Business Details
12 Years
experience
Your Premier Dance School 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 programs emphasize the Cuban Ballet Methodology, renowned for its classical foundation, precision, and musicality, enhanced by a dynamic curriculum that develops versatile dancers. With over 13,000 sqft of facilities near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, we offer comprehensive training from beginner to pre-professional levels, preparing students for careers in dance or higher education. Our faculty includes award-winning instructors recognized by Youth America Grand Prix, Universal Ballet Competition, and World Ballet Competition. We have produced graduates who perform with prestigious international companies, reflecting our commitment to technical excellence and artistic growth.The studios mission is to empower students through disciplined training, fostering confidence and adaptability in a supportive environment. Our annual productions, including *The Nutcracker* and *Sleeping Beauty*, provide performance opportunities for all students, while our dress code and structured curriculum ensure professional standards. Cynthia and Damien combine their professional dance experience with academic expertiseCynthia holds degrees in accounting and business administration, while Damien is a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant. Our facility serves communities including Sewickley, Moon Township, and Downtown Pittsburgh, offering trial classes and personalized guidance for new students.
Services
Ballet Classes
Nutcracker Participation
Pre-Professional Training
Performance Opportunities
Dance Competitions
Details
- Year established: 2014
Highlights and features
- We offer training rooted in the Cuban Ballet Methodology, renowned for technical precision and musicality.
- Our faculty includes award-winning instructors recognized by Youth America Grand Prix and Universal Ballet Competition.
- Students gain performance experience in full-length productions like *The Nutcracker* and *Sleeping Beauty*.
- We provide personalized guidance for students from beginner to pre-professional levels.
- Our facility serves communities near Pittsburgh with flexible class schedules and trial options.
What people say
Award-winning instructors
Professional performance opportunities
Strong technical foundation
Supportive environment
Transformative training
Services
Ballet Training
West Point Ballet offers classical ballet training rooted in the Cuban Ballet Methodology, focusing on technical precision, musicality, and artistic expression. Students progress through structured levels tailored to their skill, not age. The program prepares dancers for professional careers or higher education in dance.
Nutcracker Participation
Students join annual productions of *The Nutcracker* at Moon Area High School, performing alongside professionals. Rehearsals integrate with regular classes, and costumes are provided. The production serves as a family-friendly holiday tradition and a key performance opportunity for all skill levels.
Pre-Professional Training
Levels VII-VIII cater to advanced dancers seeking elite training in classical ballet and contemporary styles. The curriculum emphasizes artistry, versatility, and performance readiness, guided by instructors with international competition and professional stage experience.
Children's Classes
Designed for ages 3-6, these classes introduce ballet fundamentals through playful, structured activities. Focus areas include coordination, musicality, and socialization, with a curriculum that builds foundational skills while fostering joy and discipline in young dancers.
Competition Coaching
Students receive specialized coaching for national and international competitions, including Youth America Grand Prix and Universal Ballet Competition. The studio has earned multiple Outstanding Teacher and Coach Awards, reflecting its success in preparing dancers for competitive stages.
People
Cynthia Castillo
Co-Director
Cynthia Castillo, a graduate of the Cuban National Ballet School, co-founded West Point Ballet with Damien Coro. She brings expertise from the Cuban Classical Ballet of Miami and holds degrees in accounting and business administration.
Damien M. Coro
Co-Director
Damien M. Coro trained at the Cuban National Ballet School and performed with the National Ballet of Cuba. A licensed Physical Therapist Assistant, he combines dance expertise with healthcare knowledge to support student development.
Questions
What dance styles does West Point Ballet teach?
We focus on classical ballet using the Cuban Ballet Methodology, with training in pointe, variations, and contemporary styles for advanced students.
Are there performance opportunities for students?
Yes! All students can participate in annual productions like *The Nutcracker* and *Sleeping Beauty*, with roles tailored to their skill levels.
What is the dress code for classes?
Students wear specific leotards, pink tights, and ballet slippers. Hair must be in a secure bun, and jewelry is prohibited for safety and uniformity.
Does the studio offer trial classes?
Yes, we encourage prospective students to try a class. Contact us to schedule a trial session and tour the facility.
How are students placed in class levels?
Placement is based on technical ability, not age. Teachers evaluate students to ensure they progress at an appropriate pace for their skill level.
What competitions do students participate in?
Our dancers compete at Youth America Grand Prix, Universal Ballet Competition, and World Ballet Competition, where we've earned multiple teaching and coaching awards.
Reviews (2)
Sherry Soxman
May 24, 2021
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My daughter has been dancing at West Point Ballet with the owners, Damien and Cynthia, for the past seven years. They bring such a high-quality level of instruction, focusing closely on the fundamentals of classical ballet, while still allowing students to have fun, grow personally, and feel as if they are part of a tight-knit family. The productions they put on, like The Nutcracker, Cinderella, Le Corsair (and more!), are incredibly technical and professional looking, but retain that whimsical flair that keeps them very accessible and relatable to the audience. We love WPB!!
Clark Webb
Feb 22, 2021
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Cynthia, Damien, and their other instructors are all amazing. Our daughter loves going and it's a great value.
