Join the Academy of Ballet Arts (ABA) for an evening of cultural celebration as we highlight the beauty and vibrancy of Spanish Dance during this Saturday's ArtWalk event. From 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., enjoy free tours, dance demonstrations, and classes that offer a glimpse into the world of Spanish and Flamenco dance.

Featured Instructor: Jennifer Tellone Berrojo

We are excited to welcome Jennifer Tellone Berrojo, a renowned professional Spanish and Flamenco dancer from the Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City. Jennifer will be teaching two exciting dance classes, followed by a discussion on the cultural significance of Spanish dance:

• 5:00 – 5:30 p.m.: Open House and Warm-up Time
• 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.: Beginning Spanish/Flamenco Dance Class
• 6:30 – 7:00 p.m.: Artist Talk: The History and Cultural Importance of Spanish Dance
• 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.: Intermediate Spanish/Flamenco Dance Class
• 8:00 – 8:45 p.m.: Live Demonstration of Iconic Spanish Dances from Carmen and Don Quixote

These classes are open to everyone. Participants should wear leotards and skirts, along with heeled character or theatrical shoes for the classes.

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Welcome to the 2024-2025 Ballet Dance Season! With so much in store this year, we wanted to take a moment to share some exciting updates and insights before the season gets into full swing.

Philosophy

Why are arts integral to the academic success of students and their emotional balance?

Having passion for the arts comes from the exposure to all of its parts: music…dance…voice…instrumental…theatre…visual. When the arts speak to the essence of one’s being, those voices must be answered. Many children in this beautiful city are destined to become artists, but first they must be given an opportunity to taste it, feel it, hear it, see it, hold it in their hands and mold it into their vision.

The Academy is committed to integrating dance into the lives of students of all ages as a unique and individual way to express ideas and emotions, and to tell their personal and family stories.  Art is a pathway to greater understanding between cultures, generations, historical events, and the future. The intention of the Academy is to reach out to the surrounding communities and begin a collaborative journey towards active involvement in the future of dance.

Adaptive Dance

What does dance class have to offer students on the Autism spectrum, students hard of hearing or sight impaired? What about students with Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, ADHD, or emotionally challenged?

Students who are physically or emotionally challenged need to have a space where they can express their unique view on life and where it’s safe to explore their feelings. The freedom to speak in the language of dance is liberating and allows each student to discover alternative methods of challenging their perceived barriers.

Students in dance class learn to lead, compromise and work together as they follow their creative instincts. They learn that repetition and a strong work ethic means never giving up on yourself or your classmates.  Self-expression is not limited by someone else’s methods or ideas. Music becomes the language and movement becomes the body’s visual art.

Over the years that the Academy has included special needs students in its regular curriculum and the students have all benefited from the interaction. Everyone developed the ability to see past the things that students struggled with, whether it was physical, intellectual or emotional. Teachable moments occurred in every class and as the students observed other’s struggles, they learned to face their own challenges with persistence and humor. The student’s and teacher’s positive and nurturing attitudes towards the integration of the students have begun to alter the parents’ views of competition and the speedy acquisition of skills. 

My commitment is to the beauty of the arts, how it shapes who we are from the inside out and my belief that everyone needs to experience the arts in their daily lives. Every light that comes into the face of a student when they hear music that speaks to their souls and every smile that is reflected in their bodies when they speak the language of dance in their own words becomes my incentive to create a program that exists beyond my school.

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Adaptive Ballet Classes will begin on Monday, September 9, 2024 

To provide smooth transition from car to the classroom please arrive 15 minutes before the start time of the class:

• 3:30-4:15 PM Adaptive I: Ages 5-7
• 4:30-5:15 PM Adaptive II Ages 8-10

Register for Classes

Adult Dance

Is an adult capable of beginning the study of Ballet after high school? Adult students have just as many reasons to begin the study of dance either for the first time or returning to a form of self-care that they loved as a child. The Academy has a fully developed curriculum for adults in an environment of encouragement, technical development and artistry. The human body never stops adapting to the demands placed on it and the strength, coordination and grace that are acquired as a serious student create a healthy sense of health. Music, moving in space and the camaraderie of other dancers relieves the stress and anxiety of a very busy life. It is never too late to dance. 

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