It’s the beginning of a new and different time for the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School. We have adapted to the current crisis. Nevertheless, we are delighted to announce that we have a full schedule of classes for children, pre-professionals, and adults. Class sizes are limited in compliance with all Covid-19 health and safety regulations. Teachers wear masks. And we are adding a new After School Study and Dance Program for students in grades K-5.
We have had to cancel some major performances. We’re not sure yet about the spring. But we have good news! Beginning in October we will be presenting two Black Box in-studio performances every month. The dancers are already starting to rehearse.
Below are some highlights for the upcoming year! For more details please see our website. www.srqcubanballet.com or call us at 941-365-8400
NEW FOR 20-21
AFTER SCHOOL STUDY AND DANCE PROGRAM: Our Afterschool program for elementary school students includes study time and homework help, as well as daily dance classes. School pick-up is available in Sarasota. For more information contact us at info.sarasotacubanballet@gmail.com or call 941-365-8400. We can also help families who have opted for virtual schooling.
IN-STUDIO PERFORMANCES: The Sarasota Cuban Ballet School plans to present monthly performances at our large Black Box style studio next to Baell’s, beginning in October. In addition to watching the dancers perform, the in-studio audience will have an opportunity to hear from Ariel Serrano, artistic director, and to talk to the performers. All Covid-19 health and safety precautions will be observed. The performances will also be livestreamed.
FULL SCHEDULE OF CLASSES FOR ALL AGES AND LEVELS
Ages 3-10: Classes are age-appropriate. The youngest learn the wonders of movement, self-expression, and creativity. As they get older they are introduced to ballet, modern dance and acrobatics.
Ages 10 and above: Students learn ballet technique, advance to pointe, and increase their repertoire.
Pre-professionals Ages 12 and above: Students interested in a serious dance program with the possibility of a dance career can consider the Pre-professional program. Dancers train 20+ hours a week, perform for local audiences, participate in national and international competitions, and receive help moving forward. Participants include dancers who moved up the ranks at the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School or who come from other studios in the US and abroad.
Adult Classes: Whether you’ve always wanted to take ballet or learn contemporary dance, are returning after a hiatus – or you’ve danced your whole life, join our classes! You will be taught by Master Teachers, who have experience teaching adults and appreciate your interest and desire to learn. Our “adult” students typically range in age from 40 through 80+.
About The Sarasota Cuban Ballet School
SCBS was founded in 2011 by the Cuban-born husband and wife team of Ariel Serrano and Wilmian Hernandez. They trained at the elite Escuela Nacional de Ballet de Cuba and performed internationally. In 1993, they moved to Sarasota to join the Sarasota Ballet, where they danced as principals. They offer classes at all levels for students from age three to adults, but the heart of the School’s program is a rigorous training course to prepare talented, serious young dancers for professional careers. SCBS students have won numerous awards in international ballet competitions, and have gone on to perform with companies such as The Royal Ballet (UK), The Birmingham Ballet (UK) Dance Theater of Harlem, State Street Ballet, Ballet San Antonio, Milwaukee Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, Sarasota Ballet, Tulsa Ballet, Ballet West, Houston Ballet, Boston Ballet, and San Francisco Ballet.
About the Cuban Style
SCBS is one of the only schools in the United States specializing in the Cuban training style, which is renowned for its athleticism, passion and precision. Developed in the 1940s by Cuban dancer Fernando Alonso, the Cuban Ballet training method has produced some of the world’s greatest dancers and is increasingly embraced by professional companies throughout the world. Carlos Acosta, formerly of The Royal Ballet and now Director of The Birmingham Ballet, and former American Ballet Theatre principal dancers Jose Manuel Carreño and Xiomara Reyes are among the many stars who were trained in the Cuban style of ballet. It draws on elements from Russian, British, French and Italian styles and infuses them with Caribbean flavor. From day one, the training emphasizes balance, turning prowess, flexibility, jump elevation, dynamism, and partnering. The result is dancers who are technically gifted and artistically charismatic.