Today we’d like to introduce you to Sydney Phelps.
Hi Sydney, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
As a native of Jacksonville, I began dancing at a very young age. I attended LaVilla Middle School of the Arts and went on to graduate from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in 2007. At Douglas Anderson, I was a member of Dance Theatre for three years. Being part of this audition-only group gave me unique opportunities to perform, learn from top-tier guest artists, and develop myself as a dancer and artist. As well as being a dancer, my quiet confidence and competitive spirit led me to the world of pageantry, where I held the esteemed titles of Miss Florida’s Outstanding Teen 2006 and Miss Jacksonville 2013, among others. These experiences taught me about poise, determination, public speaking, and self-presentation. Upon graduation from high school, I auditioned and was accepted into the Florida State University Dance Department.
While at FSU, I found my voice. For three years, I was a member of FSU’s Dance Repertory Theatre, which allowed me to collaborate with other dancers and teachers and gain even more wisdom from renowned guest artists. At FSU, my demanding schedule, tenacity, and constant push for perfection allowed me to hone my craft. In 2011, my own choreographic work, “Life After This,” premiered in the FSU “Days of Dance” concert series. This piece was born from the question of what came next for me after college.
After graduating magna cum laude in 2011, with a BFA in Dance from Florida State, “Life After This” became my reality. I moved back to Jacksonville with a fierce desire to share my passion for dance. I soon obtained a position as the Director of Dance at Lake Forest Elementary. My days were filled with the infectious energy of young children discovering their own love for movement. It wasn’t long before I fell head over heels in love with teaching. My journey continued into a whirlwind of teaching positions at the very schools that had shaped me: Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, LaVilla School of the Arts, and the dance studio where I had grown up. In addition to teaching, I also had many professional dance experiences. As a dancer and choreographer, I worked with both Jacksonville Dance Theatre and Braided Light Dance Project, feeding my creative soul and providing opportunities to travel and perform as an artist.
A new chapter was waiting to be written, prompting the question: What was my “Life After This?” At this point in my career, I had a wealth of knowledge and many experiences, but I yearned for something more. I was ready to build my own legacy. Soon, the opportunity I had dreamed about and worked for my entire life came. I was asked to become the owner and director of Ballet Arts Centre, one of Jacksonville’s premier dance studios. As a young artist, dancer, and teacher, it was a terrifying and exhilarating prospect, but I saw Ballet Arts Centre as a tremendous opportunity to pour my expertise, passion, and unique vision into a single entity.
With the help of my incredible family, I was able to quickly navigate the intricacies of business ownership, as well as maintain my role as a dedicated teacher. The skills from my diverse background as a student, teacher, performer, and even titleholder all aligned as I shared my vision for the future of Ballet Arts Centre with parents and students. I built on its rich history while infusing it with my own vision to prioritize technical excellence in a joyful and supportive, family-friendly environment. My goal was to create a space where every dancer, from the youngest student taking their first plié to the most seasoned of artists can feel challenged, encouraged to grow, and truly feel at home.
Ballet Arts Centre and the dance community that the students, teachers, and staff have built, have been my greatest professional accomplishment. Looking ahead, I am excited to continue shaping Ballet Arts Centre into a vibrant hub for dance in our community. I am committed to expanding our curriculum, bringing in new guest artists, and creating more performance opportunities for our students. My vision is to nurture not only talented dancers but also well-rounded individuals who understand the value of discipline, collaboration, and self-expression. I look forward to watching our students grow and thrive, knowing that Ballet Arts Centre will be a place they can always call home.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Becoming the owner/director and growing Ballet Arts Centre has been a journey filled with incredible highs, but it hasn’t been without its challenges. My vision was always clear, but the path to get here was not.
One of the biggest hurdles was the sheer weight of taking on an already seasoned business at 25 years old. As a dancer and a teacher, my expertise up to that time was on the dance floor, not in an office. I had to learn everything from, managing finances, navigating paperwork, and mastering marketing in a competitive market. I spent much of my time trying to understand a spreadsheet, craft a social media post, crafting emails, processing paperwork and creating newsletters, while feeling like I was dancing in the dark.
Then there was the process of building the team. I knew I needed instructors who shared my passion for teaching and my vision for the studio but finding the right people who are not only talented and passionate but also reliable and a good fit for our studio culture took time and some trial and error. Another hurdle was building a strong student base. From the very beginning, my goal was to foster an environment where kindness, respect, and hard work were at the forefront. The culture at BAC is built on encouragement, love for the art of dance, and creating a truly unique and positive family atmosphere. Although I’m incredibly confident in the culture and community we’ve built at Ballet Arts Centre, gaining the trust of parents and the commitment of students in a city with so many options was a gradual process that required patience and persistence.
The walls that encompass the space we call our dance home are over 100 years old. Running a business in a historic space means you’re always on your toes. The charm comes with a unique set of problems. I have dealt with everything from unpredictable plumbing, to electrical systems that require careful management. Over the past 11 years I have had to navigate unexpected repairs and maintenance issues that can be both costly and disruptive. The old floors in Studio 2, while beautiful, require specialized care to maintain a safe surface for our dancers. Yet, while the age of the building presents struggles that can sometimes pull my focus from the artistic side of the business, it is that very history embedded in its walls that makes Ballet Arts Centre the special place it is today. This history creates an authentic atmosphere that inspires our dancers and makes our studio a unique environment.
