Nevada Arts Council

Sara Ives

City of residence: Las Vegas
  • Dance
Tracks: Community, Education
Program Types: Classes, Family Friendly, Performance, Professional Development, Workshop
Language Proficiencies: English, Spanish
Audiences: Adult, Individuals with Special Needs/Disabilities, Grades K-5 (Elementary School), Grades 9-12 (High School), Grades 6-8 (Middle School)
Capacity: 30
Venues: Business, Community Facility, Creative Space, Museum, School, Theater
Willing to Travel: Statewide, Northern Nevada, Southern Nevada, Clark County, Douglas County, Esmeralda County, Eureka County, Humboldt County, Lander County, Lincoln County

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 KO Knudson Middle School, 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.

A smiling woman with curly hair, wearing a black dress and earrings, sits on a white cube against a light gray background, resting her chin on her hand and crossing her legs.

School & Community Workshops

Ballet Stories Series.
The Ballet Stories series introduces elementary students (ages 5–10) to ballet through interactive 45-minute classes featuring classic ballet stories. Students explore storytelling, learn ballet terminology and steps, and experience the magic of costumed dancers bringing the tales to life.

Master Class Series
The Master Class series blends ballet and kinesiology to help dancers understand movement mechanics, alignment, and muscle engagement within classical technique. By combining scientific principles with artistry, it promotes efficient, injury-free movement and a deeper connection to ballet.

Early childhood dance class
This class for educators that teach children ages 3–8 uses dance to develop fine and gross motor skills in a supportive, inclusive environment. Through creative movement and fun exercises, children enhance coordination, balance, and confidence while building social skills.

Sara Ives’s Work

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