To build a world-class academy that provides exceptional and innovative training for professional dancers and meaningful programs for all

Marie Hale, Lynda Swiadon, Claudia Cravey and Steven Hoff share a long and rich history together. Beginning over 45 years ago, Mrs. Hale and Ms. Swiadon first met and worked at the world renowned Imperial Studios in Palm Beach (where Mrs. Hale had already been teaching). Claudia Cravey was but a young student there who later became one of the world’s well-known ballerinas performing on the greatest stages in the world, and in movies and television.

In 1973, after Imperial Studios closed, Marie Hale and Lynda Swiadon founded Ballet Arts in West Palm Beach. In the later seventies Claudia Cravey retired from the stage and moved back to Palm Beach County. She then joined the staff of Ballet Arts teaching students of all levels. When Ballet Florida was founded in 1986, Marie was Founder and Artistic Director. Lynda, Co-Founder of the Company, naturally assumed the position of Company Manager and continued to teach. Claudia became Ballet Florida’s Ballet Mistress and Steven Hoff was hired as a dancer. After sixteen years and dancing many leading roles Mr. Hoff began working along side Claudia as the Company’s Ballet Master.

Over the years, this “team” has been part of the training of approximately 4,000 students. So many have gone on to professional careers in major dance companies, including but not only, The Royal Winnipeg Ballet, National Ballet of Canada, American Ballet Theatre, Stuttgart Ballet, Frankfort Ballet, Houston Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet, The Joffery Ballet, Eddie Toussaint's Les Ballet Jazz de Montreal, Louisville Ballet, Les Ballet Trocadero de Monte Carlo and Paul Taylor Dance Company. Others have gone on to find wonderful and lasting careers in the theatre like musical theatre (on Broadway, National tours and dinner theatres), cruise lines, Vegas shows, theme parks, music videos, television, movies, as teachers and more.

Hundreds of other students have used their excellent training to acquire scholarships and awards in leading universities across the country. Mrs. Hale has even worked and trained with Olympic Medal winners. One former student is the ballet master of the Ballet de Monte Carlo and two former students went on to found and become artistic directors of their own companies -- one based in New York City and the other in Chicago.


TRAINING TOMORROW'S STARS -- TODAY!