Testimonials

 2008/09 REGISTRATION HAS BEGUN & CLASSES ARE FILLING UP!
For More Information, CLICK HERE.

Shelby Elsbree, Age 17
FBA Student 2000-2004
Current Training:  School of American Ballet, New York, NY
Achievements In Dance:           
Accepted into Nutmeg Conservatory's Summer Intensive in 2001 after only 1 year of training and under the minimum age requirement; Finalist in the Youth America Grand Prix Competition in 2004;  Offered full scholarship by School of American Ballet in NYC to further training at their facility;  Hand picked by Ethan Stiefel, Principal Dancer of ABT, to participate in his Summer Intensive program at Martha's Vineyard two years in a row.
Photo:  Shelby as "Clara" in FBA's 2002 performance of The Nutcracker

"As a ballet dancer in training, the roots of my success are what prepared me for the present and even the future.  The instruction I received at Florida Ballet Arts Academy gave me a solid foundation, a strong work ethic, and a discipline to help me reach my goals.  The teachers at FBA strive to pass on their knowledge and experience to benefit each and every student, and are significant role models to the aspiring dancers.  I would like to thank FBA for the amazing training I received, and for preparing me for all that is to come in the ballet world.  I now have a discipline and drive that I can carry with me for the rest of my life."
 
                                                                       - Shelby Elsbree, age 16

Amanda Means, Age 23
FBA Student 1993-2003
Current:  Professional Debut in Sarasota Ballet of Florida's 2007-08 Season
Achievements In Dance: 
Accepted into Summer Intensive programs including Nutmeg Conservatory and Atlanta Ballet;  Accepted into the prestigious Dance Program at Southern Methodist University in Texas; graduated from SMU with a Bachelors Degree in Dance in May 2007.
Photo:  Amanda performing a variation from La Bayadere in her graduating performance with FBA in 2003 at the Sarasota Opera House.

"During my ten years at FBA, I gained invaluable training and performance experience which will forever benefit me in any endeavors I pursue.  FBA's exceptional faculty and motivated students continue to create a positive, inspiring learning environment devoted to excellence.  By exemplifying dedication and commitment to the best in dance education, Florida Ballet Arts Academy establishes the precedent for what an academy should impart."
                                                                       - Amanda Means, age 21

Adriana Hitchcock, Age 11
FBA Student:  2004-Current
Achievements In Dance:        
Accepted into American Ballet Theatre's Summer Intensive Program in NYC in the year 2006 at the age of 9.  Invited to audition as a VIP in NYC by ABT School for American Ballet Theatre's Summer Intensive Program in 2007 and accepted again into the program at the age of 10.  Also accepted into Kirov Academy's summer program & Boston Ballet's summer program at the age of 10.
Photo:  Adriana, at the age of 9, perfecting her arabesque a terre.

"When I came to Florida, I thought I would never find a ballet school like my old one.  After so many different ballet schools, I found one even better.  FBA has a technique like no other.  They help you to be more successful in ballet.  FBA helps you be the the best ballerina that you can be."
                                                                                                   - Adriana Hitchcock, age 10

Elicia Reynolds, Age 17
Stephen Reynolds, Age 15
FBA Students:  2005-Current
Photo:  Stephen & Elicia in the Regionals Ice-Dancing Competition where they won the gold medal.

"As competitive Ice-Dancers, we recognize the importance of a solid foundation in Ballet.  Our challenge was to find a studio committed to excellence in technique, artistry and discipline.  We have found everything we need at the Florida Ballet Arts Academy.  Many thanks to the exceptional instructors who are so dedicated to helping us realize our dream of representing the U.S. in the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in the discipline of Ice-Dancing.  Their unparalleled attention to detail is exactly what we need for the level of skill we are striving to achieve."
                                                                                     - Elicia Reynolds, age 16
                                                                                  & Stephen Reynolds, age 14

Rose Baez, M.D.
FBA Parent

"Ballet is an art very near and dear to my heart.  I consider myself very fortunate to have a daughter with a similar passion for it.  Knowing the importance of having a strong technique at an early age, I have been very selective when choosing her schools.  I have the utmost confidence that FBA can provide that for her along with a feeling of belonging to a close knit 'family'.  Having recently relocated from New York City, it was a relief to find such an exceptional school that offers strong instruction as well as experience in truly professional grade performances."

Here's what the boys are saying about our "Boys Only" Dance Class!

"I love the jumps.  I'm jumping higher all the time!"

"Cartwheels are my favorite."

"I liked the Star Wars dance we did on stage.  That was fun!"

"Hip Hop Rocks!"

"It helps me in baseball."

"It's hard, but I like it.  The Nutcracker was fun too."

TRYING TO DECIDE BETWEEN A FEW DIFFERENT STUDIOS?
Choosing the right studio for your child is important.  This decision should not be based on convenience of location or where your child's friends attend dance.  Improper training and flooring can cause serious injuries to students that last a lifetime.  We invite you to download the STUDIO COMPARISON GUIDE, and see why parents still choose us living two and three towns away.  Florida Ballet Arts Academy is the place to be and we want you to know why!

StudioComparisonGuide.pdf

 Just as we have for the dancers in our testimonials, we look forward to the opportunity to enrich your child's dance experience!

Katherine Scheppegrell, Age 19
FBA Student 1996-2007
Current:  Pre-Med Student at University of Florida
Achievements In Dance: 
Accepted into Summer Intensive programs including American Ballet Theatre, Nutmeg Conservatory, Princeton Ballet, and Kansas City Ballet; Offered company positions by companies at the age of 17.
Photo:  Katherine as Dew Drop Fairy in FBA's 2004 performance of The Nutcracker.
 
"After participating in many auditions around Florida and attending a summer intensive with other students from around the country, I can confidently say that the dance and life training I received at FBA is unparalleled.  The faculty not only have impressive resumes of dance experience, but their caring way of communicating with students makes them excellent teachers.  Through individual attention not available at other studios, the staff diligently works to foster each student's talent for expression through movement.  The caliber of instruction at FBA prepares students no matter what they hope to pursue.  Whether it is to be a professional dancer or even a Pre-med college student, the values of commitment to excellence, perseverance, and a strong work ethic will remain with graduates of the Florida Ballet Arts Academy."                                                     
                                                                                                 - Katherine Scheppegrell, age 18