Ruidoso Academy of Ballet and Dance is a 501 (c)3 Non-profit charitable organization developed in 2001 to spark an enduring love and appreciation for the art of personal expression through dance. The foundation of Ruidoso Academy of Ballet and Dance has always been based on artistic excellence, exhilarating performances, compelling and original choreography, and superb educational programs. Community outreach plays a vital role for our dancers have performed in numerous fundraisers throughout its 18-year history
Welcome to Ruidoso Ballet Academy
143 El Paso rd.
Ruidoso, NM 88345
Online
Our
Online
Store
for Leo's shoes
and much more!
https://ruidosoballetacademy.logodancewear.com
How can you help?
Donations help our Academy fund Competition Trips, Costume Upgrades, Tuition Assistance, and Performances.
At the Ruidoso Academy of Ballet & Dance, our goal is to spark an
enduring love and appreciation for the art of personal expression
through dance. The following policies have been established to ensure
that every student receives quality dance instruction, in a safe
environment, from qualified instructors. Ballet, Pointe Technique,
Contemporary, Hip Hop, Jazz, and Tap classes are offered. Classes are
divided into different levels according to ability as assessed by our
instructors. Advancement in class placement is based on teacher
evaluation.The Corporation is organized and shall operate exclusively for
charitable or educational purposes, including but not limited to:
To help children discover their potential through dance.
To encourage and develop personal creativity in children
throughout southern New Mexico
To maintain a high standard of artistic excellence
To educate as well as entertain audiences.
To promote and develop a love of the performing arts throughout
Southern New Mexico
To promote educational and/or employment opportunities for our dancers.
Meet our Staff
Yespari Miller, international premier danseur, choreographer and instructor, formerly with El Paso Ballet Theatre is the proud Artistic Director for the Ruidoso Academy of Ballet and Dance. He is an elementary level graduate of ballet at the Provincial School of ballet in Havana, Cuba. In 1994 he graduated from upper middle level at the National Ballet School of Cuba and in 2001 he obtained a degree in arts, ballet specialty, from the Higher Institute of Arts of Cuba. He has been a member of the main companies of his country of origin such as the National Ballet of Cuba, Ballet of the city of Santiago de Cuba, Ballet of the Lyric Theater of Holguin, as well as, of the Municipal Ballet of Lima, Peru. With these companies he participated in the numerous tours in various countries throughout Europe, Central and South America interpreting the most diverse roles of the international classical repertoire as well as works by contemporary choreographers such as Alberto Méndez (Cuba), Anne Marie D'Angelo (USA), Susana Tambutti (Argentina), Brian McDonald (Canada), Luck de Laire, Jorge Lefebre (Belgium), and Hilda Riveros (Chile). He has participated in numerous international galas and ballet festivals alongside stars such as Carlos Acosta, José Carreño, Carla Fracci, Julio Bocca, Marianela Nuñez, Yat Sen Chang, Xiomara Reyes, Alicia Amatriain, Rolando Sarabia, Lorna Feijoo, Maximiliano Guerra, Tamara Rojo, Paloma Herrera, Abi Stafford. Since 1994 he has led his career as a dancer and teacher in numerous ballet schools in Cuba, Mexico and the USA. He is excited to bring new energy to the studio here in Ruidoso and is pleased to be able to support his students through their dreams and performances. He has inspired each student with the Academy to strive to be the best they can be.
Nicole Dean graduated from Ricks College in April of 1997 with her associates degree in Dance, and from Idaho State University in August of 2000 with her bachelor’s degree in Public Health Education with a minor in Dance. Nicole completed her master’s degree in Physical Education/Athletic Administration (with an emphasis in Dance) from ISU in August 2005. Nicole’s technical training ranges in various styles such as elements of hip-hop, tap, and ballroom. However, her formal training includes ballet, jazz, and modern. Nicole has trained with various teachers and danced for groups across Idaho, including the ISU Theatre Dance Company, Danson and Idaho Moving Project. Nicole recently joined Mr. Miller and the Ruidoso Academy of Ballet and Dance this year as an instructor for level I Ballet and Creative Movement, level III/IV Modern and Contemporary, and level V/VI Modern and Contemporary. She believes in helping her students become the BEST version of themselves through INTENTION and PURPOSE. Nicole also has a passion for improvisation and choreography, dance education, staging and lighting, musicality, and creating dance for the camera. She is constantly evolving as an artist in an ever-changing world of body, space, time, and flow.
Shyla began dancing at the age of 3. Since then, she has studied in Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Contemporary and Tap. During her dance study years, Shyla attended various dance conventions, training with Master Instructors to expand and refine her skills. Shyla graduated in 2019 from ENMU-Roswell with an Associate’s of Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant Program and in 2020 she graduated with a BAAS Concentration: Human and Social Sciences. Shyla currently works for Region 9 Education Cooperative, serving the rural school districts thru Occupational Therapy. This is Shyla’s first year with the Ruidoso Academy of Ballet and Dance. Shyla loves sharing her passion for dance with her students and helping them reach their full potential. Shyla works diligently to develop her students’ technique, build their self-confidence and encourage their artistic expression.