Biography, Class Description & Testimonials

Jose Traba has performed soloist and principal roles in Cincinnati Ballet, Cleveland Ballet, New Orleans City Ballet and Ballet Chicago.  He has also performed with New York City Opera and Metropolitan Opera Ballet.  In addition, he has performed as a guest artist on stage and television both domestically and abroad.  Among his teaching credits are Broadway Dance Center, The Ailey School, Miami City Ballet, Ballet Academy East, South Carolina Dance Conservatory, International Dance Academy London, Academia de Bellas Artes Madrid and Festival of Theater and Dance in Japan.  He continues to teach and perform in New York and abroad.

Ballet

These classes focus on building strength, balance and musicality. Students will use
a kinesthetic approach to the mechanics that can make classical ballet accessible,
organic and fun.

Testimonials

"Jose’s understanding and passion for ballet makes his class both fun and challenging.  His strong fitness background complements his ballet teaching technique.  He has a unique ability to relate to the non-professional and to advance the training of professional students.  The Saturday ballet fusion component is a fabulous base for ballet training."

~ Cathy Schrier, NDG student

"This is an excellent class. Mr Traba teaches a well-constructed class, with
good general and personal corrections. His corrections aimed at preventing
injuries due to improper placement or technique are very good. (Those
receiving them should think of them often and correct themselves.)  His own technique is excellent, giving students an example to follow. Combinations are demonstrated, then reviewed just enough to make it a challenge to remember them, something students must discipline themselves to learn. In addition, he has a good sense of humor while teaching, which helps students relax rather than tense up; it is always good to be reminded to breathe."

~ Suzanne Wray, NDG student

"Jose is an excellent teacher whose delightful sense of humor makes every class fun, as well as instructive. His corrections are always clear. He gives equal attention to everyone in the class and easily adapts the class level to the level of the students attending."

~ Carol Abramson, NDG student

"Great great class!!!!!!  Learned more than I learned in any class I've ever taken!!!

~ Julie Serot, NDG student

Regarding his FUSION class...."His combination of his extra half hour effort in training the important muscle groups in order to be a better dancer followed by the curriculum of the relevant level of the training level, makes his class so productive and innovative!  Aside from the unique combination of his technical training, he is also a very kind hearted instructor, funny too, never makes us or me feel inadequate, although often time, we/I can measure up his training demand.
He has made the ballet class a less formidable for those who want to learn as an adult or improve thereafter."

~ Tsen Tsen Jin, NDG Student

"Jose is a wonderful teacher and has the unique ability to create a class that caters to students with varying ability and experience."

~ Kathy Schrier