Upcoming Performances

The Academy of Ballet Arts will be performing selections from our Summer Intensive Programs at the ArtWalk this Saturday, September 9, 2023. The following performances will take place in the studios located in the Pruitt Art Center: 

5:30-6:15 pm Ballet III & IV: Ballet Barre; Contemporary Center with Amos Oliver; Flowers (Guest Choreographer Martha Spaulding), Variations: Paloma & Claire. Caleb Baker (Improv); Solo: Mackenzie; Pas de Deux: Drew & Baylie 

• Note: “Let the Moment Float “is a contemporary ballet duet that is an excerpt of ATLAS Modern Ballet’s evening length work “Ghost in the Black Jacket” This piece focuses on the idea that a relationship shapes aspects of our personal identity over time. As we grow with that person, we know ourselves more through our time with them. Choreographer: Sarah Walston; Dancers: Drew Robinson & Baylie Dockins.

6:15-6:45 pm Ballet II & III: Russian Character class, Russian Character Dances

6:45-7:15 pm Artist Talk-Back: Training of a dancer & life of a professional dance career: Artist talk-back (Suzanne B. Pomerantzeff: Artistic Director with Caleb Baker, Amos Oliver, Marsha Wilson, Brieanna Hynish, Nicole Robinson, Mackenzie, Drew & Bailey. The audience is encouraged to ask questions. 

7:15-7:45 pm Ballet III & IV: Pointe Demonstration (Michelle Kuusela/ Marsha Wilson) Flowers (Guest Choreographer Martha Spaulding), Variations: Paloma & Claire., Caleb Baker (Improv) Solo: Mackenzie; Pas de Deux: Drew & Bailey

7:45-8:30 pm Ballet II: Musical Theatre Class (Brieanna Hynish), Contemporary selections (Brieanna Hynish)

Rehearsal Schedule for Art Walk:

Friday, September 8, 2023

• Variations III-IV: 4:00-5:30 All dancers performing solos

• Russian Character II: 4:00-5:30

• Contemporary II & III: 5:30-6:30 Ballet II

• Solo Variations: 5:30-6:30 Paloma, Claire (Russian Solo & Scarf Dance from Raymonda

• YAGP Coaching: Paloma 

Nutcracker Auditions:

Saturday, September 9 (must be pre-registered)

• Ballet III-IV: 12:00-1:00

• Ballet II: 1:00-1:45

• Ballet IA & IB: 1:45-2:30

• Ballet Fundamentals, Pre-Ballet & Creative Movement: 2:30-3:30

New Student Classes

New entry level classes for all age groups are available for students who have never had ballet. The Academy is also offering musical theatre classes for dancers who are interested in Commercial dance. All students registered at the Academy must take a ballet class in addition to other specialty classes. 

All new students are required to take a placement class (at no charge) before registering for specific classes. A placement class can be arranged by contacting the faculty at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Complete Schedule

Tuition Grants/Scholarship Application

This form is available on the website. To apply for a tuition-grant the parents or guardians must fill out the application form completely and attach your most recently filed tax form and email it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  Each applicant will receive audition information once the paperwork is completed and received by Ms. P. 

Register

Donations

I'd like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of our generous donors who wholeheartedly supported my birthday fundraiser for the Academy of Ballet Arts on Facebook. Thanks to your incredible generosity, we successfully raised a total of $3,266 from 30 dedicated donors. 

If you are still interested in contributing to our building fund, you have the option to make either a one-time donation or set up a monthly donation while paying your tuition. Currently, I am in the process of applying for a grant from the Pinellas Foundation, which will greatly assist us in covering the construction costs necessary to bring our 4th studio to life. 

I am thrilled to announce that, thanks to your past donations, we have already covered the renovation expenses for Studios 1, 2, and 3. However, we find ourselves in a pressing situation as we urgently need to raise $5,000 to compensate the architect for the essential design and rendering work for our 4th studio. Without this crucial drawing, we are unable to proceed with the permit application process, which has been further delayed due to the ongoing heavy construction in St. Petersburg. Your generous contributions at this time are immensely appreciated. 

Please consider contributing as generously as you can. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a significant impact on our mission. Don't forget that you have the option to donate on a monthly basis through our website, and it's important to note that all donations are tax-deductible. 

Once again, thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to the Academy of Ballet Arts. Together, we can make our dream of the 4th studio a reality.

Donate

Volunteers Needed

I need a few dedicated volunteers to help with the Nutcracker costumes: repairing, altering, sewing by hand & machine, washing and ironing.  Please send an email to Ms. P if you are able to help Ms. Sharon Davis.

Make-up Classes due to Hurricane Idalia

Monthly tuition is not reduced when classes are missed due to natural disasters, illnesses, or schedule conflicts. However, students are encouraged to make up classes missed. Make-up should be taken at the same level the student is registered for or at a level below that level. Request guidance from your regular teacher before coming to a new class. Make-up classes are available in the month the classes were missed.

Silence is Golden

Please remember that all studios are open to each other and sound travels. It

is difficult to teach if parents, siblings, and visitors are talking in the lobby. It is also difficult for teachers to have the undivided attention of their students if they are talking in class. Ballet etiquette requires students to not speak unless asking or answering a question. No screaming!

By Markus Gottschlich
Creative Pinellas

March 29, 2023

It is a rare occurrence that a business founded in 1969 has a chance to redesign its community impact, but the renaissance of the Academy of Ballet Arts Inc is happening on April 1 in St. Petersburg. 

The Warehouse Arts District Association (WADA) has invited the Academy of Ballet Arts to relocate their professional ballet school to the Pruitt Education Center on the WADA ArtsXchange Campus.

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By Greg Evans
Associate Editor/Broadway Critic

November 3, 2021

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By Marina Harss for Pointe Magazine
October 15, 2021

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Academy of Ballet Arts very own Emily G will be presenting work this weekend at the Momentum Choreographer’s Showcase at The Studio@620

Saturday October 2, 2021 @ 7:00 PM
Sunday October 3, 2021 @ 2:00 PM

General Admission $15
Studio@620 Members/Students $10
Get Tickets

Image: The Biggest Wail from the Bottom of my Heart
Photo by: Robert Rosen

By Alexandra Martin for Pointe Magazine
September 27, 2021

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By Lindsay Martell for Dance Magazine
September 16, 2019

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ABA alumni Calvin Royal III speaks with Desmond Richardson about Mentorship. In this delightfully candid conversation, Calvin speaks about his incredible relationship with Mama P. Click the Link below to watch!

Click here to watch the event video