Business Details
Premier Ballet & Dance Training in Solana Beach
Ballet Arte is a premier ballet and dance training academy located in Solana Beach, California. Founded by internationally renowned former professional dancers Sara Viale and Erlends Zieminch, our institution provides comprehensive training in ballet, pointe, modern dance, and Pilates for students of all agesfrom toddlers to adults. With over two decades of combined teaching experience, our directors have cultivated a nurturing environment where students develop technical precision, artistic expression, and physical mastery. Recognized with the Outstanding School and Teachers Award by the Youth America Grand Prix, we maintain rigorous standards while fostering individual growth. Our faculty includes industry veterans who have performed with prestigious companies such as New York City Ballet and Zurich Ballet.We offer structured programs from beginner to pre-professional levels, emphasizing personalized attention and progressive skill development. Our alumni have achieved success in competitive dance circuits and professional companies worldwide. Through masterclasses, performance opportunities, and specialized workshops, we prepare students for careers in dance or lifelong appreciation of the art form. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our tailored curriculum, which integrates kinesiology principles to optimize physical potential. By combining classical techniques with innovative teaching methodologies, we ensure each student reaches their highest potential in a supportive, disciplined atmosphere.
Services
Ballet Training
Pointe Classes
Modern Dance
Pilates Instruction
Adult Ballet
Highlights and features
- We offer award-winning faculty with professional experience in top-tier ballet companies.
- Our curriculum combines classical techniques with kinesiology-based injury prevention methods.
- We provide structured programs from toddler classes to pre-professional training.
- Our students have won national competitions and joined professional dance companies.
- We maintain small class sizes for personalized technical correction and development.
Services
Ballet Training
Structured ballet instruction for ages 3 to adult, following a progressive curriculum from foundational techniques to advanced pointe work. Our classes emphasize proper body alignment, musicality, and artistic expression. Students receive personalized attention in a supportive environment that prepares them for professional careers or lifelong dance appreciation.
Pointe Classes
Specialized pointe training for advanced students, focusing on strength development, proper technique, and injury prevention. Classes incorporate kinesiology principles to ensure safe progression. Students learn classical variations and develop the physical mastery required for professional ballet performance, with individualized assessments for readiness.
Modern Dance
Modern dance instruction that explores expressive movement techniques and contemporary choreography. Classes develop versatility in different dance styles while maintaining technical discipline. Students learn to integrate emotional expression with physical control, preparing for diverse performance opportunities in modern dance repertoires.
Pilates Instruction
Pilates classes designed to enhance core strength, flexibility, and body awareness for dancers. Our method integrates dance-specific conditioning to improve performance capabilities and prevent injuries. Sessions focus on controlled movements that complement ballet training, with modifications for different skill levels from beginner to advanced dancers.
Adult Ballet
Ballet classes for adult learners at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. Our program accommodates returning dancers and newcomers, focusing on technical development and physical fitness. Classes maintain classical ballet standards while providing a welcoming environment for adults to explore dance as a creative and physical practice.
People
Sara Viale
Co-Director
Former soloist with New York City Ballet and Zurich Ballet, Sara graduated from Academie de la Danse Princess Grace. She has taught at Clara Noyes Academy since 1994 and received critical acclaim in international ballet publications.
Erlends Zieminch
Co-Director
Principal dancer with Latvian National Opera and New York City Ballet, Erlends studied at Riga Choreographic Institute. He developed a kinesiology-based teaching system and has mentored students 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 artistic home.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
We offer classical ballet, pointe, modern dance, Pilates, and adult ballet classes for all skill levels.
Are your instructors professional dancers?
Yes, our directors performed with New York City Ballet and Zurich Ballet, and our faculty includes industry professionals.
Do you have competitions or performances?
We prepare students for YAGP competitions and produce annual classical ballet performances like Swan Lake and The Nutcracker.
What age groups do you accept?
We teach toddlers (3+), children, teens, and adults with age-appropriate class structures and requirements.
Reviews (5)
Sara G.
Oct 08, 2021
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Ballet Arte is a hidden gem of a studio that provides world-class ballet training. My daughters have been training with Ballet Arte for years. Sara and Erlends are true professionals, completely dedicated to teaching their students with the highest standards and devotion. The annual Nutcracker and spring performances (La Bayadere, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake) are cherished traditions.
Many dancers also compete, and have gone on to dance in leading companies, or in college. The overall ambiance and energy of the entire studio is serious, yet incredibly supportive and joyous. We are
Many dancers also compete, and have gone on to dance in leading companies, or in college. The overall ambiance and energy of the entire studio is serious, yet incredibly supportive and joyous. We are
Barbara Ponder
Oct 04, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
My girls danced with Sara and Erlends from grade school through high school. They learned not only pirouettes and balancee's, presentation and stage presence, they also learned how to make friends, follow through with commitments, and manage time wisely.
My girls danced with Sara and Erlends from grade school through high school. They learned not only pirouettes and balancee's, presentation and stage presence, they also learned how to make friends, follow through with commitments, and manage time wisely.
Wang Bing
Oct 01, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism
Very professional Ballet training, high quality and small class, best teacher ever!
Very professional Ballet training, high quality and small class, best teacher ever!
Aja M.
Sep 28, 2021
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If you are looking for a ballet studio in San Diego we highly recommend Ballet Arte!! Ms Sara and Mr Erlends are so sweet and professional. They are the dream team of teachers. Amazing with little ones! We have loved watching five years of performances and can't wait for more to come. The growth and strength of students including a little ballerina in our family is amazing. This is a photo of her class when she first started five years ago. Now she's beyond us taking pictures of her in class! Lol Her love of ballet has only grown through the years and it's due to the wonderful teachers
Kim M.
Sep 26, 2021
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This studio has been such a gift to my daughter! They specialize in the highest quality technical training, but with enormous love and dedication to their students. They turn out professional dancers and send students off to major companies, but Ballet Arte is also a fantastic place for a child that just wants to learn ballet, have fun, and meet wonderful friends in a safe environment. Sara and Erlends are the best!
