Charleston, W.Va. (WVDN) – This summer, energize your body, sharpen your mind, and spark your creativity with American Academy Ballet’s 2025 Summer Dance Session, running June 9–28, 2025. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced dancer, AAB offers an inspiring way to stay active, build confidence, and connect with the transformative art of ballet.
From ages 8 and up, dancers will enjoy top-tier training in ballet, modern, variations, circuit training, seminars, and more, including Adult Beginner Ballet and Pilates. With classes held throughout the day, this three-week program delivers a comprehensive and immersive experience in movement, artistry, and technique.
Register by June 3 to reserve your spot at the barre!
But this year brings an especially exciting opportunity:
American Academy Ballet welcomes Ariel Serrano, the Artistic Director, and
Co-Founder of the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School, for a special
Partnering and Pas de Deux Week, June 9–13.
This exclusive workshop opportunity is a chance for advanced-level students to train with one of the most respected figures in ballet today.
Born and raised in Oriente, Cuba, Ariel Serrano grew up training at his country’s National School of Ballet system. He concluded his studies in 1990 at the National School of Arts in Italy. Upon his return to Cuba, he danced with Ballet Camagüey under the direction of Fernando Alonso, and then joined the Youth Corps of the National Ballet of Cuba under Laura Alonso and artistic director Alicia Alonso. Next, he became a principal dancer with the Ballet de Monterrey in Mexico. In 1993, he and his wife, Wilmian Hernández, defected from Cuba. A year later, they were invited to join The Sarasota Ballet, then under the direction of Robert de Warren, where they both danced principal roles until their retirement in 2000.
In 2011, Serrano and Hernández co-founded the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School (SCBS). This is the first school in the United States to exclusively teach the Cuban training method to all proficiency levels, from beginners to pre-professional.
Every year, Mr. Serrano recruits students from across the US and around the world, so the school might meet its goal of fostering global understanding and nurturing culturally diverse talent for the enrichment of America’s ballet scene.
Under his direction, SCBS students have participated in multiple national and international competitions. The school has earned top accolades—including YAGP Outstanding Teacher and Outstanding School—and its students have taken home multiple awards, including scholarships and gold and silver medals.
Additionally, Mr. Serrano has guest-taught at many prestigious schools throughout the US, United Kingdom, South America, and the Caribbean. He also has served as an expert judge in several international ballet competitions.
One of Mr. Serrano’s greatest accomplishments is the success of his students. You can find SCBS alumni at prestigious schools and companies, such as The Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet, Miami City Ballet, the Dance Theatre of Harlem, Houston Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Boston Ballet, State Street Ballet, Ballet Manila, and Ballet Municipal de Lima.
This Partnering and Pas de Deux class will focus on strength, trust, and connection between dancers—essential skills for aspiring professionals and seasoned performers alike. This week-long workshop is part of the general Summer Session, but open only to advanced-level dancers. For pricing and details, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the AAB office directly.
Whether you’re looking to dive deeper into technique or want to move, create, and connect, American Academy Ballet’s Summer Dance Session offers something truly unforgettable.
Don’t miss your chance to dance this summer.
Summer Dance Session: June 9–28, 2025
Partnering & Pas de Deux Week with Ariel Serrano: June 9–13, 2025
100 Capitol Street Mezzanine Charleston, WV 25301
Call (304) 342-6541 to register or learn more.
