Business Details
12 Years
experience
Classical Ballet Training in Coraopolis, PA
West Point Ballet was founded in 2014 by Cynthia Castillo and Damien M. Coro, both graduates of the Cuban National Ballet School in Havana. Our training methodology combines the rigorous Cuban Ballet approach with insights from our professional careers in companies like the National Ballet of Cuba and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. We offer comprehensive programs for children aged 3-6, students in Levels I-VIII, and pre-professional dancers, emphasizing technical precision, artistic growth, and musicality. Our faculty has received multiple Best Teachers Awards at Youth America Grand Prix and Outstanding Coaches Awards at Universal Ballet Competition.Students train in a 13,000 sqft facility near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and participate in full-length productions like The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty. Our alumni perform with prestigious international companies, reflecting our commitment to nurturing versatile, confident artists. We maintain small class sizes to ensure personalized attention, with placement based on technical ability rather than age. Our instructors bring decades of combined experience in professional dance and education, holding additional qualifications in physical therapy and business administration.
Services
Classical Ballet Training
Children's Dance Program
Pre-Professional Division
Pointe Work Instruction
Character Dance Classes
Contemporary Dance Training
Performance Coaching
Ballet Variations
Dance Conditioning
Youth Ballet Education
Details
- Year established: 2014
Highlights and features
- We offer training rooted in the Cuban Ballet Methodology with proven results
- Our faculty has received 5 consecutive Best Teachers Awards at YAGP
- Students perform in full-length professional productions annually
- Pre-professional division prepares dancers for international careers
- Personalized placement based on technical ability, not age
What people say
Amazing ballet teachers
Unparalleled refinement
Confidence and preparation
Professional performance opportunities
Strong classical foundation
Services
Children's Ballet Program
Our Children's Division introduces ages 3-6 to ballet through playful, structured classes. Students develop coordination, musicality, and socialization skills while learning basic ballet positions and terminology. Gentle flexibility exercises and creative movement foster a love for dance in a nurturing environment.
Pre-Professional Division
Levels VII-VIII prepare dancers for professional careers with advanced technique, pointe work, and repertoire. Students train extensively in ballet variations, contemporary dance, and character styles while developing performance artistry and physical control for professional company readiness.
Classical Ballet Curriculum
Our training combines the Cuban Ballet Method's precision with modern pedagogy. Students master classical technique through barre work, center combinations, and complex choreography while developing strength, flexibility, and musical interpretation skills for diverse dance styles.
Performance Opportunities
All students participate in full-length ballet productions like The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty. These professional-quality performances provide stage experience with elaborate costumes, lighting, and orchestral accompaniment to develop performance confidence and artistry.
Pointe Work Instruction
Level VII students begin pointe training after demonstrating sufficient strength and alignment. Classes focus on proper placement, ankle stability, and graceful execution of pointe-specific movements to safely develop this essential classical ballet skill.
People
Cynthia Castillo
Co-Director
Cuban National Ballet School graduate with professional experience in National Ballet of Cuba and Cuban Classical Ballet of Miami. Holds degrees in accounting and business administration while maintaining active dance photography pursuits.
Damien M. Coro
Co-Director
Cuban National Ballet School alumnus with professional credits from Columbia Classical Ballet and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant who brings injury prevention expertise to the training program.
Questions
What ballet training methods do you use?
We combine the Cuban Ballet Methodology with modern pedagogy, emphasizing technical precision, musicality, and artistic expression through structured barre and center work.
At what age can children start classes?
Our Children's Division accepts students aged 3-6, with classes specifically designed to introduce ballet fundamentals through playful, age-appropriate instruction.
Do you offer performance opportunities?
All students participate in annual full-length productions like The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty, with professional staging and costumes included in the program.
How are students placed in levels?
Placement is based on technical ability rather than age, with evaluations ensuring each student progresses at their optimal pace through our Levels I-VIII curriculum.
What qualifications do your instructors have?
Our directors trained at Cuba's National Ballet School and have professional performance experience. They've received multiple teaching awards at Youth America Grand Prix and Universal Ballet Competition.
