Academy of Ballet Arts / St. Petersburg Ballet Company

The Academy of Ballet Arts has had a strong community presence in St. Petersburg and Pinellas County since its founding in 1969. As school hours, activities and academic requirements have changed in the past ten years, the Academy has found itself less visible. Family incomes and working hours for one or both parents have also changed and are reflected in a transportation crisis. A student who wishes to become a professional dancer needs access to daily class and a student who does not want a dance career but does want to achieve their personal best also needs daily class. Younger students are often enrolled in after-school care that prevents them from getting to their assigned classes which results in them having to stop taking lessons. The Academy’s mission is to provide all potential students the opportunity to study dance after school and on weekends. We are researching ways in which we can bring dance to the schools as well as bringing students to the Academy.