Saint Augustine Ballet — Local services in Saint Augustine

SAB is a truly special place. Our kids are excelling here, thanks to SAB's superb teachers and administration. It's also an environment where students and parents support one another. Most importantly, it's also an energetic and creative place that buzzes with the art of dance. At various times they also offer ballroom, contemporary, jazz, musical theater, and Bollywood, but their ballet conservatory is the focus.

Our kids started ballet in NYC and after the pandemic, having returned home to FL, we enrolled in SAB. In every way we couldn't be happier with how and what our kids are learning, and especially with the opportunity for our kids to be a part of SAB'S spectacular shows in Lewis Auditorium. In a beautiful old Florida theater SAB produces a professional ballet in front of sold-out audiences of 800. Luis teaches and prepares the kids superbly, somehow giving them the confidence and skills they need. He always brings in a working professional dancer or two to dance the lead. Our kids get the opportunity to rehearse with working professionals (the last nutcracker featured the lead from the Philadelphia Ballet and I know he's had others from the Royal Ballet), and then be on stage in a spectacular theater in a challenging production with great sets and incredible costumes (shout out Virginie!) in front of a real audience. Teachers, students, and parents alike give their all, Luis sprinkles his magic, and the result is beyond words. I honestly don't think we could find a better opportunity anywhere else.

For me, the most important aspect of SAB goes beyond dance. Luis periodically gathers all the students together for a pep talk or sometimes just to share what's on his mind. I always listen in because his wisdom is worth hearing. I've heard him tell the students that no matter what they choose to do with their lives, today they are gaining the tools to succeed in life and be the best they can possibly be. He empowers them to do so and that is the focus. Yesterday I heard him say to a student "it's the struggle that builds character". Ask any student how incredibly much Luis, Lilly, and the other teachers mean to them. The kids adore them and I have heard the young adults describe Luis as the most important mentor in their lives.

I just asked my own kids "what's the most important thing you get from Luis and SAB?" They both said "his love. His teaching, his kindness, and his love!".

I'm truly grateful Luis, Lilly, the teachers, the students, and the other parents of SAB are in our lives. I don't think we'll ever find another place like it and it's been a huge boost for all of us. If this sounds like a fit for your family SAB has my highest possible...

So I started dancing here when I was 12 years old. (I'm 20 now) And let me tell you, this place has become my second home. I was a shy kid who hated talking to people and I had severe anxiety. One of my friends made me try a class and I could never leave again. I fell in love with every aspect.

The owner and director, Luis Abella, made sure I felt comfortable and safe. Every teacher made sure I felt included and safe to make mistakes. Over my time at this studio, I learned that it's ok to not be perfect all the time. And I learned I have a love for dance. I never before thought I would like something like this. But dance consumed me, it was a way to express myself and get away from the world while also finding a way to tell people how I feel. I became less and less stressed.

One of the best parts is the training I recieved. I never knew how strong ballet would make me, I felt healthy and strong mentally and physically. I learned how to treat injuries (even though I never got injured) but we were taught what to do if it should ever happen. We were taught how to be safe and take care of our bodies. With exercise and food. I will be forever greatful for the education I gained with it.

Over the years, I have stayed here. I was terrified of the stage but when I had my first Nutcracker performance, I instantly fell in love. I never wanted to do ballet professionally, but I can't stop dancing and being in love with all parts of it. I never wanted to leave the stage.

I also made some of my life long friends here. I looked forward to going to class every day and improving my mental and physical health. I became close to going professional though. The training I got definitely made me qualify for it. But instead, I wanted to stay in St. Aug and stay with the studio.

I love it so much that I actively help out for performances as much as I can. (Sewing costumes, help clean up...) and I have loved every second of it.

It is my home and the friends I made here are my family. Now, at 20 years old, I still want to take classes. (luckily they have adult ballet)

Anyways, I'm rambling. I just realized that even though I love this place like my home, I never once wrote a review! So now I'm changing that.

If you're looking here to see if you should try a class, I'm telling you now, that you will love it. It's a big family that will welcome you with open arms and love.

So now that my short essay is done, thank you for reading! And I hope you give them...

Our daughter has danced here for almost three years now, and they have been her best years of dance so far. She has always enjoyed ballet, but at St. Augustine Ballet, she has thrived like never before. From her first day at the studio, Mr. Luis has helped her harness her abilities to the fullest and has given her educational and performance opportunities that she would never have had at another studio, especially in the pre-professional conservatory program. We are so happy at this studio that we drive 40 minutes to get there four days a week! It's our home away from home, and it really feels like a big family.

The studio has talented teachers and trains top-notch technique, but also emphasizes strong character in its dancers, and it all shows both on and off the stage. Everyone is kind and supportive of one another. Any dancer looking to reach their highest potential in a caring environment needs to put St. Augustine Ballet...