Saint Augustine Ballet

- 1711 Lakeside Ave # 10, St. Augustine, FL 32084

For aspiring dancers and dedicated students in Florida, finding a ballet school that combines world-class training with a nurturing community is essential. Saint Augustine Ballet, a non-profit organization located in St. Augustine, is a true gem in the local arts scene. More than just a dance studio, it is a professional conservatory and a community-driven company dedicated to providing high-level ballet instruction and performance opportunities. From pre-ballet for the youngest learners to a rigorous pre-professional conservatory program for serious dancers, this institution offers a unique and supportive environment where talent is nurtured and character is built. This article provides a comprehensive overview of what makes Saint Augustine Ballet a premier choice for dance education in the Florida region.

The core of Saint Augustine Ballet’s mission is to provide an exceptional dance experience that extends beyond technical skills. The studio is founded on the principle of developing not just talented dancers, but also strong, confident, and well-rounded individuals. This is a recurring theme in the heartfelt testimonials from their community. One parent shared that her daughter has "thrived like never before" since joining the studio, praising the opportunities provided by instructors like Mr. Luis. The family is so committed that they drive 40 minutes four days a week, calling it their "home away from home" and a "big family." Another dancer, now part of the Professional Division at Boston Ballet School, credited Saint Augustine Ballet and its teachers for her success, calling the studio her "second home and family." This deep sense of community and personal connection is a testament to the studio's caring environment, which emphasizes strong character and mutual support among dancers. The non-profit status of the organization highlights its commitment to the art form and the community, with a focus on education and performance rather than profit. This unique structure allows them to bring in professional guest artists for performances and provide a high-quality experience for all students.

Saint Augustine Ballet is conveniently located at 1711 Lakeside Ave # 10, St. Augustine, FL 32084, USA. Its location provides easy access for residents of St. Augustine and the wider Northeast Florida area. The studio is committed to accessibility, featuring a wheelchair-accessible car park and a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that all community members can visit with ease. Furthermore, the availability of a free parking lot adds to the convenience for parents and students, eliminating the hassle of finding a spot before class. The professional, well-maintained facility serves as an ideal setting for both daily classes and intensive training sessions, offering a conducive environment for focused study and artistic growth. This combination of a central location and thoughtful amenities makes it a practical and stress-free option for families dedicated to a consistent dance schedule.

Services Offered:

• Dance School: The studio provides a full spectrum of classes from beginner to advanced, including youth and adult lessons. Styles include classical ballet technique, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary dance, and more.
• Ballet School: A dedicated ballet curriculum featuring a Pre-professional Programme, Beginner's Programme, Intermediate Programme, and Advanced Programme. The training includes classical ballet technique, pointe classes, Pas de Deux, and repertory ballet, catering to serious ballet students.
• Pre-professional Conservatory Program: A highly rigorous program for students seeking high-level training for a future as professional dancers. This hybrid program allows students to continue their academic education through outside sources while receiving intensive daily training in ballet, variations, conditioning, and contemporary dance.
• Performance Opportunities: As a non-profit dance company, Saint Augustine Ballet produces several professional-quality shows each year. Their signature production is The Nutcracker, a holiday favorite in St. Augustine. Other performances include full-length ballets, a dance festival, and a student gala.
• Summer Camps and Intensives: The studio offers a Dancers Camp and Summer Intensives, providing focused training during the summer months to help students accelerate their progress.
• Private Lessons: One-on-one instruction is available for students who want personalized feedback and accelerated learning.
• Non-profit Organization: As a 501(C)3 non-profit, the organization is dedicated to providing dance instruction and performance opportunities for students, with all proceeds supporting operating expenses and community programs.

Features and Highlights:

• Experienced and Caring Faculty: Instructors like Mr. Luis Abella, a former principal dancer and a highly-regarded teacher, provide top-notch technical training while also emphasizing character development.
• Unique Performance Experiences: The company invites professional guest dancers to perform alongside students in productions like The Nutcracker, giving students invaluable real-world experience.
• Holistic Training: The studio's emphasis on building strong character and a supportive community alongside technical training is a key differentiator.
• High-Level Opportunities: Dancers in the pre-professional program have opportunities to compete in national competitions like the Youth America Grand Prix and the Universal Ballet Competition.
• Accessible and Convenient: The studio features a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance, along with free parking, making it a convenient choice for all families.
• Flexible Payment Options: For a seamless experience, the studio accepts credit cards and debit cards.
• Community-Oriented: The non-profit status ensures all funds are reinvested into the arts, and the organization invites dancers from across Northeast Florida to audition for its shows, regardless of their studio affiliation.

Contact Information:

Address: 1711 Lakeside Ave # 10, St. Augustine, FL 32084, USA

Phone: (904) 810-5670

What is worth choosing?

For families in Florida who are serious about their child's dance education, Saint Augustine Ballet is undeniably worth choosing. What sets this studio apart is its powerful combination of a professional ballet conservatory and a deeply caring, family-like community. The reviews from both a parent and a former student, now a professional dancer, speak volumes. They highlight how the studio is not just a place for dance, but a second home where students are guided by role models and given opportunities they might not find elsewhere. The pre-professional conservatory program, in particular, offers an elite level of training that prepares dancers for professional careers, a testament to the high standards and dedication of the staff. The fact that the studio is a non-profit organization is a significant benefit, as it means their focus is purely on the art of dance and the development of their students. This structure allows them to produce high-quality shows like their annual Nutcracker, where local students have the unique chance to perform alongside professional guest artists, an experience that is both inspiring and educational. The commitment to strong character, a supportive environment, and the provision of exceptional performance opportunities make Saint Augustine Ballet a truly unique and valuable institution in the Florida arts scene. By enrolling here, you are investing in a dance education that will build a strong foundation for both artistic excellence and personal success, whether your child pursues a professional career or simply a lifelong love of dance.

Saint Augustine Ballet

1711 Lakeside Ave # 10, St. Augustine, FL 32084, USA