Who We Are
Excellence. Artistry. Inspiration.
A Journey of Growth
Every child’s journey is unique. At Ballet East, we nurture the whole child from toddlerhood through high school graduation through safe, age-appropriate dance education that supports physical, emotional, social and cognitive development.
Our carefully designed curriculum provides progressive training with clear expectations and meaningful milestones. Each level builds upon the next, helping students develop confidence, discipline, creativity and a lifelong love of learning.
As students grow, so do the lessons they gain from dance. Young children develop coordination, focus and imagination. Elementary students build strong technical foundations while learning teamwork and cooperation. Middle school dancers strengthen their technique, artistic expression and perseverance. By high school, students demonstrate leadership, resilience, discipline and refined artistry.
At Ballet East, we believe dance is about more than learning steps. It is about helping each child discover their strengths, build confidence and develop the skills they need to succeed both inside and outside the studio.
Our curriculum is rooted in the science of child development and delivered by experienced dance educators who understand the needs of every stage of growth. We emphasize proper technique, musicality, self-expression and personal responsibility while fostering a supportive environment where every child feels valued.
We do not ask for perfection. We ask for excellence. We encourage every student to use their unique gifts and talents to reach their full potential through dedication, consistency and hard work.
Above all, Ballet East is a community built on care, trust, respect and excellence. We are committed to guiding each child on a safe, enriching journey that helps them become confident dancers and capable, well-rounded individuals.
Our Mission
To nurture growing bodies and minds with passion, purpose and perseverance. Our mission speaks to the heart of every child by nurturing their growing bodies and minds.
Our Vision
Our promise to you is to connect to the heart of your child and to value their hopes, dreams and beliefs. We promise to support, protect and guide your child on their profound developmental journey toward excellence.
Our Values
Care. Excellence. Trust. Community.
Owner & Artistic Director
Chelsea Segrete
Segrete began her early dance training in West Palm Beach, Florida. She attended Jon Mullen’s Performing Arts Center, continued her training at BAK School of the Arts and later graduated from AW Dreyfoos Junior School of the Arts in West Palm Beach.
Segrete earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a dual major in Management and Marketing from Florida Atlantic University in 2009. Shortly after graduation, Segrete purchased Susan Lyle Studios from Miss Susan Lyle and currently owns and directs the school, now called Ballet East.
Segrete has been honored to choreograph works for students nationwide, direct full-length children’s ballets, and coach students for International Competitions such as Youth America Grand Prix and American Dance Competition.
From 2014 - 2016, Segrete was the rehearsal director for the West Palm Beach children's roles in Miami City Ballet Presents George Balanchine's The Nutcracker®.
Segrete has been recognized nationally for many outstanding achievements. Recent achievements include 2014, 2015, 2016 ADC-IBC Outstanding Choreographer, 2016 UBC Outstanding Choreographer, 2015 YAGP Outstanding Choreographer, and 2014 and 2015-her work was selected to perform at the Youth America Grand Prix Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow Gala.
Segrete is a member of The International Association for Dance Medicine and Science, holds a certification in Progressing Ballet Technique and is currently training with Lisa Howell's Teacher Training Workshop.
Our History
In 1970, Ballet East was founded under the direction of Susan Lyle. She built the dance studio to educate students to become leading young artists and professionals in the dance industry. With strong core values and teaching methodologies, the dance school successfully trained numerous generations of professionals and educators.
Starting in 2010 under the direction of a new owner and Artistic Director, Chelsea Segrete, the dance studio was transformed, becoming one of the Southeast's finest training institutions. Ballet East now boasts a world-renowned faculty, an established curriculum, enriching experiences and diverse performance opportunities. The school may have changed hands and grown, but the foundation Miss Lyle created is what we stand on today.
In 2013, to better serve the community, Ballet East relocated to a 5,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art training facility in West Palm Beach, where it stands today.
Under Miss Segrete’s leadership, the school has quickly gained recognition in the community by presenting classical full-length ballets such as Coppélia, The Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella. In addition to the classics, Ballet East offers students a unique opportunity to perform challenging contemporary and neo-classical works at high-caliber competitions, allowing students to diversify their dance portfolios.
From 1970 to the present, Ballet East’s core values of Care, Education, Trust, Excellence and Community remain the driving force behind the dance school. They can be seen in the growth and development of our students in every dance class every day.
Susan Lyle, Founder Susan Lyle Studios
