The Sarasota Cuban Ballet School

- 4740 Cattlemen Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233

For dance enthusiasts and aspiring professionals in the Florida region, The Sarasota Cuban Ballet School is a true "hidden gem" and a destination of international renown. This is not just a dance studio; it is a premier institution dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich cultural legacy of the Cuban ballet tradition. Founded by husband and wife team Ariel Serrano and Wilmian Hernandez, both of whom trained at the elite National Ballet School of Cuba and enjoyed international careers, the school offers an unparalleled level of instruction right here in Sarasota. It provides a pathway for students to grow and excel, whether they are a young child taking their very first plié or a committed dancer striving for a professional career.

The philosophy of the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School is built on the unique and rigorous Cuban training method. This style is celebrated worldwide for its athleticism, grace, and passion, and is highly sought after by professional companies. It emphasizes a dynamic approach to movement, with a focus on gravity-defying jumps, strong balance, and expressive partnering. The school's faculty, comprised of former professional dancers and master teachers, is passionate about sharing this distinctive technique. As one adult student noted in a review, their instructor had "great technic" and gave "useful personal corrections," later discovering she was a former principal dancer with The Sarasota Ballet. This level of expertise and personal attention is what truly sets the school apart.

Beyond the technical training, the school is known for its deeply nurturing and supportive atmosphere. It is a place where students are encouraged to be their best selves, both in and out of the studio. The environment is described as "so nurturing as well as so supportive" and "a family," yet the training is "strict and demanding," a balance that helps students push past their self-doubt and prove to themselves what they can achieve. This approach to whole-person development, a core value for founders Ariel Serrano and Wilmian Hernandez, is what makes the school a truly transformative experience for its students, many of whom come from all over the country and the world to train here.

The Sarasota Cuban Ballet School is conveniently located at 4740 Cattlemen Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233, USA. Its location is easily accessible for residents throughout Sarasota and surrounding areas, making it a practical choice for daily classes and rehearsals. Situated on Cattlemen Road, a major road in the area, the studio is straightforward to find and navigate to, which is a significant benefit for both local families and those traveling from out of town.

Accessibility is a key advantage of this location. The area provides ample parking, which is a major convenience for students and parents during busy drop-off and pickup times. The studio's position also makes it a reasonable drive from various residential communities and major roadways, simplifying the logistics for students who attend a rigorous schedule of classes. For visitors, the location in Sarasota means it is also in close proximity to a wide range of hotels, dining options, and other local attractions, making it a great destination for a dance-focused trip. The well-chosen address contributes to the overall professional and seamless experience that the school provides to its diverse student body.

Services Offered

• Children's Program: The school offers classes for young children aged 3 and up, introducing them to the fundamentals of ballet in a fun and creative environment.
• Pre-Professional Training: The heart of the school is its rigorous pre-professional program, which is designed for committed and talented young dancers who aspire to professional careers. The program attracts students from around the globe.
• Adult Ballet Classes: Classes are available for adults of all ages and experience levels, from those who danced in their youth to absolute beginners. These classes focus on technique, strength, and overall fitness.
• Summer Intensive Program: The school hosts a highly regarded six-week summer intensive that draws students from all over the world. The program culminates in a public performance at a major Sarasota venue.
• Performances and Showcases: Students have the opportunity to perform in professional-caliber productions at venues like the Sarasota Opera House. These performances provide invaluable stage experience and are a showcase of the students' hard work.
• Master Classes and Workshops: The school offers master classes and workshops with a roster of distinguished guest faculty, providing students with unique learning opportunities.

Features / Highlights

• Cuban Ballet Training: The school is one of the few institutions in the U.S. that specializes in the renowned Cuban training method, which is known for its athleticism, dynamic turning, and passion.
• World-Class Faculty: The faculty is composed of former professional dancers and master teachers who trained at the National Ballet School of Cuba. They are committed to passing on their knowledge and expertise.
• Nurturing and Supportive Environment: Despite the rigorous training, the studio is praised for its family-like and nurturing atmosphere. It is a place where students feel supported and encouraged to achieve their personal best.
• Proven Success of Graduates: Graduates of the school have gone on to join prestigious professional companies around the world, including The Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet, and Miami City Ballet, a testament to the quality of the training.
• Holistic Approach to Development: The school focuses on more than just technique. It aims to develop the whole person, fostering confidence, discipline, and resilience that serve students both in and out of the studio.
• Inclusivity: The studio welcomes dancers of all ages and abilities, offering a wide range of programs from children's classes to adult ballet, ensuring that everyone who loves to dance has a place.

Contact Information

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

Phone: (941) 365-8400

What is worth choosing

For anyone in the Florida region with a passion for dance, choosing The Sarasota Cuban Ballet School is a decision that offers a unique and profound opportunity. The most compelling reason to choose this school is its ability to provide world-class training in the distinctive Cuban style, a method revered for producing some of the world's finest dancers. This is not a generic ballet program; it is an institution with a specific, highly effective curriculum taught by a dedicated faculty of former professionals who understand the art form from the inside out. As one reviewer noted, the personal corrections and high-level technique are a direct result of being taught by someone who was a principal dancer. This level of expertise is invaluable and hard to find.

Furthermore, the school's commitment to creating a nurturing and encouraging environment is a key factor. While the training is demanding, it is designed to build confidence and character. The kind and welcoming nature of the staff, as experienced by a visiting student, makes the school feel like a "second home" and fosters a community where everyone feels supported. This combination of rigorous training and a supportive atmosphere is what allows dancers to truly flourish. By choosing The Sarasota Cuban Ballet School, you are not just investing in dance lessons; you are becoming part of a prestigious and caring community that is dedicated to excellence and personal growth. It is a place where you can learn from masters and develop a passion for dance that will last a lifetime, making it a truly worthwhile choice for any aspiring or recreational dancer in the Sarasota area.

The Sarasota Cuban Ballet School

4740 Cattlemen Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233, USA