Today we’d like to introduce you to Karissa Torchia.
Karissa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I founded California School of Classical Ballet (CSCB) in 2022 out of a passion for teaching the art of classical ballet to future generations.
I had always dreamed of owning a ballet school for as long as I could remember. A school focusing on technique, training, and the development of artistry in a warm and professional environment. After dancing all over the country, I returned home to teach ballet, Pilates and contemporary classes to the dancers in my community.
In the building of the Pilates studio, I work at, Wicked Pilates, a space opened up to rent. With the help and support of my boss, Christina Bouni Bonorris and James Bonorris, my grandparents, dad, and brother, I was able to finally make my dreams come true. And a dream it is! To work alongside my mom, Shoshanna Torchia and my sister Jonelle Torchia, and to share and inspire the future of dance.
CSCB pride’s ourselves on our esteemed faculty, who are all certified Vaganova ballet instructors, and our caring and nurturing environment. CSCB brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to our students, resulting in them receiving top honors at regional ballet competitions and being accepted into prestigious dance programs for both summer and year-round programs.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
When we first formed CSCB in 2021, Covid restrictions and shortages were still happening, making getting supplies and labor for the build-out, not only more costly, but more sparce and with longer wait times.
As you know, we’re big fans of California School of Classical Ballet. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
California School of Classical Ballet is committed to delivering the highest quality ballet education in a warm and welcoming environment. We take pride in our training programs, designed to help students of all ages and experience levels to achieve their full potential. Our curriculum includes comprehensive training in classical ballet technique and performance, as well as a range of supplementary classes like contemporary and conditioning. Our faculty are all certified Russian Vaganova ballet instructors who are passionate about helping their students succeed, and our small class sizes allow for individual attention and instruction. Come see what makes our ballet programs truly exceptional!
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I have been very fortunate to have been surrounded by successful businesswomen, my entire life. So, I have always had someone to look up to and ask advice or bounce ideas off of. I think the one thing that has helped us out the most networking wise, is just always being kind and actually caring about people. People remember how you made them feel, and we have had a lot of people reconnect with us because of that.
Pricing:
- Rate Schedule Classes per week Monthly tuition 45 min class week $65.00 1x class week $70.00 2x class week $125.00 3x class week $165.00 4x class week $195.00 5x class week $225.00 6x class week $255.00 7x class week $285.00 8x class week $315.00 Unlimited classes $335.00 Special ½ hour classes* $35.00 monthly Drop in classes $20.00 1 Hour private $75.00 ½ Hour private $40.00 Semi Private $40.00 each Trio private $32.00 each Group training 4 or more $25.00 each Annual registration fee: individual $35.00, family $50.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.californiaclassicalballet.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caschoolofclassicalballet/
- Facebook: California School of Classical Ballet
