sandra balestracci

Sandra is a former principal ballet dancer and renowned instructor with over sixty years of teaching experience. She has inspired countless dancers to achieve their dreams. Sandra was the artistic director for the American Youth Ballet Company and the Eastern Virginia School for the Performing Arts. She has received the "Outstanding Teacher Award" at numerous Youth America Grand Prix International Ballet Competitions.

Her students have attended prestigious ballet summer programs, including the School of American Ballet, Kirov Academy, Dance Theater of Harlem, Boston Ballet, Orlando Ballet, and San Francisco Ballet. Many have joined professional ballet companies, showcasing her impactful teaching.

Sandra trained in Boston and at the American Ballet Theatre School in NYC. As a principal ballerina, she toured the USA, Europe, and South America, performing with major opera ballet companies like the New York City Opera and San Francisco Opera. She was awarded a citation for her outstanding interpretation of Charlie Chaplin in “Here’s Charlie!” at Radio City Music Hall and appeared on the Ed Sullivan show.