Pre-Professional Academy
Pre-Professional Academy Information
Age 14+
Ballet, Pointe, Contemporary, Conditioning, Variations & Stretching
Emerging from the work that built your foundation, you step forward with a deeper understanding of your craft and a renewed sense of purpose. As you advance, your focus shifts to the refined intricacies of artistry and technique. Train with award-winning educators, including recipients of the 2026 YAGP Outstanding Teacher Award.
Your love for knowledge is supported by going beyond technique to learn elements of teaching, leadership, job or college preparation and choreography.
Intensified individualized training will prepare you to springboard into the next chapter of your life successfully. Empowered by opportunities to express your beliefs and take action, you make a lasting impact on our community.
Your dreams are fully realized and begin to become a reality. You take pride in the responsibilities bestowed upon you as you continue to share your passion with future generations.
2026-2027 Ballet East Youth Ensemble
Age 8+
BEYE & BEYE II
Our Ballet East Youth Ensemble program was established to provide advanced dancers with a pre-professional experience that delivers individual attention, increased artistic development, outstanding performance opportunities and private events.
BEYE and BEYE II members will benefit from working as a corps in weekly technique classes, rehearsals and exclusive master classes. Selected members have the opportunity to represent Ballet East at local and national events. Dancers are expected to act as role models, set a positive example and be supportive of others in and outside of the school. BEYE dancers have been recognized at many prestigious competitions both as a group and as individuals. Merits have been awarded at the following acclaimed competitions: American Dance Competition, Youth America Grand Prix, Indianapolis International Ballet Competition, Universal Ballet Competition and National YoungArts Foundation.
Faculty Members
Flávia Garcia Nascimento
Originally from Brazil, Garcia trained and graduated from The National Ballet of Cuba. From 2006 - 2012 Garcia was a member of the Dance Theatre of Harlem, where she danced principal roles in such ballets as Raymonda, Balanchine's Four Temperaments & Glinka Pas de Trois, Giselle and Le Corsaire. She's participated in various competitions, such as Brazil's most acclaimed Joinville Dance Festival, where she won Gold.
In addition to the Dance Theatre of Harlem, Garcia danced with Joffrey Ballet 2 and Lazar Ballet NYC. Garcia has been invited to guest at many international galas, such as the Gala of the Stars in the Dominican Republic, performing Diana & Acteon with a member of ABT and NYIBC's Gala 2011. Other ballets in her repertoire include Odette/Odile in Swan Lake, Flames of Paris Pas de Deux, Gamazatti of La Bayadere, The River by Alvin Ailey and various original contemporary works. In 2015 she guested at Ballet Ness Ziona (Israel), where she performed Diana and Acteon and Elie Lazar's choreography.
Harold Quintero
Harold Quintero is a distinguished ballet artist, educator, and artistic director whose international career spans more than two decades. Originally from Cuba, he graduated from the National Ballet School of Cuba in 2000 and immediately joined the renowned National Ballet of Cuba under the direction of the legendary Alicia Alonso. As a First Soloist, he performed leading roles in many of the classical ballet repertoire’s most celebrated works, including Don Quixote, Coppélia, Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, Raymonda, Le Corsaire, and La Bayadère.
Throughout his career, Mr. Quintero has appeared as a guest artist on prestigious international stages. He performed at the Miami International Ballet Festival in 2008 and was invited to dance Romeo and Juliet with the Cairo Opera House Ballet in Egypt in 2009, returning for additional performances in 2010. In 2016, he also appeared as a guest artist in productions of Swan Lake in Italy and Slovenia.
Recognized for his artistry, technical excellence, and dedication to classical ballet, Harold Quintero brings a wealth of international performance and teaching experience to every stage and studio he enters.
Daisia Pulz
Pulz began her dance journey fifteen years ago with Ballet East, formerly Susan Lyle Studios. Aspiring to become a professional dancer, she joined Ballet East’s Accelerated Training Program for homeschooling students.
Many organizations have recognized Pulz for her outstanding work in choreography and superior performance qualities. Recent distinctions include Honorable Mention and Merit Scholarship awards from 2017-2019 in Dance Composition/Choreography through the National YoungArts Foundation. In 2019, Pulz was honored to receive the “Aspire Award” for demonstrating passion, hunger and determination in dance by the Universal Ballet Competition. As a result, Pulz was invited to perform as a guest at the XXIV International Ballet Festival of Miami and performed as a guest with Brazilian Prima Ballerina Ana Botafogo for Ronaldo Fraga’s Eyes Through Brazil.
From 2018-2019, Daisia was honored to receive a full merit summer scholarship to world-renowned dance companies, Dance Theatre of Harlem and Lines Contemporary Ballet.
Frequently Asked Questions
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For the Pre-Professional Academy, prior experience is recommended. During your trial week, our faculty places students in classes that best support their age, experience and developmental needs.
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Yes! Students have opportunities to perform in two shows throughout the year, including our annual Nutcracker and End-of-Season Performance, to help dancers build confidence, develop stage presence and celebrate their hard work with family and friends.
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Dance teaches much more than steps. Students develop confidence, perseverance, responsibility, teamwork, focus and problem-solving skills. These qualities support success both in and out of the classroom.
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Click here to view your child's required uniform and class supplies.
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Click here to register for our One-Week Class Pass, which is how enrollment is completed for all new students. During your trial week, our staff will help determine the best class placement for your child based on their age and experience.
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The Pre-Professional Academy is designed for dedicated dancers who are committed to serious ballet training. Our program follows a structured curriculum that emphasizes strong technical development, artistry, performance quality and individual growth. Students receive comprehensive training from experienced faculty in an environment that prepares them for advanced opportunities while fostering a lifelong appreciation for dance.