The Margaret Barbieri Conservatory
Youth America Grand Prix Outstanding School
AUDITIONS
We are now accepting auditions for the 2025-26 school year. You can arrange for an in-person or video audition; please note, however, that if sending a video, it is likely we will want to see you in person either at our Summer Intensive or at an in-person class.
Students need to Pre-Register, and the audition fee is $40. Please send a DVD/YouTube link with classwork to be considered for our program. Students may attend an in-person audition at any time.
Contact us for more information: Contact: [email protected] | 941.351.6005| Audition Fee $40
Conservatory Auditions will be held Friday May 2nd from 5:30 – 7:00 PM
PRE-REGISTER HERE
Named after Assistant Director of The Sarasota Ballet, Margaret Barbieri, the Conservatory offers a pre-professional training experience for talented young dancers. Led by Education Director Christopher Hird and Assistant Education Director Dierdre Miles Burger, the exceptional instructional staff is committed to providing the highest quality dance education in an inclusive and nurturing environment.
Our philosophy of training is to educate and train young dancers to become not only technically strong and versatile but also have a true sense of clean, classical artistry, musicality, and style. We also believe in supporting a dancer’s mental health. We work to guide our students as they prepare for a career in the dance industry or higher education. The Conservatory offers a safe place for students to grow and develop at their own pace with small class sizes and individual attention
Afternoon PROGRAM
Our Conservatory Afternoon program is for pre-professional students ages 12 and above. Classes run from 2-6 pm Monday to Friday and 9:30-12:00 on Saturdays. Twice a week students take an earlier class to receive additional training along with added rehearsals for performances and competition preparation.
TRAINEE PROGRAM
The Sarasota Ballet’s Trainee Program is the top level of the Conservatory and provides students with a well-rounded curriculum designed to prepare them for the next steps in their dance careers. The program focuses on well-rounded training with extensive performance opportunities and a chance to work alongside The Sarasota Ballet Studio Company.
CURRICULUM
Classical and Contemporary Technique
Pointe
Allegro/Virtuosity
Classical and contemporary Pas de deux
Variations/Repertoire
Progressing Ballet Technique
Career Preparation (additional fee)
Extensive Performing Opportunities
Exchange program with Canada’s National Ballet School and Royal Danish Ballet School
Choreography Showcase for students who are interested in exploring choreography
Extensive Performing Opportunities
- The Nutcracker – 5 performances each year at the Sarasota Opera House and Venice Performing Arts Center with live music from the Venice Symphony
- Images of Dance – end-of-year performance with live music from the Sarasota Youth Opera and Sarasota Music Conservatory
- Key Chorale – annual collaborative performance at Sarasota Opera House with live music
- Marie Selby Gardens – New Year’s Eve celebration and annual performance
- School Matinee performances
- Community Performances
WORLD-CLASS FACULTY
Education Director – Christopher Hird
Assistant Education Director – Dierdre Miles Burger
Sarasota Ballet School Principal – Jennifer Welch Cudnik
Faculty – Ashley Baszto, Alberto Blanco, Risa Kaplowitz, Addul Manzano
Contemporary – Kaylin Carrera
Pilates – Sara Rachon
Competition preparation/
private lessons
As a Youth America Grand Prix partner school, we help prepare students for YAGP as well as ADC/IBC and UBC. In addition, we offer private and semi-private lessons. Additional fees apply.
Graduates
Each year, students are chosen from the Trainee Program to join The Sarasota Ballet Studio Company. In addition, Graduates are now performing with the following companies: Atlanta Ballet 2, Pennsylvania Ballet II, Ballet Austin, Florida Ballet, Nevada Ballet Theatre II, Ballet Theatre of Maryland, Indianapolis Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet II, Ballet San Antonio, Virginia National Ballet and Portland Ballet, as well as joining colleges including Butler University, Boston University, Vanderbilt University and the University of Florida.
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