The CFB Academy Expands Studio!

The Central Florida Ballet Academy is counting on a big year - and we mean that literally! Over the past week, construction has taken place to expand one of the Academy's three studios. "The Academy has grown significantly over the past year and we needed additional space to accommodate the increase in students." says School Director, Diane Withee.

That means the Central Florida Ballet Academy is now operating with three large studios all of which are equipped with sprung flooring (which reduce the chance of athletic injuries). "I was so surprised when I walked in - It's so much bigger and nice! I can't wait to start dance for the year!" says Lauren, a Level 8 student this year. Lauren will get her chance along with her fellow classmates this Monday, August 29th when the CFB Academy opens for the 2011-12 school year. With classes filling up quickly, the Academy is sure to bring the 'wow factor' when all of the students check out the studios for the first time next week.

Want to join Lauren and her friends at the Central Florida Ballet Academy? Visit http://www.centralfloridaballet.com for information on classes & schedules. To set up a trial class, please call the CFB Academy at 407.849.9948 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            407.849.9948      end_of_the_skype_highlighting.


Be sure to check back soon for the official pictures!

Central Florida Ballet & Northland, A Church Distributed Unite for Free Benefit Performance

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The Central Florida Ballet will commemorate the 10^th Anniversary attack on the World Trade Center with its’ stirring performance entitled “9/11 An American Moment” - to be held at Northland, A Church Distributed on Sunday, September 11^th at 2:00pm. 

Created in 2006, “9/11 An American Moment” is an original production capturing the poignancy of tested and proven American patriotism; her courage, faith, resolve and pride in response to the World Trade Center attack.

Photo By: Virginia Trudeau & Deedee Sherman

During the hour-long performance featuring various types of dance, you are taken through a storyline of scenes describing the before, during, and after the attack. It gets “very real” with the inclusion of news-broadcast sound bites and a depiction of a child praying on the loss of her father after the disaster. “The performance is one of the most moving I have ever been apart of in my dance career. It doesn’t matter which generation you are, it is a relatable performance on all levels. It’s a show you won’t be walking out of without crying.” Says Vasile Petrutiu, Founder and Executive Director of the Central Florida Ballet.

After seeing the performance, Danny Gordon, a Governing Elder at the Northland, A Church Distributed knew more people needed to experience this touching story and knew Northland, A Church Distributed would be the perfect place to do so. “We are proud to be able to bring Central Florida such an incredible tribute to the victims of 9/11 and to the first responders, armed forces, fire fighters, and law enforcement officers who risk their lives daily to protect our country.”


Reservations are not required, but are strongly recommended to ensure seating. To reserve your seats, call the Central Florida Ballet - Box Office at 407.849.9948.


Donations are encouraged for the free performance and can be directed to aid the victims of 9/11  and their families or to the Central Florida Ballet. Donations will be accepted at the door after the performance.

For more information on Central Florida Ballet visit the official web site at www.centralfloridaballet.com. The Central Florida Ballet is a not-for-profit organization.

Academy Open House - This Saturday!

To be held this Saturday, August 6th, 2011!

From 2:00-5:00 p.m. an open house will be conducted at the Central Florida Ballet's Academy located 5 minutes away from MetroWest and the Mall at Millenia.  Attendees will be able to tour the dance studios, meet the staff and teachers, sample some delicious food, and register for Fall classes.  Don’t miss our prize giveaways – t-shirts, bags, and more!! All are welcome to come and see what Central Florida Ballet is all about!! RSVP’s are strongly encouraged for the CFB Academy Open House.

Photo By: Virginia Trudeau & Deedee Sherman

Visit http://www.centralfloridaballet.com/  or Call 407.849.9942 for more information.

Guest Bloggers & Video Interviews Await!

Photo By: Virginia Trudeau 
& Deedee Sherman

Yes, you read the title correctly! 


Get ready....5.6.7.8...


COMING SOON are guest bloggers and - never before seen - exclusive video interviews! 


Stay tuned to the CFB Blog to see it all first!


Want to have our expert opinion on dance topics? Want to know what goes on the behind the scenes of our performances and events? Post your questions below and you might just see the answer in one of our future blog posts!

CFBA Graduate Chosen to Attend FSU Dance Program

Looking at a dual-major of Dance and Exercise Science, our 2011 CFBA Graduate, Emily Williams, auditioned for several dance programs earlier this year to decide where to attend college. After several airplane rides and auditions, she decided to attend the dance program at Florida State University – and is thrilled with her decision.

“FSU's dance program is very competitive and hard to get accepted. I met a bunch of students that tried out and didn't make it. They only accepted around 40 students in total expecting about 20 to actually end up attending.”

What does the FSU program boast?

• Over eighteen produced performances a year, as well as numerous informal performance opportunities.
• Prestigious, award winning resident faculty and staff.
• Limited access. We accept the best students and give them our full attention and mentorship.
• Extraordinary dance and performance technology facilities.

Emily noted that her decision to attend was somewhat influenced by their unique study abroad program. “FSU’s dance program was different in that during your senior year they have a study abroad program that enables you to move to New York City, Paris, or Spain for one summer semester to study dance, take classes, audition, etc. They started this program to help their graduating seniors to find a job after they graduate.”

We wish you all the best Emily! You have a very bright future ahead!

Past CFBA students who have attended the dance program at FSU include Jacque Westbrook, Etienne Diaz, and Erika DeSimone. 

For more information, on the Central Florida Ballet Academy visit http://www.centralfloridaballet.com

Interview with Upcoming Summer Intensive Student!

In just 2 weeks,the Central Florida Ballet Academy will host its annual Summer Intensive Dance Program (July 11-August 6). The CFB Summer Intensive is a formal program offering professional ballet training in the Russian Method as well as a variety of other dance styles. The program is designed to both challenge and encourage young dance students.

We sat down with Cassandra LeRette, a student of the CFB Academy, to find out her thoughts on the upcoming program.

What are you most looking forward to in the Summer Intensive Dance Program (SIDP)? Variations class.

Share your MOST memorable experience from a past SIDP: The 2007 SIDP performance, which was held at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center, and all of the weekend activities!

CFB Academy Students (Pictured Left to Right): Ashton Gordon, Lauren Withee, Cassandra LeRette

Which class are you excited to take (that you don’t take during the year) and why? Excited to take yoga/conditioning because of the fact that we can relax out bodies from all of the hard work we do!!

How do you prepare each day for class? Each day I prepare by eating a healthy breakfast, getting to class early and stretching and conditioning!

What is your ideal lunch during the program and how does it help you be energized for the rest of the day? My ideal lunch would be a banana, a sandwich, and a water bottle. It helps me be energized because it is healthy. No junk food will help with your health and/or your energy!

What do you expect to bring away from the SIDP? I hope to bring away more technique and experience with different styles of classes we don't have during the year.

Thank you Cassandra for a great interview! Check back soon when we catch up with Cassandra during Week One of the SIDP!


For more information on the Central Florida Ballet Academy and the SIDP, visit http://www.centralfloridaballet.com or Call 407.849.9948.

Behind the Scenes @ Extended Session!

Pointe Class in Studio 3 with Vladimir Bykov, CFB Artistic Director

Pointe Class in Studio 1 with Diane Withee, CFB School Director

Want to try a ballet class? Call 407.849.9948 to schedule a placement or trial class. For more information, please visit http://www.centralfloridaballet.com