Boys Ballet & Jazz Foundations – 4-Week Intro Session

Designed just for boys ages 6-10, this 4-week introductory session focuses on building strength, discipline, and confidence while introducing the foundations of ballet and jazz technique.

Classes are taught in a fun, encouraging, and structured environment, perfect for boys who are curious about dance or looking to develop athletic skills in a new and engaging way.  Through guided movement, students will improve coordination, flexibility, focus, and body awareness while learning the fundamentals that support future ballet training.

Led by an experienced male dance instructor, students learn from a positive role model who emphasizes the athleticism, power, and artistry of male dancers.  The boys-only setting helps students feel supported and confident as they develop technique and self-assurance.

This program is designed as a first step into ballet training, setting dancers up for success as they continue their journey in dance.

Enroll now for this exciting 4-week program as space is limited due to our desire to always keep the quality high.

Elijah Coleman 

Born and raised on Long Island, New York, Elijah J. Coleman completed his master’s degree in fine arts at Mason Gross School of the Arts. He earned two undergraduate degrees from Buffalo University, one in Dance and the other as a BFA Theater major. He studied in London at the Shakespeare Globe and the Broadway Dance Center in the Professional Intensive Program. Elijah has performed in London, Russia, Canada, and at the National Black Theater Festival. His first professional acting debut was in New Jersey at the Tony Award-winning theater “Crossroad Theater Company.”

Elijah has been a valued member of the Gulf Coast Dancenter teaching staff for the past two years. During this time, he has continued to advance his own dance training while working closely with Anne Carollo to further develop his skills and growth as an educator.

J. Paul “Trae” Mikus III

Trae discovered his passion for ballet at Gulf Coast Dancenter in Clearwater, Florida, after initially enrolling in the boys-only hip hop class. Under the guidance of Artistic Director Anne Carollo, his talent and discipline quickly emerged, leading him to transition into ballet and begin focused one-on-one training.

Within just a year and a half of study at Gulf Coast Dancenter, Trae earned a full scholarship to the Next Generation Ballet (NGB) Summer Intensive, where he continued his training under Artistic Director Philip Neal. After two years with NGB, he was awarded a full scholarship to The Washington School of Ballet, where he completed his pre-professional training and was later promoted to Trainee and then Apprentice with The Washington Ballet.

While with The Washington Ballet, Trae performed featured roles in The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Giselle, and Sleeping Beauty. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he returned home to Gulf Coast Dancenter to continue his training and perform in the company’s gala, Kinetic. He has since gone on to dance with the Rochester City Ballet, bringing his artistry and professionalism to the stage as a company member.