Pensacola Youth Ballet

Pensacola Youth Ballet offers dance training that includes ballet and cross training, along with theatre classes, music classes, and adult classes. The program also includes a “Dance With Me” option, as well as classes in dance history and resume and self marketing. Students take part in productions such as The Nutcracker, Pinocchio, Around The World In 80 Days, an “Evening of Dance,” and an end of year story ballet.

• Ages: 3–18 years old

Pensacola Youth Ballet is described as a pre-professional program for children ages three and up, as well as adult classes and “Dance With Me.” The program utilizes a progressive syllabus to prepare students for a professional career in the arts and focuses on students’ growth and development in all areas, including building a diverse performance resume. The studio serves as an audition hub for professional ballet summer programs, and students benefit from guest instructors, as well as chances to travel, train, and see performances of other companies. Pensacola Youth Ballet offers two productions each year, including The Nutcracker and “Evening of Dance,” and students also perform at the Great Gulf Coast Arts Festival.

The program is directed by Michael Wardlaw, former Senior Soloist with Cincinnati Ballet and Soloist with Tulsa Ballet, and a graduate of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, whose career has included national and international stages. A testimonial from Romel Frameda Castellon, Principal Dancer with Ballet Nacional de Cuba, notes the values, respect for students and their goals, and the high level of technique, pedagogy, and hard work at Pensacola Youth Ballet.

Last updated February 18, 2026.