ballet's Assistant Director, this pre-professional training program is designed for talented young dancers aged 12 and up who aspire to pursue a professional career in dance. It offers intensive training, including advanced classical and modern technique, variations, repertoire, and pas de deux.

• Adult Program: The Sarasota Ballet School provides continuing education for adults of all ages and experience levels. This includes basic ballet classes for beginners, as well as more advanced options, allowing adults to discover or rekindle their passion for ballet in a supportive setting.

• Summer Programs: Each year, the school offers various summer programs, including Summer Camps for younger dancers and a comprehensive Summer Intensive for older, more advanced students. These intensives typically include a core curriculum of classical and modern technique, variations, repertoire, and supplementary classes like jazz, mime, and Latin dance, along with cross-training such as Pilates and yoga.

• Performance Opportunities: A key component of the training, students have significant performance opportunities. This includes participation in the school's full production of The Nutcracker (with performances in both Venice and Sarasota, often at the Sarasota Opera House) and a Year-End Performance. Students also have opportunities to participate in "InMotion" performances and potentially even auditition for trainee positions with the professional company.

• Community Engagement Programs: The Sarasota Ballet, through its school, engages with the wider community by offering programs like "In the Classroom" and School Matinée Performances, introducing classical ballet to local elementary students.

This comprehensive array of programs ensures that The Sarasota Ballet School caters to a wide range of dance aspirations and provides a holistic ballet education.

The Sarasota Ballet School distinguishes itself through several outstanding features and highlights that firmly establish it as a premier institution for classical ballet education in Florida:

• Affiliation with a Professional Ballet Company: As the official school of The Sarasota Ballet, students benefit from a direct connection to a nationally and internationally recognized professional company. This unique affiliation provides unparalleled opportunities, including potential pathways to trainee programs and even the main company, and exposure to professional company repertoire.

• American Ballet Theatre® National Training Curriculum: The school prides itself on being one of the few schools in Sarasota (and on Florida's West Coast) to teach the internationally recognized ABT® National Training Curriculum. This curriculum combines high-quality artistic training with dancer health and child development basics, ensuring a comprehensive, age-appropriate, and safe approach to ballet education.

• Faculty of Former Professional Dancers and Certified Educators: All faculty members are not only former professional dancers but also exceptionally qualified educators, certified to teach the ABT® National Training Curriculum. This ensures that students receive instruction from experienced artists who understand the demands of a professional career and can effectively impart technique and artistry.

• Inclusive and Nurturing Environment: Despite its rigorous training, the school consistently receives praise for its "inclusive and nurturing environment with a family feel and a wonderful community of parents." This supportive atmosphere encourages students to flourish, build confidence, and develop a lasting passion for dance without undue pressure.

• Exceptional Performance Opportunities: Students have the incredible chance to perform in high-quality productions, notably the school's full staging of The Nutcracker, often held at the prestigious Sarasota Opera House with live music from The Venice Symphony. These professional-level performances provide invaluable stage experience and create unforgettable memories.

• Holistic Student Development: The school's philosophy emphasizes that ballet training should not only be fun and creative but also develop students' confidence and celebrate their individualities. Beyond technique, students develop discipline, coordination, focus, and teamwork, fostering well-rounded individuals.

• Beautiful Downtown Studios: Located in the Rosemary District, the school boasts beautiful studios designed for optimal ballet training, contributing to an inspiring and professional learning environment.

These highlights solidify The Sarasota Ballet School's reputation as a top-tier institution for aspiring dancers.

For those ready to embrace the world of classical ballet at a distinguished institution, contacting The Sarasota Ballet School is the first step towards an enriching journey. Their dedicated team is available to provide detailed information and assist with enrollment.

You can find their beautiful facilities located at:
1400 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA

For direct inquiries regarding class schedules, tuition, registration, or to arrange a free evaluation for children aged 9 and older with prior experience, you can reach the school by phone or email:
Phone: (941) 487-8763 (Education Department)
Email: education@sarasotaballet.org

The Sarasota Ballet School encourages prospective students and their families to connect with them to learn more about how they can become part of this inspiring dance community.

The Sarasota Ballet School is an exceptionally suitable and invaluable resource for locals in the Florida region, particularly within Sarasota and its surrounding communities. Its unique position as the official school of a professional ballet company means that residents have access to world-class ballet education right in their backyard, eliminating the need to travel far for top-tier training. The adherence to the prestigious American Ballet Theatre® National Training Curriculum ensures that students receive a comprehensive, safe, and globally recognized ballet education from certified instructors who are also former professional dancers. This combination of pedagogical excellence and real-world experience is unparalleled. For parents, the school offers an inclusive and nurturing environment where their children can not only develop exceptional dance skills but also grow in confidence, discipline, and artistry, all while feeling part of a supportive "family" community. The unparalleled performance opportunities, especially participating in The Nutcracker at the Sarasota Opera House, provide invaluable stage experience in a professional setting, creating cherished memories and fostering a deep appreciation for the arts. For any Floridian, whether a young aspiring dancer dreaming of the stage or an adult seeking the grace and challenge of ballet, The Sarasota Ballet School offers a truly exceptional and enriching artistic home.

The Sarasota Ballet School

1400 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA