Meet Our Expert Ballet Teachers: Ballet Classes for Kids and Adults at Ballet San Jose School
ALORA BELL
Ballet Lessons for Kids and Adults with Alora – Building Technique and Joy
Alora Bell is a dedicated ballet instructor at Ballet San Jose School, specializing in teaching beginner dancers of all ages. With more than 15 years of dance and teaching experience, Alora began her training at Morgan Hill Dance Center and South Valley Dance Arts before furthering her studies under the guidance of Maximo Califano, Director of Ballet San Jose School.
Throughout her career, Alora has performed in numerous productions, including Ballet San Jose School’s The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, and Coppélia. She is also a Patron of the American Ballet Theater, supporting the growth and appreciation of ballet in the community.
Alora’s teaching philosophy centers around making ballet accessible, fun, and inspiring for every student. She believes that dance should be a joyful experience, where students not only develop their skills but also cultivate a love for movement that lasts a lifetime. Whether your child is taking their first ballet class or working toward more advanced levels, Alora’s classes provide a warm, encouraging environment for every dancer to thrive.
JACQUI GHODSI
Professional Children’s Ballet Lessons Taught with Heart and Expertise
Jacqui brings a rich international background and a deep love of classical ballet to every class she teaches. She began dancing at the age of 11 in Brisbane, Australia, training in the Royal Academy of Dancing method and completing exams through the Advanced level. Her dedication led her to full-time ballet training in Sydney, where she performed with the Australian Opera in productions such as Alcina, Les Huguenots, and The Bartered Bride—dancing at the Sydney Opera House and working with the renowned Sir Robert Helpmann.
Her training continued at Brisbane’s Kelvin Grove College, where she studied classical, character, and contemporary dance, along with music, drama, and dance notation. Jacqui was later selected by the Queensland Ballet to tour schools across Australia, bringing classical ballet to thousands of children in both urban and remote communities.
After some time away from dance, Jacqui rediscovered her passion when she joined Ballet San Jose School nearly a decade ago. She has since performed in school productions including Don Quixote, Swan Lake, and The Sleeping Beauty (as Carabosse). For the past two years, she has served as an assistant teacher for Ballet II and III, guiding young dancers with patience, knowledge, and enthusiasm.
Jacqui is dedicated to helping students develop both strong technique and a lifelong love of dance. Her ballet classes for kids are structured, supportive, and full of joy—making them a wonderful foundation for children at any stage of their dance journey.
CARLIE CUDDIHY
Inspiring Ballet Classes for Kids with Carlie – Where Young Dancers Shine
Carlie brings a lifelong love of dance and years of professional training to every class she teaches. She began dancing at just 2½ years old and has studied ballet, contemporary, jazz, and tap at the California Academy of Performing Arts, Santa Clara University, and Ballet San Jose School. She has performed in iconic roles such as Dewdrop in The Nutcracker, Odette in Swan Lake, and Aurora in Sleeping Beauty.
Carlie specializes in ballet classes for kids and is passionate about creating a welcoming, encouraging space where young dancers can thrive. Her children’s ballet lessons focus on building strong technique while fostering creativity, confidence, and a lifelong love of movement and music. Whether your child is just starting out or ready for more advanced dance classes for children, Carlie ensures each student receives individual attention and feels supported every step of the way.
