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Dance

The Patel Conservatory dance department, directed by Philip Neal, consists of four entities that offer instruction for both pre-professional training and enrichment for students from age 3 through adult. Placement and audition information is on each program's page.

Dance Classes

Patel instructor teaching ballet students in a studio.

Available Classes

View a list of classes being currently offered. 

Explore Classes

Pre-professional auditioned dance company

Two ballet students in midair pose in ballet studio.

Next Generation Ballet®

Directed by Philip Neal

A stepping stone for great dance talent, NGB is a pre-professional auditioned dance company that prepares serious young dancers for professional employment through instruction, coaching and performance opportunities and is the resident ballet company of
the Straz Center.

Explore Next Generation Ballet

DANCE PROGRAMS

  • Ballet student standing on stage wearing a ballet tutu

    Patel Conservatory Youth Ballet

    The Patel Conservatory Youth Ballet's disciplined course of study enables students to grow from beginning ballet to major performing opportunities at the Straz Center including Nutcracker.

    Explore Youth Ballet
  • Patel students on stage in dance costumes performing a number.

    Patel Conservatory Popular Dance

    The Popular Dance program is a serious structured program
    preparing dancers in grades K through 12 for popular dance opportunities in areas such as Broadway, Television, Industrials,
    Cruise Ships, Theme Parks and Las Vegas.

    Explore Popular Dance
  • Patel students on stage performing a dance routine.

    Open Dance Program

    The Open Dance program classes are for young people and adults, both the newcomer as well as the more experienced, who want to increase their level of fitness, artistic expression and appreciation of dance. 

    Explore Open Dance
Patel students sitting on studio floor in dance costumes.

Dance Placement Classes

Some Conservatory classes and camps require an audition or placement before you may register. Dance placement info can be found here. Please contact our admissions staff at (813) 222-1040 or email admissions@strazcenter.org with any questions about auditions and placements.

Ballet instructor practicing with two students in a ballet studio.

Dance Faculty

Our instructors are passionate, working artists with extensive experience in their specific disciplines. A list of dance instructors and their bios can be found here.

Ballet performers on stage in white dresses dancing.

Dance Performance Opportunities

Patel Conservatory believes in the value of performance and provides culminating performance opportunities for every class, camp and intensive we offer. Over 32 in-house produced performances, productions, shows, recitals and concerts grace the stages of the Straz Center throughout the year.