The Sarasota Cuban Ballet School

The Sarasota Cuban Ballet School (SCBS), located in Sarasota, Florida, is an esteemed institution dedicated to upholding and sharing the rich cultural legacy of the Cuban ballet tradition. Far more than just a dance studio, SCBS is a premier destination for aspiring dancers of all ages, from those taking their first adult ballet class for fitness and fun to highly committed young artists pursuing professional careers in dance. Founded by the internationally acclaimed husband and wife team, Ariel Serrano and Wilmian Hernandez, both trained at La Escuela Nacional de Ballet de Cuba, the school embodies a philosophy that combines the rigorous technical precision of traditional Russian and French methods with the unique artistry and dynamism of Cuban flair.

SCBS is renowned for its world-class instruction, delivered by Serrano, Hernandez, and a dedicated staff of Cuban-trained Master Teachers. This unique pedagogical approach emphasizes balance, turning prowess, flexibility, jump elevation, dynamism, and sophisticated partnering from day one. The result is dancers who are not only technically gifted but also artistically charismatic, often achieving success in prestigious international competitions like the Youth American Grand Prix (YAGP) and securing positions in leading ballet companies worldwide, including The Royal Ballet (UK), Boston Ballet, and Sarasota Ballet itself.

Beyond its pre-professional program, SCBS also warmly welcomes adult dancers of all levels, offering classes designed to improve strength, stamina, coordination, and cardiovascular fitness in a fun and welcoming environment. The school's commitment to excellence extends to its professional-caliber performances, which provide invaluable stage experience for its students and captivate audiences with their high artistic quality. For anyone in Florida passionate about classical ballet, The Sarasota Cuban Ballet School offers an unparalleled opportunity for growth, learning, and artistic expression.

The Sarasota Cuban Ballet School is strategically located at 4740 Cattlemen Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233, USA. This address places the academy in a highly accessible area of Sarasota, making it convenient for residents across the city and surrounding communities within Southwest Florida, including Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Osprey, and Venice. Cattlemen Road is a well-traveled thoroughfare, ensuring straightforward navigation for students and visitors arriving from various directions.

The studio's facilities are designed to support a high level of training. SCBS features four large studios, all equipped with sprung floors to help prevent injuries, and are fully air-conditioned for comfort during rigorous training sessions. This dedicated, purpose-built environment underscores the school's commitment to providing a professional setting for its dancers. Ample parking is typically available, which adds to the convenience for parents and students during drop-offs and pick-ups. Its accessible location contributes significantly to its role as a central hub for ballet education and culture in the Sarasota area, making it a practical choice for locals seeking serious dance training or enjoyable adult classes.

• Pre-Professional Ballet Program: A comprehensive, two-part program (school year & summer intensive) designed for committed young dancers aiming for professional careers, adhering to the Cuban National Ballet School Syllabus.
• Adult Ballet Classes: Classes for all ages, sizes, and abilities, focusing on fun and fitness while improving strength, stamina, coordination, and cardiovascular fitness. Available for drop-in or with class cards.
• Youth Ballet Classes: Instruction for younger students, nurturing their love for dance while building foundational skills.
• Classical Ballet Technique: Core training emphasizing the Cuban style, known for its balance, turning prowess, flexibility, jump elevation, dynamism, and partnering.
• Pointe Work: Specialized training for eligible students who have developed the necessary strength and technique.
• Variations and Repertoire: Opportunities for students to learn and perform classical ballet variations and excerpts from renowned ballets.
• Contemporary Works: Training and performance opportunities in original contemporary pieces, showcasing versatility.
• Performance Opportunities: Regular professional-caliber productions at major Sarasota venues, allowing students to perform major roles and gain invaluable stage experience.
• Summer Intensive Programs: Intensive training sessions attracting students from around the world, often featuring guest artists from prestigious companies like the Royal Ballet and Boston Ballet.
• Private Lessons: Tailored instruction for individualized attention and accelerated progress (available upon inquiry).

• World-Class Cuban Ballet Training: Emphasizes the unique and highly sought-after Cuban ballet style, combining Russian and French techniques with Cuban flair.
• Exceptional Master Teachers: Led by founders Ariel Serrano and Wilmian Hernandez, alongside other Cuban-trained master teachers, ensuring top-tier instruction.
• Proven Success and Alumni: Graduates gain acceptance into and perform with leading ballet companies worldwide and win medals at prestigious international competitions (e.g., YAGP, Prix de Lausanne).
• Supportive and Nurturing Environment: Despite rigorous training, the atmosphere is described as nurturing and supportive, fostering a "family" feel while pushing students to their highest potential.
• Professional-Caliber Performances: Students gain invaluable experience performing in high-quality productions at major venues.
• Dedicated Facilities: Features four large studios with sprung floors and air conditioning, providing an optimal and safe training environment.
• Inclusive Adult Program: Welcomes adults of all experience levels, offering classes focused on enjoyment, fitness, and technique.
• International Appeal: Attracts talented students globally, enriching the learning experience through diverse peer interaction.

Address: 4740 Cattlemen Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233, USA

Phone: (941) 365-8400

For residents of Sarasota and the broader Florida region, The Sarasota Cuban Ballet School stands as an unequivocally suitable and highly recommended institution for anyone passionate about dance, from recreational enthusiasts to aspiring professionals. Its profound suitability for the local community is deeply rooted in its unique pedagogical approach, its world-class instructors, and the comprehensive array of programs it offers.

The core appeal lies in the rare opportunity to receive training in the renowned Cuban ballet style, a method celebrated globally for producing technically gifted and artistically charismatic dancers. With founders Ariel Serrano and Wilmian Hernandez at the helm, alongside other Cuban-trained Master Teachers, local students have access to instruction that consistently produces medal-winning performers and graduates who go on to join prestigious ballet companies worldwide. This level of excellence, right in their backyard, is an extraordinary asset for any serious young dancer in Florida.

Beyond the pre-professional track, the school’s welcoming adult ballet program is a significant draw for locals seeking a fun, challenging, and beneficial activity. As one reviewer noted, the ability to receive "useful personal corrections" from an instructor who was a "principal dancer with Sarasota Ballet for many years" underscores the caliber of teaching available to adult learners, making it perfect for those wanting to "improve strength, stamina, coordination, and cardiovascular fitness." The positive, nurturing environment ensures that everyone, regardless of their experience level, feels comfortable and encouraged to grow.

Furthermore, the school’s dedicated facilities on Cattlemen Road, featuring sprung floors and ample space, provide an optimal and accessible environment for training. The opportunity to witness and participate in professional-caliber performances enriches the local cultural scene, offering both entertainment and inspiration. For any resident of Florida looking to immerse themselves in the rigorous beauty of classical ballet, whether for personal enrichment or a professional career, The Sarasota Cuban Ballet School offers an unparalleled and truly invaluable local resource.

The Sarasota Cuban Ballet School

4740 Cattlemen Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233, USA