Business Details
26 Years
experience
Your Trusted Source for Classical Ballet Training in Fort Myers
Gulfshore Ballet has been Southwest Florida's premier institution for classical ballet training since its founding in 2000. Our school combines Cuban, American, and Russian techniques to provide students with a comprehensive ballet education that emphasizes technical precision, artistic expression, and personal growth. Under the leadership of Artistic Directors Franklin Gamero and Iliana Lopezformer principal dancers with Miami City Balletwe offer a curriculum that spans from creative dance for toddlers to pre-professional training.Our faculty's collective experience includes performances with New York City Ballet, Miami City Ballet, and international opera companies. We maintain a commitment to community accessibility through outreach programs, partnerships with local arts organizations, and financial support from our Friends of Gulfshore Ballet donors. Our state-certified facility features sprung floors, dedicated rehearsal spaces, and professional production resources that prepare students for careers in dance or lifelong appreciation of the art form.
Services
Ballet Classes
Adult Ballet
Pointe Training
Summer Intensives
Performance Prep
Creative Dance
Pilates
Master Classes
Placement Evaluations
Community Performances
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- Our faculty includes former principal dancers from Miami City Ballet and international opera companies
- We offer a unique curriculum combining Cuban, American, and Russian ballet techniques
- Students gain performance experience through professional productions at regional venues
- We maintain a 20-year legacy of producing technically proficient and artistically expressive dancers
- Our facility features sprung floors and professional-grade rehearsal spaces for optimal training
What people say
World-class instructors
Professional performance opportunities
Structured curriculum
Excellent technique development
Supportive community
Services
Ballet Classes
Our comprehensive ballet curriculum develops technical proficiency and artistic expression across 8 levels. Students receive training in technique, pointe work, variations, and contemporary styles. Classes follow structured progressions that build strength, flexibility, and performance skills for ages 2 through adult professionals.
Adult Ballet
Open ballet classes accommodate adult students of all experience levels. Sessions focus on maintaining technical proficiency, improving physical fitness, and fostering artistic expression. Participants receive barre work, center practice, and across-the-floor exercises in a supportive environment for both recreational and serious dancers.
Performance Prep
Preparation programs develop performance-ready skills through rehearsals for annual productions. Students learn full-length classical ballets like The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty, working with professional stage crews on lighting, costumes, and choreography for public performances at regional venues.
Summer Intensives
Four-week summer programs provide concentrated training with master teachers. Curriculum includes daily technique classes, pointe work, variations, and repertoire study culminating in in-studio performances. The program accepts intermediate through pre-professional students for advanced skill development during summer breaks.
Placement Evaluations
New students participate in evaluation classes to determine appropriate skill level. Faculty assess technical ability and artistic potential to ensure proper placement. The $20 assessment includes instructor feedback and enrollment guidance for children's and youth programs, excluding adult classes.
People
Franklin Gamero
Artistic Director
Former principal dancer with Miami City Ballet and Deutsche Opera am Rhein, Franklin brings 18 years of professional performance experience to Gulfshore Ballet. He co-founded the school's international curriculum and oversees faculty training and production direction.
Iliana Lopez
Artistic Director
Renowned principal dancer with Miami City Ballet and Deutsche Opera Berlin, Iliana co-develops the school's technical standards. She directs choreography for annual productions and mentors advanced students pursuing professional dance careers.
Melinda Roy
Founding Director
Retired New York City Ballet principal dancer who established Gulfshore Ballet in 2000. She created the school's foundational curriculum and continues to support faculty development through guest teaching and program consultations.
Questions
What age groups do you accept for ballet classes?
We offer programs for children as young as 2 years old through adult classes. Our levels range from Creative Dance for toddlers to Pre-Professional training for advanced students.
Do I need prior ballet experience to enroll?
No prior experience is required for most classes. Placement evaluations help determine appropriate levels for new students, except for adult and beginner courses which have no prerequisites.
What performance opportunities are available?
Students participate in annual productions like The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty at regional venues. Advanced students perform in full-length classical ballets with professional stage crews and guest artists.
What are your class schedule options?
We offer weekly classes from September through May with summer intensives. Regular sessions occur Monday-Saturday with varying times, plus special workshops and master classes throughout the year.
How much do classes cost?
Single adult classes start at $25, with discounted multi-class packages available. Youth programs range from $20 placement classes to semester packages, with specific pricing listed in our registration portal.
What safety measures are in place?
We follow CDC guidelines for dance instruction, including vaccination recommendations and emergency medical protocols. All students require signed liability waivers for participation in classes and performances.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Mary Catoya
Jan 07, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
One of the best Ballet School in SW Florida directed by former Principal dancer with Miami City Ballet for 20years Franklin Gamero and Iliana Lopez
One of the best Ballet School in SW Florida directed by former Principal dancer with Miami City Ballet for 20years Franklin Gamero and Iliana Lopez
Katie Perkins
Sep 21, 2020
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
Best Ballet school in SWFL. We are so lucky to have this level of ballet training in Fort Myers. What a great opportunity to train under Iliana and Franklin. My daughter has developed into a beautiful dancer with many opportunities from attending GSB!
Best Ballet school in SWFL. We are so lucky to have this level of ballet training in Fort Myers. What a great opportunity to train under Iliana and Franklin. My daughter has developed into a beautiful dancer with many opportunities from attending GSB!
Jose Gamero
Aug 26, 2020
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
One of the best Ballet school in SWF Fort Myers, You get the opportunity to trained with Iliana Lopez and Franklin Gamero principal dancer with the Miami City Ballet for 20 years, if you want to be a professional ballet dancer this is the place for you.
One of the best Ballet school in SWF Fort Myers, You get the opportunity to trained with Iliana Lopez and Franklin Gamero principal dancer with the Miami City Ballet for 20 years, if you want to be a professional ballet dancer this is the place for you.
Wilman Gamero
Jul 02, 2020
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
The best ballet school in Fort Myers
The best ballet school in Fort Myers
