The History of ABA
Alameda Ballet Academy and its affiliate performing company, Alameda Civic Ballet, were founded in 2003 by the Artistic Director, Abra Rudisill. Both the school and company were created to impart the best elements of the classical ballet tradition to local dance students and the surrounding community. In her lessons and leadership, Rudisill draws upon her 20 years of experience as a Prima Ballerina and Ballet Mistress with Oakland Ballet, and she seeks to carry on her artistic lineage through the education of Bay Area youth.
The Program
Our ballet program follows the academic year, and lasts from September – May. Summer camps and classes are held each year, but registration for those classes is separate from the September – May registration. After registration, students are assigned to their appropriate level in accordance with the information provided about the student at registration and at the discretion of the Artistic Director. The instructors at ABA take great care in ensuring that each student is placed in a class that is appropriate to his or her age and previous training or experience. Students are evaluated twice a year for promotion to the next level.
Performances
Dance is an art form created for presentation before an audience and is a skill that needs to be practiced to be done well, just like anything else. Students are encouraged to perform in both our Nutcracker and Spring Recital. A passion for performing and the skills it involves represents an important part of the performing arts education that we strive to teach and we hope that it will serve them well throughout their lives. Our students are the most precious seeds that we can plant to ensure a garden of arts for the future and to develop the audiences of tomorrow. Students who wish to participate in a performance must, along with a parent or guardian, read and sign a Performance Agreement. The Performance Agreement includes a commitment to attend all relevant classes, rehearsals and performances. In signing a Performance Agreement, both students and parents are agreeing to take their commitment to ABA seriously and to make classes, rehearsals, and performances a top priority in their lives.
Recital Fees
All Alameda Ballet Academy students are invited to perform in ABA’s Spring Recital. Students who agree to perform will be requested to pay a recital fee, amount to be determined.
Parental Assistance
“Many hands make light work” and successful performances can only take place with the assistance of many volunteers. Parents will be reminded to put their name on sign-up sheets that will be placed in a visible spot in the studio lobby and also emailed to all ABA families. All parents are required to volunteer. It is the responsibility of the entire community to help keep art alive for our children!