Barbara Valles – Artistic Director, Ballet Educator, Mentor

Born in Caracas, Venezuela, Ms. Barbara Valles brings over 35 years of experience

teaching Classical Ballet with a deep commitment to excellence, discipline, and artistry.

She began her ballet training at the Ballet-Arte School in Caracas and earned her BFA in

Ballet from the University Institute of Dance in Venezuela. Her teaching is grounded in

strong pedagogical credentials. She is certified in the Methodology of Classical

Technique by Ramona De Saa (Cuban Technique) and holds certification in the Cuban

Ballet Teaching Methodology (Elementary & Professional levels) through USA

International CUBALLET under Laura Alonso, Reynaldo Muñiz Delgado, and Deborah

Marquez.

Her training also includes the Vaganova Technique with Maestro Rumen Rachev and

Maestro Vladimir Issaev, and she has participated in specialized seminars such as:

- Advanced Workshop for Ballet Teachers and Dancers (by Master David Howard)

- International Seminars in Science and Sport (Gatorade Sport Science Institute)

- Medicine and Art Seminar

- Floor Barre Workshop (Ines Marino, Alvin Ailey)

- Vaganova Method Workshop (Bolshoi Ballet Academy & Russian Ballet International)

Ms. Barbara is also a certified Level 3 PBT (Progressing Ballet Technique) instructor and

is listed on the Certification Teachers Directory as the only one in her state with the

highest level of certification.

Her professional performance career includes dancing with the Youth Ballet of Venezuela

under Eva Millan, where she also served as a Ballet Teacher, Choreographer, and

Programs Coordinator for the Fredy Reyna Music and Ballet School.

She was a faculty member for the Dance Program at the Department of Education,

Culture, and Sport of Venezuela and also taught at the Municipal School of Rhythmic

Gymnastics in Caracas. She completed six semesters of studies in Physical Education at

the Pedagogic Experimental University El Libertador.

Ms. Barbara later served as a faculty member for 15 years at America’s Ballet School

(now Tampa City Ballet School) in Tampa, Florida, and an additional 3 years at Tampa

City Ballet. During her time there, she coached dancers who competed successfully at

Youth America Grand Prix and the American Dance Competition.Her teaching experience includes guest faculty roles at:

- University of South Florida Dance Program

- Adjudicator for Dancers Concerts

- All American Ballet School (Tampa, FL)

- Brandon Ballet and The Dance Center (FL) summer programs

For six years, she taught and coached at The Pointe Academy, where her students

achieved high placements at competitions such as Dance Open America (Top 3 and Top

10 in Classical and Contemporary divisions).

Ms. Barbara is currently the Artistic Director of Silicon Slopes Ballet and a faculty

member at Ballet West Academy. She continues to share her deep knowledge and passion

for ballet with the next generation.

Her teaching emphasizes:

- Technical excellence

- Injury prevention

- Performance artistry

- Competition coaching

She is dedicated to fostering a love of ballet, developing discipline, and mentoring young

dancers to achieve their highest potential.