Skip to Content

The Conservatory is overseen by Margaret Barbieri, a world-renowned Prima Ballerina with The Royal Ballet, and Assistant Director of The Sarasota Ballet. Through an inclusive and nurturing environment, the exceptional instructional staff is committed to excellence by providing the highest quality dance education. 


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 through collaboration with Artists Becoming and our Wellness Team. 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.

WORLD-CLASS FACULTY

Education Director – Christopher Hird
Assistant Education Director – Dierdre Miles Burger

Faculty Member – Risa Kaplowitz
Faculty Member – Addul Manzano
Faculty Member – Alberto Blanco
Contemporary – Kaylin Dalton

Conservatory PROGRAM

Our Conservatory 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. Additional rehearsals will be added for performances and competition preparation. 

TRAINEE PROGRAM

The Sarasota Ballet’s Trainee Program offers talented students 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 Modern Technique

Pointe

Allegro/Virtuosity

Pas de deux, both classical and contemporary

Variations/Repertoire

Progressing Ballet Technique

Career Preparation

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

Men’s Training

We have a strong program to develop men’s virtuosity, partnering, and contemporary. Faculty includes Education Director Christopher Hird and former principal dancer of Charlotte Ballet, Addul Manzano. Trainee Men also have the opportunity to work alongside The Sarasota Ballet Studio Company.

Extensive Performing Opportunities

  • The Nutcracker
  • Marie Selby Gardens – New Year’s Eve celebration
  • Sarasota Opera House – hour-long performance with live music from Key Chorale
  • School Matinee performances
  • Lecture demonstrations at community organizations
  • Images of Dance – end-of-year performance at Sarasota Opera House

Competition preparation/

private lessons

As a Youth America Grand Prix partner school, we help prepare students for YAGP as well as ADC/IBC.

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: Pennsylvania Ballet II, Ballet Austin, Florida Ballet, Nevada Ballet Theatre II, Ballet Austin, Ballet Theatre of Maryland, Indianapolis Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet II, and Portland Ballet, as well as joining colleges including Butler University, Boston University, Vanderbilt University and the University of Florida.

AUDITIONS

We are now accepting auditions for the 2023-2024 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 $35. 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] | 941.225.6520| Audition Fee $35