The story began in 2014 when Louise Taitz discovered Europe's hidden treasure in Portugal after visiting the International Conservatoire de Ballet e Dança Annarella Sanchez. Over the next few years, it became clear that the training at this conservatory was exceptional, and it quickly became evident that international students should have the opportunity to experience it. Since 2022, over 100 American and Canadian students have had the chance to participate in this affordable, life-changing summer program. Located in a beautiful town in Leiria, the conservatory offers a unique environment where dancers train in a variety of disciplines, including ballet, pointe, variations, pas de deux, contemporary, jazz, Latin, Pilates, and more. During the four-week program, students perform in two gala showcases. The faculty is internationally recognized, and each dancer receives outstanding training. In addition to their dance education, students also have the opportunity to participate in a professional photo shoot with renowned European photographer Tome Gonzales. Saturdays are spent enjoying the stunning beaches of Nazaré, and Sunday tours are arranged to explore beautiful places such as Óbidos. Accommodations are available, and dancers are chaperoned by Louise. Parents are always welcome to visit, though their presence is not required. Auditions are required.
For more information, visit http://www.usadanceinternational.com or email danceleiria@yahoo.com
About The School -
Annarella Roura Sanchez, graduated from the Cuban School of Ballet in Camaguey (Cuba) and specialist in Classical Dance at the Instituto de Arte Superior de Arte de Cuba, moved to Leiria (Portugal) in February 1996. Then she started teaching at schools in the city.
In 1998, she founds the Annarella Academia de Ballet e Dança, with facilities at Quinta do Bispo, where he started receiving children from 3 years of age. The school follows the methodology of the Cuban Ballet School. After 10 years of establishment, the Annarella Academia de Ballet e Dança moved facilities, being to this day in Gândara dos Olivais. The change was made in order to expand its space so that its students could have access to an improved teaching both in terms of quality and conditions. It started with 3 studios, but it promptly expanded, gathering now 7 studios.
In 2015, with the goal of creating a training center for Dance and Ballet Excellence so that its students could obtain the technical and artistic skills that give them a real aptitude to be professionals in the field of Dance in Portugal or abroad, founded the Conservatório Internacional de Ballet e Dança Annarella Sanchez.
Artistic teaching consists of the modalities of Classical Ballet, Pointe Technique, Repertoire, Contemporary, Character Dances, Physical Preparation, Flexibility, Music, Methodology, History and Culture of the Arts, Creative Expression and Theatrical Techniques.
The Conservatório Internacional de Ballet e Dança Annarella Sanchez is already an institution recognised worldwide, having won several individual and collective awards in the most prestigious dance competitions, like the Youth American Grand Prix (YAGP), where it won the “Outstanding School” Award in 2017, Dance World Cup, Domenico Modugno Ballet Competition (Bari, Italy), South Africa Internacional Ballet Competition, Shanghai International Ballet Competition, Ballet Beyond Borders (Montana, Missoula, USA), Varna International Ballet Competition (Bulgaria), o Beijing International Ballet and Choreography Competition (China) and, more recently, the Prix de Lausanne (Switzerland).
Among the students, António Casalinho stands out, global YAGP winner with the Hope Award in 2015 and the Youth Grand Prix in 2016 and 2018, winner of the Got Talent Portugal tvshow in 2017, winner of Varna International Ballet Competition in 2018, vencedor do Grand Prix do Beijing International Ballet and Choreography Competition, Gold Medal at the Prix de Lausanne 2021 and special guest at dance galas around the world. Also noteworthy are Margarita Fernandes, Hope Award winner in the 2017 do YAGP Paris, semifinalist do Got Talent Portugal 2017 alongside João Gomes and conquering maximum score (100 points) in her classical variation in Sitges, Barcelona, in 2018 Dance World Cup alongside her colleague Margarida Gonçalves.
Louise Taitz
Louise Taitz a Chicago Resident emigrated from South Africa where she trained with R.A.D Major examiners Reina Berman and Joyce Myroff with whom she obtained her R.A.D Advanced Ballet Diploma. Louise studied Modern, Spanish and Character Dance in addition to Ballet at the National School of the Arts. After graduation Louise moved to London where she studied with Kathryn Wade at the Royal Ballet School.
Louise's professional career began as a student at the Royal Ballet School before moving to Israel where Louise joined the Israel Classical Ballet Company performing not only the classics but works by Balanchine, Hans van Manon and Spoerli. Louise also worked in South Africa as a dancer doing Operetta's and Musicals for Pacofs.
Louise opened her first studio in South Africa and is currently the owner and Artistic Director of “On Your Toes Academy of Dance” Chicago, Louise's primary teaching focus is ballet and choreographs in a variety of styles. Louise has been the recipient of many choreographic and outstanding technique awards.
Louise has been a USA and International judge for “The American Academy of Ballet” traveling to Japan, Portugal and Israel judging and holding teachers training intensives. Louise has judged for Addiction Dance Company, Icon Dance Awards, Energy Dance Competition, Legacy Dance, In10sity and Star Systems.
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Louise is the Artistic Coordinator for International Ballet Stars responsible for connecting studio's to the main Professional company and overseeing auditions so that studio's can perform alongside their USA touring season. Louise is the USA representative for The International Conservatoire Academy Of Annarella Sanchez and is responsible for the selection of American dancers for training in Leiria Portugal each Summer.
Louise seeks to impart the very best and highest standards of training to all students. Working as a dance teacher and educator Louise helps empower teachers and to build up confidence and knowledge. When judging Louise strives to give fair and constructive critiques always followed by positive feedback.
"Without the teacher there is no student, without the student there are no studio's or competitions"
Louise Taitz