Center for Dance Education
A HIGHER STANDARD
Lona Gomez, Principal of the Center for Dance Education
Ballet Spartanburg’s Center for Dance Education core principals are commitment, repetition, and hard work. In every aspect of life, whether it is dancing, academics, musical interests, or sports, in order for today’s youth to reach a goal, they must learn to reach beyond their limits. The intrinsic values of self-discipline and hard work are the underpinnings of success in life.
Our dance pedagogy program emphasizes an excellent teaching philosophy. We instruct with the highest degree of integrity to enrich the human spirit through dance by instilling self-confidence, grace, and imagination.
– Lona Gomez, Ballet Master
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 The National Ballet of Canada, Grand Rapids Ballet, Minnesota Ballet, San Antonio Ballet, Sarasota Ballet, Alabama Ballet, Saint Louis Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, American Repertory Ballet, Los Angeles 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 Miss Lona Gomez at lgomez@spartanarts.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."