Business Details
Premier Dance Academy in Solana Beach, CA
Ballet Arte is a premier ballet and dance training academy located in Solana Beach, California. Founded by internationally acclaimed former professional dancers Sara Viale and Erlends Zieminch, our academy provides comprehensive training in ballet, pointe, modern dance, and Pilates for students of all ages, from toddlers to adults. With programs designed to nurture technical and artistic development, we offer structured levels from beginner to pre-professional, emphasizing proper technique and artistic expression. Our directors bring decades of professional experience from prestigious companies such as New York City Ballet, Zurich Ballet, and Aterballetto, ensuring a curriculum rooted in excellence.Recognized with the Outstanding School and Teachers Award by Youth America Grand Prix, we maintain a commitment to fostering individual growth in a supportive environment. Our faculty includes industry experts with extensive performance and teaching backgrounds, while our alumni have achieved success in major dance competitions. We provide opportunities for students to perform in classical productions like Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, enhancing their stage experience. Our programs combine rigorous training with personalized attention, preparing students for both professional careers and lifelong appreciation of dance.
Services
Ballet Training
Pointe Classes
Modern Dance
Pilates Instruction
Adult Ballet
Pre-Professional Programs
Competition Preparation
Performance Opportunities
Highlights and features
- We offer award-winning instruction from former professional dancers
- Our curriculum develops technical and artistic abilities at all levels
- We provide structured programs from toddler classes to pre-professional training
- Our faculty includes internationally recognized dance experts
- We prepare students for competitive success and professional opportunities
Associations and certifications
- Youth America Grand Prix
Services
Ballet Training
Our ballet training programs develop proper technique and artistry for students aged 3 to adults. With eight progressive levels, we focus on body placement, musicality, and classical repertoire. Students receive personalized attention in a structured environment that builds foundational skills while preparing advanced dancers for professional careers. The curriculum includes preparation for major classical roles and competition opportunities.
Pointe Classes
Pointe instruction begins at Level 6, emphasizing safe technique development based on individual maturity and ability. Classes focus on strengthening feet and ankles while teaching proper alignment and execution of pointe work. Our methodical approach ensures students master foundational skills before advancing to complex pointe variations. Classes are integrated into regular training schedules for serious ballet students.
Modern Dance
Modern dance classes explore expressive movement techniques that complement classical ballet training. Students learn to develop versatility through contemporary styles while maintaining technical precision. The program encourages artistic interpretation and body awareness, with instruction from experienced faculty who have performed with major dance companies worldwide.
Pilates Instruction
Pilates classes enhance dancers' core strength, flexibility, and body control through specialized equipment and mat work. Our instructors integrate dance-specific conditioning to improve performance and prevent injuries. Sessions focus on posture, alignment, and controlled movements that directly benefit ballet and modern dance techniques.
Adult Ballet
Adult ballet classes cater to beginners through advanced students with flexible scheduling options. Our non-competitive environment focuses on proper technique development while accommodating varying fitness levels. Classes emphasize enjoyment of dance as a form of physical fitness and artistic expression for mature students.
People
Sara Viale
Co-Director
Former soloist with Zurich Ballet and Ballet Internationale, Sara graduated from Academie de la Danse Princess Grace. She has taught at Clara Noyes Academy since 1994 and received critical acclaim for principal roles in major classical ballets.
Erlends Zieminch
Co-Director
Graduate of Riga Choreographic Institute, Erlends performed as principal dancer with Latvian National Opera and New York City Ballet. He studied at School of American Ballet and developed teaching skills at Ballet Internationale Academy.
Julie Kenyon
Faculty Member
Former principal dancer with Las Vegas Folies Bergere, Julie trained at Sadlers Wells Ballet School and Italia Conti Stage School. She has taught ballet for 22 years and considers Ballet Arte her professional home.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
We offer classical ballet, pointe, modern dance, Pilates, and adult ballet classes with progressive training from beginner to pre-professional levels.
What are your class levels?
We have 8 progressive levels starting at age 3, with specific requirements for weekly class attendance based on technical development and experience.
Do you offer performance opportunities?
Students participate in classical productions including Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, and Cinderella throughout the training year.
What qualifications do your instructors have?
Our directors performed with major international companies like New York City Ballet, while faculty members have professional experience and teaching certifications.
How do you prepare students for competitions?
We provide specialized training that has produced winners in Youth America Grand Prix and other major dance competitions through technical refinement and performance coaching.
