Academy of Ballet Arts

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

For over five decades, the Academy of Ballet Arts (ABA) has served the greater Tampa Bay area and the St. Petersburg community as a distinguished non-profit, pre-professional dance school. Established in 1969, this institution is recognized as one of the most established centers for professional dance instruction in Florida, dedicated to fostering the potential of every student to express their emotions and ideas through the grace and beauty of movement. Located right here in St. Pete, ABA is more than just a dance studio; it is a cultural and educational hub committed to artistic excellence, diversity, and community building, with a particular focus on providing professional training to the Midtown community.

The core of the Academy’s philosophy is a strong emphasis on mastering dance technique, which is why it uniquely focuses on rigorous class time and technique development rather than annual student recitals. Instead, students who exhibit the requisite ability and maturity are encouraged to audition for community productions and specific performance opportunities with the resident St. Petersburg Ballet Company, providing real-world performance experience on local stages like The Palladium.

The Academy of Ballet Arts is a beacon of high-quality ballet training in the Florida arts scene. The curriculum is rooted in the renowned Vaganova Method, which is the foundational training system of the Russian schools associated with the Bolshoi and Kirov ballet companies. By blending this Russian pedagogy with elements from the Bournonville School (Danish) and the French school, ABA provides a comprehensive, professional-level training regimen. This dedication to a time-tested, multi-faceted approach to classical ballet has prepared many ABA dancers to successfully pursue professional careers with prestigious companies, including American Ballet Theatre, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Cirque de Soleil, and Houston Ballet, to name just a few.

The ABA also houses the St. Petersburg Ballet Company, its official company-in-residence, which provides serious ballet students with opportunities to refine their technique and gain valuable stage experience throughout the year. The company is particularly known for its annual production of the classic "The Nutcracker" and a Spring Performance, both staples of the local St. Petersburg arts calendar. Furthermore, the Academy is deeply committed to community accessibility, regularly providing free Family Vouchers for performances to inner-city schools, arts magnet programs, families in shelters, and various organizations supporting children and adults with physical or mental challenges.

In addition to its professional focus, ABA nurtures a diverse and inclusive environment. It actively recruits students from all backgrounds, embracing all levels of ability and body types, and is proud to offer specialized programs such as Adaptive Dance for children with physical, mental, or emotional challenges. This commitment to making dance accessible for everyone aligns perfectly with the Florida arts community's vision of fostering creativity and inclusion across the entire region.

The Academy of Ballet Arts is conveniently situated in the heart of St. Petersburg, making it a central and accessible location for families and students across the Tampa Bay area. Its prominent placement within the city’s cultural corridor connects it directly to the vibrant local arts community of St. Pete.

The primary location information is:

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

The facility is designed to be welcoming to all members of the community, offering a thoughtful approach to physical access:

• Wheelchair accessible parking lot is available.

Its central location also ensures easy access to other small, individually owned businesses, galleries, and restaurants in the area, contributing to the local economy and cultural life.

The Academy offers an extensive range of classes and programs tailored for various ages, skill levels, and interests, embodying its mission to provide professional dance instruction to everyone.

• Classical Ballet: Featuring a professional curriculum based on the Vaganova Method, catering to all ages and skill levels, from beginners to advanced pre-professional students.
• Youth Classes: Includes Creative Movement Classes (for younger children, typically 3-5 years old), Pre-Ballet Studio, Ballet Fundamentals, and Boys Class, focusing on coordination and balance.
• Advanced / Specialized Training: Offered in Pointe Class, Pre- Pointe Studio, Repertory Dance, and Costume Design.
• Other Dance Forms: Includes Character Class (studying authentic ethnic dances), Folk Dance, and Contemporary / Modern instruction.
• Adult Programs: Features Adult Ballet Studio, Adult Classes, Beginner Adult Ballet, and Advanced Adult Ballet, providing options for returning dancers and those new to the art form.
• Movement and Conditioning: Incorporates Mat Pilates and Pilates Class to build strength and enhance dance technique.
• Inclusive Programs: Offers Adaptive Dance for children with various physical, mental, and emotional challenges, demonstrating a commitment to accessibility.
• Intensive Training: Provides Summer Intensives for serious dancers, offering a comprehensive and professional dance experience.

What makes the Academy of Ballet Arts a distinguished point of interest in the Florida dance community is its unique combination of professional training, community commitment, and historical significance.

• Established Legacy: Founded in 1969, ABA is one of the most established and recognized dance studios in the entire Tampa Bay area.
• Non-Profit Status: Operating as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, all income is channeled directly back into training, performance, and community outreach programs, ensuring a student-focused mission.
• Vaganova Curriculum: Adherence to the prestigious Russian Vaganova Method for professional training, a proven path for dancers seeking high-level technique.
• St. Petersburg Ballet Company: Home to the resident St. Petersburg Ballet Company, providing students with consistent, high-quality performance opportunities without the obligation of recitals.
• Community Outreach and Accessibility: Known for its extensive community involvement, providing arts education and free performance access to under-served and challenged populations, and actively promoting diversity.
• Experienced Instructors: Led by an experienced team of dedicated instructors, including the Artistic Director, who have themselves led and taught classes for decades.
• Good for Kids: The school environment and diverse class offerings are noted as being excellent for children of all ages to learn and grow.
• Payment Flexibility: Accepts modern payment methods, including Credit cards and Debit cards.

For more information on class schedules, registration, and upcoming performances by the St. Petersburg Ballet Company, local users can reach out using the following details:

Address: 253 5th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA
Phone: (727) 822-3590
Mobile Phone: +1 727-822-3590

For Florida residents, especially those in the St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay region seeking a serious yet nurturing dance education, the Academy of Ballet Arts represents a premier choice. You are choosing a half-century legacy of professionalism and a curriculum that has proven its merit by sending dancers to world-class companies. The commitment to technical excellence means class time is maximized for skill development, offering a truly pre-professional path for dedicated students.

Moreover, selecting ABA means supporting a non-profit organization that deeply values and invests in its local community. By choosing a school known for its Adaptive Dance programs and its outreach to under-served populations in Midtown St. Petersburg, you are contributing to a richer, more inclusive arts landscape right here in Florida. Whether you are an adult looking for a quality class to reconnect with movement, a parent seeking serious training for a budding young dancer, or looking for an inclusive environment for a child with special needs, ABA offers a distinct, high-quality, and community-focused experience that is simply unmatched in the region. It stands as a vital and enduring pillar of the arts in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Academy of Ballet Arts

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