Education
The Sarasota Ballet School provides high-quality ballet training for students ages 3 and up, combining strong technique with creativity, confidence, and personal expression. We believe that every child should have the opportunity to grow through dance in a welcoming and supportive environment.
The school is structured into Primary Levels (ages 3–7) and Levels 1–4 (ages 8+), following the American Ballet Theatre® National Training Curriculum. Our experienced and caring faculty are dedicated to nurturing each student’s love of dance while helping them develop the skills they need to thrive—both in and out of the studio.
Latest News
Classes Begin Again Monday August 18th
The Nutcracker Auditions will be held September 6th
The Nutcracker Tickets Are Available Now!
The Sarasota Ballet School
Ages 3+
The Sarasota Ballet School offers high-quality ballet education for ages 3 and above. We believe that ballet training should not only be fun and creative but should also develop students’ confidence and celebrate their individualities. We offer an inclusive and nurturing environment with a family feel and a wonderful community of parents.
The School is subdivided into Primary Levels (ages 3 – 7) and Levels 1 – 4 (ages 8 + up). Not only do students receive the best technical training through the American Ballet Theatre® National Training Curriculum, but they are also guided by our caring teachers who nurture their students’ love for dance.
American Ballet Theatre ® National Training Curriculum
The Sarasota Ballet School is proud to include the AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE® National Training Curriculum, a breakthrough 9 level program that combines high quality artistic training with the basics of dancer health and child development. The ABT® National Training Curriculum consists of a comprehensive set of age-appropriate, outcome-based guidelines to provide the highest quality ballet training to dance students of all ages and skill levels.
Register Now!
Registration for the 2025–26 school year is now open!
· For students ages 3–8, registration is open year-round.
· For students ages 9+ with prior dance experience, we offer complimentary placement evaluations and a chance to meet our dedicated faculty.
[email protected] | 941.487.8763
The Margaret Barbieri Conservatory
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.
Summer Programs
Each year, The Sarasota Ballet offers a variety of summer programs for all ages. From Summer Camps for our youngest dancers to a 5-week Summer Intensive, we offer an opportunity to continue your dance journey with us year-round.
The Nutcracker
The Sarasota Ballet School is proud to have its own full production of The Nutcracker which premiered in 2022. With our production being in such high-demand this year there will be six chances to see The Nutcracker, two at the Venice Performing Arts Center on December 12th and 13th and four at the Sarasota Opera House on December 21st through the 23rd.
ADULT PROGRAM
The Sarasota Ballet offers a continuing education program for adults of all ages and experience levels. There is something for everyone – from basic ballet to weekend workshops, and special opportunities to connect with The Sarasota Ballet Company.