All of these seem minor compared to one of the biggest business challenges to date, the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced us into an immediate and difficult pivot. Our doors were forced to close, and we had to turn to offering virtual classes, which was a struggle. Dance is all about physical presence, shared energy, and hands-on corrections. Trying to translate that to a screen was incredibly difficult. We had to contend with choppy Wi-Fi, students dancing on carpet in small spaces, and the profound lack of motivation that comes with being isolated. It was heartbreaking to see the joy drain from my students’ faces because they missed that crucial sense of community and connection that our studio provides. It was an isolating time for everyone, and it truly highlighted just how much we rely on each other in this art form. While theatre venues were shut down everywhere I am proud to say that our 2020 season still culminated in a recital. Although it presented its own struggles, not allowing our dancers to showcase all their hard work and determination during such a trying and emotional year was not an option for me.
Ultimately, every struggle has been a lesson. They’ve taught me resilience and reinforced my belief in the power of what dance can do for the soul. The studio you see today is a testament to that hard work and the unwavering support of our community. Ballet Arts Centre isn’t just a business; it’s a living part of Jacksonville’s history, and that’s something I’m incredibly proud to have preserved and carried forward.
We’ve been impressed with Ballet Arts Centre , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Ballet Arts Centre is more than just a dance studio; it is a community built on a foundation of tradition, excellence, and passion for dance. We are dedicated to providing high-quality dance education in a fun, engaging, supportive and nurturing environment. Our mission is to instill a love and respect for dance in every one of our students from the young beginners to the aspiring professional and even our adult dancers.
We specialize in ballet training, offering a robust curriculum that spans from pre-ballet for our youngest dancers to more advanced pre-professional levels. We are well-known for our structured, disciplined approach to dance education, which emphasizes proper technique, musicality, and artistic expression. While our roots are in ballet, we also offer classes in jazz, tap, contemporary, acrobatics and hip hop to provide our students with a well-rounded dance education. Our season highlight is our annual recitals, that showcase our students’ hard work and growth in a professional and theatrical performance at the historical Florida Theatre.
What sets Ballet Arts Centre apart from other dance studios? It starts with our commitment to a positive and inclusive culture. We prioritize kindness, respect, and a strong sense of community, ensuring our students are not just dancers but part of a family that encourages and supports one another. Then there’s our historic building, which provides a unique character you feel the moment you walk through the door. It connects our students to a rich history of dance, creating an authentic and inspiring environment. Finally, our experienced and passionate faculty—many of whom are still training and performing professionally—are dedicated to providing personalized attention and fostering each student’s potential.
I am most proud of the reputation we’ve built for our culture, community, and quality education. When people talk about Ballet Arts Centre, they don’t just mention our strong technique or beautiful performances; they talk about the supportive atmosphere and the genuine joy they feel here. We’re known for being a place where students can learn and grow without fear, where friendships are forged, and where a love for dance can truly flourish.
At Ballet Arts Centre, we believe in the transformative power of dance. Our classes are designed to do more than just teach steps; they build character, discipline, tenacity, and self-confidence. Whether a child dreams of a professional dance career or simply wants to enjoy movement, we have a place for them. We offer a variety of classes for all ages, and skill levels, along with adult classes, summer camps/intensives and workshops. We invite new families to join our welcoming community and experience the difference that a focused, joyful, and nurturing environment can make. We are confident that once you step through our doors, you’ll feel the magic of our studio and understand why so many families in Jacksonville have chosen us to be a part of their story.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Based on what I’m seeing in the industry and from my own experience, I believe the dance studio and education world will be shaped by a few key trends over the next 5-10 years.
First, technology will become deeply integrated into every aspect of dance education. I see the use of wearable technology becoming more popular. As these devices become more advanced, they will potentially be able to provide dancers with real-time feedback on their alignment and even technique. Studio owners will also benefit from this developing technology by using AI-powered software to help with administrative tasks, and even possibly to assist in building classwork and choreographic tasks.
Second, with the growing worldwide importance of overall health and well-being, the dance industry is really embracing that shift. I am seeing a greater emphasis on comprehensive health and wellness, as studios are beginning to offer more than just dance classes. We will hopefully start to see more partnerships with physical therapists, nutritionists, and sports psychologists to provide artists with a more holistic health program that focuses on injury prevention and mental/physical well-being. This shift will create more well-rounded and resilient dancers.
Finally, while technology and social trends have and will continue to play a role, dance studios will need to continue to build on their unique community and authenticity. While technology can increase depth of knowledge, it lacks the ability to provide a physical space where students feel safe, supported, and connected. Over the next 5-10 years, this will become even more precious. I truly believe that over the next decade, a studio’s brand will be defined less by its flashy online presence and more by its genuine culture. The blend of high-tech training and old-world community will set a studio apart, and I’m confident that at Ballet Arts Centre, we are building that future right now.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.balletartscentre.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balletartscentre/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BalletArtsCentreofJAX
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@balletartscentre7097
