Center for Dance Education
A HIGHER STANDARD
Analay Saiz, Principal of the Center for Dance Education
Ballet Spartanburg’s Center for Dance Education is committed to teaching with the highest level of integrity while also challenging our students to reach beyond their limits. Our mission is to provide professional dance instruction and to instill an appreciation for the art of dance in a safe, high-quality, studio environment. Building student's confidence, fostering self-discipline, and to inspire hard work are our principal values. We are fully invested in creating a rich learning experience that teaches, not only the fundamentals of classical ballet, but also the discipline and focus that are key to success in all of life’s endeavors. - Analay Saiz, Principal of the Center for Dance Education
The Center for Dance Education is an instructional center committed to providing the highest quality dance education in a non-competitive atmosphere. The mission is a collective effort creating a pleasant and supportive atmosphere for artistic excellence to thrive.
The Center for Dance Education has four Divisions: The Student Division, The Pre-Professional Division, The Trainee Program and The Open Adult Division. Each is intended to challenge students and support their physical, artistic, and emotional development consistent with their level.
The Student Division offers high quality dance instruction in diverse genres with flexible scheduling, focusing on personal enrichment and pure love of movement. The Pre-Professional Division offers a curriculum focusing on building strength and stamina with attention to rote. The Trainee Program is the highest level of training in the school. It is a bridge between The Pre-Professional Division and Professional Ballet. The Adult Open Division is for students ages 18 and above, who wish to start dancing, return to a passion of dancing or looking for a new form of exercise.
Ballet Spartanburg’s former students have held positions at Ballet Spartanburg, The National Ballet of Canada, Grand Rapids Ballet, Minnesota Ballet, Sarasota Ballet, Alabama Ballet, Saint Louis Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, American Repertory Ballet, Los Angeles Ballet, Nevada Ballet Theater, Ballet San Antonio, Eugene Ballet and the Radio City Rockettes. Students have studied, on scholarship, at national ballet schools such as American Ballet Theatre, Alonzo King LINES, Boston Ballet, Julliard, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and Pacific Northwest Ballet. Our students’ journey through The Center for Dance Education, not only encompasses dance education, but the realization that the values of education and hard work are the underpinnings of success in higher learning education.
If you are interested in a dance class or dance level for your child, contact Analay Saiz at asaiz@balletspartanburg.org.
Carlos Agudelo, 2023 SC Governor's Award for an Individual
Ballet Spartanburg's Artistic Director, Carlos Agudelo, was awarded the South Carolina Governor's Award from the South Carolina Arts Commission on May 23, 2023, at the Chapman Cultural Center. The award was presented by Mr. David Platt, Executive Director of the South Carolina Arts Commission. "We recognize the unparalleled energy, enthusiasm, devotion and love for dance that Carlos has gifted to our community out of his passion for all to experience the arts for the past 32 years. We are overjoyed that Carlos has been recognized by the South Carolina Arts Commission, " Teresa S. Berline, Executive Director. "The South Carolina Arts Commission is an extraordinary organization in our state which promotes and advocates opportunities in the arts which values equality, access, diversity and inclusion. Ballet Spartanburg is honored by the support of the South Carolina Arts Commission and the recognition of Carlos Agudelo."