The Sarasota Ballet School

- 1400 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, FL 34236

Located in the cultural heart of Sarasota, The Sarasota Ballet School is more than just a place to learn dance; it's a cornerstone of the arts community in Florida. As the official school of The Sarasota Ballet, it offers a unique and unparalleled dance education experience. From the very first steps of a young child to the refined technique of an aspiring professional, the school provides a nurturing and high-quality environment for all who wish to explore the art of ballet. It’s a place where discipline, creativity, and personal expression are valued equally, fostering not just skilled dancers but confident and well-rounded individuals.

For Florida families and dance enthusiasts, having a world-class institution like The Sarasota Ballet School right in the community is a significant advantage. The school stands out for its commitment to excellence and its strong connection to a professional company, providing students with unique performance and training opportunities. This affiliation means that the education here is not theoretical; it is grounded in the reality of a professional dance career. The school's mission is to enrich lives and strengthen the community through the transformative power of dance, and this ethos is evident in every class, every performance, and every interaction. It’s a space where a deep appreciation for classical art is instilled, and where students are encouraged to reach their full potential.

The environment at The Sarasota Ballet School is known for its inclusive and family-oriented feel. It’s a welcoming community where both students and parents feel a sense of belonging. The faculty, comprised of former professional dancers and exceptionally qualified educators, are dedicated to nurturing each student's love for dance. This supportive atmosphere is crucial for a discipline as demanding as ballet, ensuring that students feel encouraged and motivated to grow. The school’s reputation is built on this combination of top-tier professional training and a warm, supportive community that celebrates the individuality of each student. It is a place where aspiring dancers can dream big, and where everyone can find joy and fulfillment through movement.

The Sarasota Ballet School is ideally situated at 1400 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA. This central location places it within the vibrant cultural district of Sarasota, making it easily accessible for families and students from across the region. The building is part of a dynamic area that is home to various other arts organizations, creating a hub of creativity and learning.

For local residents, the school's location is highly convenient. It is just a short drive from many Sarasota neighborhoods and is also well-connected to major roads for those traveling from Bradenton, Venice, or other nearby communities. The location on Boulevard of the Arts is well-known and easy to find, which is a major benefit for parents dropping off or picking up their children. The surrounding area is safe and welcoming, with plenty of nearby parking and amenities. This accessibility is crucial for students who may have multiple classes a week or participate in the rigorous training schedules of the pre-professional programs. The proximity to The Sarasota Ballet's performance venues also provides students with the unique opportunity to see professional productions and be a part of the greater ballet community.

Services Offered

• High-Quality Dance Education: The school offers comprehensive ballet training for students as young as three and a half years old, all the way through to pre-professional levels and adults.
• American Ballet Theatre® National Training Curriculum: The Sarasota Ballet School is proud to be the only school on Florida's West Coast to teach this internationally recognized curriculum. This nine-level program combines artistic training with essential knowledge of dancer health and child development.
• The Margaret Barbieri Conservatory: This is a full-time, pre-professional program for gifted students who aspire to a career in classical ballet. It provides rigorous, high-level training to prepare them for the professional dance world.
• Performance Opportunities: Students have unique and valuable opportunities to perform, including in the school's own annual production of "The Nutcracker," and for higher-level students, a chance to perform alongside the professional company.
• Summer Programs: The school offers a variety of summer programs, including Summer Camps for young children, a Junior Summer Intensive, and a five-week Summer Intensive for aspiring professional dancers, which culminates in public performances.
• Adult Program: A robust program for adults of all ages and experience levels, with classes ranging from "Basic Ballet" for absolute beginners to "Level 3" for experienced dancers. Private lessons and weekend workshops are also available.
• Community Engagement Programs: The Sarasota Ballet School is involved in the community through programs like "Dance — The Next Generation" for underserved youth, and "Joyful Movement Through Parkinson's" which offers complimentary classes for those living with Parkinson's.

Features / Highlights

• Affiliation with a Professional Company: This is a significant highlight, as students benefit from the direct connection to The Sarasota Ballet, gaining exposure to the professional world and receiving training that is aligned with industry standards.
• Expert and Caring Faculty: The instructional staff consists of former professional dancers and highly-qualified educators. They are dedicated to providing a high-quality education in a supportive, inclusive, and nurturing environment.
• Comprehensive and Age-Appropriate Curriculum: The use of the American Ballet Theatre® National Training Curriculum ensures a structured, safe, and effective learning path for students of all ages and abilities, from creative exploration for the youngest dancers to rigorous technical training for pre-professionals.
• Focus on Personal Growth and Individuality: The school believes in developing the whole person, not just the dancer. Students are encouraged to build confidence, musicality, and a sense of personal expression alongside their technical skills.
• Central and Accessible Location: The school's prime location on Boulevard of the Arts makes it easy for families throughout the Sarasota area to access high-quality dance education, and for students to engage with the wider arts community.
• Diverse and Inclusive Offerings: The school is committed to making dance accessible to everyone, regardless of age, background, or ability, as evidenced by its wide range of programs from children's classes to adult workshops and community engagement initiatives.

Contact Information

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

What is worth choosing

When considering a dance school in the Florida region, The Sarasota Ballet School stands out as a truly exceptional choice. The most compelling reason to choose this institution is its unique combination of professional rigor and a nurturing, community-oriented spirit. The school's direct affiliation with The Sarasota Ballet professional company provides an unparalleled advantage. This means that students are trained with a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in the professional world of dance, guided by faculty who have lived that reality. The use of the American Ballet Theatre® National Training Curriculum further solidifies its position as a leader in dance education, ensuring that students receive a world-class, carefully structured training program that is recognized internationally.

Beyond the technical training, the school's commitment to the personal growth of its students is a defining feature. It is a place where every child and adult is treated as an individual, with a focus on building confidence and celebrating their unique strengths. This is particularly evident in their diverse class offerings, from the playful, story-based classes for young children to the comprehensive adult program that welcomes both complete beginners and those with years of experience. The school’s extensive community engagement initiatives also show a deep commitment to giving back and making the art of ballet accessible to a broader audience, which is a testament to its values. For any Florida resident looking for a dance education that is not only of the highest quality but also genuinely caring, inclusive, and supportive, The Sarasota Ballet School is the clear and obvious choice. It is a place where passion for dance is ignited and where lifelong skills and friendships are forged.

The Sarasota Ballet School

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