Sara Ives

Sara Ives is a seasoned performer and educator with extensive experience in classical and early childhood education. Hailing from Puerto Rico, Ives is bilingual. Their career highlights include performances with esteemed companies such as Brandywine Ballet, Ohio Dance Theatre, and Orlando Ballet, where they danced in celebrated productions like Balanchine’s ""Concerto Barocco"" and ""Who Cares?,"" as well as lead roles in ""Dracula,"" ""Paquita,"" and ""The Nutcracker."" Selected by luminaries like Fernando Bujones and Anastasia Babayeva, Sara has graced stages with technical precision and artistic depth.

As an educator, Ives is the Owner and Artistic Director of Downtown Dance Conservatory (2017–present), where they inspire students with a blend of classical technique and creative expression, giving opportunities to young dancers to embark on a dance journey. Certified in the Vaganova technique by the Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet, their teaching career spans nearly two decades, including roles at  Studio One Dance Academy, and Ohio Dance Theatre. Ives has taught students aged 3 to 18, emphasizing discipline, artistry, and confidence. With a passion for both performing and mentoring, Ives continues to contribute meaningfully to the dance world by fostering talent and sharing their love of the art form.

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Ms Ives is a guest choreographer at KO Knudson Academy of the Arts, and a Nevada Arts Council Teaching artist.