She told everyone willing to listen that she was going to be a ballerina. Since her mother, Anna, and father Brian had no dance experience, they let Brianna’s passion guide them. Seeing her grow with every class, they couldn’t help but fall in love with ballet, too.
Over the years, they saw several promising young dancers leave Tampa Bay during their high school years to prepare for their dance careers at pre-professional ballet schools. Seven years ago, they decided to one day create a conservatory in Pinellas County to allow those dancers the opportunity to continue their training without leaving home.
St. Petersburg Ballet Conservatory is located in Gulfport, because they established the organization first and then began searching for the perfect location. A family friend, Wilfredo Huertas, directed them to the Maria Center at the Most Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church as a potential site. As you step inside The St. Petersburg Ballet Conservatory for the first time, you’ll instantly know it’s not a typical ballet school.
Coupled together with the twin 3,800 square-foot dance studios, adorned with the latest in sprung dance floors, is a partnership unlike most.
After many years of searching for the right opportunity and partnerships, Brianna’s parents met Servy and Allexe Gallardo the ‘perfect artistic partners’. We couldn’t help but notice Servy’s extensive abilities when Brianna spent three summers training with him. As we had a chance to discuss with Servy our dream of creating a conservatory / pre-professional program, we realized our dreams were the same.” We came together to collaborate and create SPBC in the summer of 2017 and we opened our doors February 5th of 2018 as a 501(c)3 not-for-profit. It’s still difficult not to get choked up watching young dancers realize more about themselves when taking a class at SPBC or seeing the looks on visitors’ faces when they experience the space for the first time. We are proud that we have the passion and the talent to offer a program like no other to our students and community.
At the corner of 58th St. and 15th Ave. S. in Gulfport, the Maria Center facility is large, but makes an unassuming international training school for ballet dancers. Built as the gym and cafeteria for the parochial school at the church, the building became the perfect venue for the Conservatory. “The church administrator, Pat Sullivan, and priest, Fr. George Iregi, were enthusiastic from the beginning about our vision. With the blessing of the church advisory committee, the Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg quickly approved the project and the partnership began”, SPBC Exec director and Brianna’s dad, Brian Melton told Paradise NEWS.
“We are very excited to have Servy Gallardo as our artistic director and partner. His international network will prove to be instrumental in our growth. It’s hard to get Servy to talk about his career as a professional dancer or as a teacher and choreographer, but he will boast about a student’s success in a heartbeat. As a previous instructor to such world-renowned dancers as Daniel Ulbricht, BeckAnne Sisk and Michaela DePrince, he has plenty to brag about. When you meet him, you’ll quickly feel his connection to his dancers and his passion for helping them achieve their goals and dreams.
Chloe Driver from North Carolina, one of the first dancers to join the pre-professional program can attest to that. Students that work with Servy for even a single class leave better dancers, with a new appreciation for hard work in the studio. “Discipline is a key component of being a successful dancer”, said Servy Gallardo. “This requires punctuality, dedication, teamwork, a strong work ethic and belief in yourself and those around you.”
The St. Petersburg Ballet Conservatory has a pre-professional dance program as well as a ballet school for local and younger dancers. Starting as young as age four, the school provides the track to the professional program for those that want a career as well as disciplined, focused training for those that enjoy dancing. A benefit that every parent of a performer can appreciate is the ability for parents and guests to watch class openly. Parents aren’t typically allowed to watch class for fear of being a distraction to their child. The Conservatory believes that’s exactly why parents should be encouraged to watch. Getting used to an audience prepares students to perform on stage. Parents can be a part of their child’s learning and can experience class and instruction along with their dancer.
The Conservatory is preparing for their summer intensive program which provides 2 and 6-week sessions. This program highlights professional company training for those dedicated to the craft and striving to further their careers as performing artists. Students come from around the country to better themselves as artists by getting instruction from a different perspective and training with other great dancers and extending their network for future opportunities. This type of program is what attracts dancers to our area and retains our incredible talent. The plans for the creation of a professional ballet company have begun so that we can showcase them in a world-class arts community.
“Currently”, Servy continued, “between community outreach and training, we are also hosting “Dance 4 Kids” from 1-3 PM every other Saturday for beginning dancers ages 5-10. Each class these sessions showcase two different styles of dance, such as: ballet, hip-hop, modern, musical theater, jazz and contemporary to enhance the learning of the young dancers. By popular demand from the community, adult dance classes as well as Yoga are coming very soon.
Their website www.StPeteBalletConservatory.com is updated regularly to keep all informed about current classes and new programs. For additional info, to donate, sponsor or discuss use of the facility, contact 727-914-7257 or email brianmelton@StPeteBalletConservatory.com.
All are invited to the Conservatory to observe, experience a class for yourself, or enjoy seeing the artistry of a teacher and dancers coming together to create something beautiful.
“We have made so many new friends and partnerships throughout our journey and look forward to making more as we continue to grow and bring world-class dance instruction to our area. We truly appreciate our community and all you have done for us thus far. Join us today as a sponsor, donor or student as we welcome you all to Be a Part of Something Great at The St. Petersburg Ballet Conservatory.
Article by Brian Melton, Executive Director, St. Petersburg Ballet Conservatory
Photos by Matt and Allie Iacono.