Are you someone who has had a real interest in learning ballet as an adult but feel nervous about stepping into a studio and feeling out of place or judged?

Well, I am here to tell you that you have found the best adult dance community to join and here’s why…the intro to ballet series was created with you in mind, it was designed for those with little to no experience and is set in an environment that is welcoming and friendly, truly, as everyone is starting from zero together and that makes a huge difference! 

In this class you will be surrounded by other adults just as excited and nervous to learn.  You will be guided through the structure and movements of a real ballet class, not watered down, but real technique with real terminology, and taught in a very approachable and doable way.  Here, we believe everyone can do ballet!

We are an inclusive community with dancers ranging in age from 20’s to 80’s, all looking for a great class with great people!  Join our community today, you will not regret it!

*New Series starts May 11th and 13th!  This series does sell out so grab your spot ASAP!

What to expect:

In this 6-week series you will learn the beginning steps and order of a traditional ballet class, the terminology, and start to lay the basic foundation for ballet technique. This series is designed for the adult with little to no ballet experience. 

2 Class Time Options:

• • Mondays at 7:30-9pm (May 11 – June 22, NO class Monday, May 25th) – Mrs. Heidi
  • Wednesdays at 7:30-9pm (May 13 – June 24, NO class Wednesday, May 27th) – Mrs. Anne
    

***If you can’t make one of the days in your selected series, you may attend a makeup class in one of the other time slots. We want to make sure you get the full experience of the series!

Cost:

• • $150 for series (6 weekly classes – 9 hours of ballet bliss)
    

What you get:

• • 9 hours of ballet
  • Our custom ballet packet with images and terms so you can practice at home.
  • A community of adults who are supportive and fun!
  • The health benefits of ballet as it has been proven scientifically to reduce slip falls in adults, reverse osteoperosis, and can reduce dementia risk by 78%!

What to wear:

• • Attire for Woman: Leggings and fitted top OR show your inner ballet dancer and wear leotard, tights, & ballet skirt. Everyone is required ballet slippers, typically pink for ladies, and hair up and out of face.
  • Attire for Men: Gym shorts and fitted shirt OR black bike shorts/black leggings and fitted dance top. Ballet slippers required, typically black for men.

Heidi Strohl Romero has been a valued member of the faculty at Gulf Coast Dancenter since 2019 and brings over a decade of experience working with adult dancers. She began teaching the Intro to Ballet Series in 2025, where her warm, supportive approach has made her an exceptional guide for those new to ballet.

Heidi has a unique ability to put adult students at ease, creating an environment where dancers feel comfortable, encouraged, and capable from the very first class.

Originally from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Heidi trained for nine years at the North Carolina School of the Arts and continued her studies at renowned summer intensives including Pacific Northwest Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, and the Hungarian Ballet Academy in Budapest.

Her professional performance career spans companies across the country, including Charleston Ballet Theatre, Greensboro Ballet, Northern Ballet Theatre, and Tampa Ballet Theater, among others. She has performed a wide range of principal roles, with highlights including Odette in Swan Lake, Aurora in Sleeping Beauty, and the Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

With her depth of experience and genuine care for her students, Heidi creates a space where adult dancers can build confidence, develop strong fundamentals, and truly enjoy the process of learning ballet.

Anne Carollo is the owner and Artistic Director of Gulf Coast Dancenter, a ballet-focused studio she founded in 2011, as well as the founder of Gulf Coast Ballet Theater, a nonprofit company serving youth and adult dancers in the community.

She trained extensively and performed professionally with Orlando Ballet, and brings over 20 years of teaching experience to her work. Anne is an ABT® Certified Teacher and holds additional certifications in Progressing Ballet Technique and Florida Dance Masters, reflecting her commitment to high-quality, structured training.

The Intro to Ballet Series was created in 2020 from a clear need Anne saw in her adult students. Many adults were eager to try ballet but felt overwhelmed jumping into traditional classes without a foundation—often leading to frustration or self-doubt.

This series was designed to change that experience.

By starting everyone together from the very beginning, Anne creates an environment where adults can build a strong foundation, gain confidence, and develop trust—not only in the process, but in themselves. Just as importantly, the program fosters connection and camaraderie, allowing friendships to form along the way.

This is a place where you can begin without pressure, progress with intention, and truly enjoy the process of learning ballet.