Florida Ballet Arts
commitment to excellence since 1962
Testimonials
“I began my ballet training under the instruction of MaryElizabeth Mock at the age of nine. The years of training I received at her school, The Florida Ballet Arts Academy, instilled a fervent sense of discipline, passion, and aptitude for my future as a person, and ballet dancer. Ms. Mock’s knowledge and eagerness to share her talent and experience with her students is enduring and sincere. Her enthusiasm for the world of dance is contagious and made evident through a range of diverse, unparalleled choreography along with an expansive repertoire. I firmly believe that my success in this field is due in large part to my core years of training under Mary Elizabeth Mock. I have always known her to be a hard-working, brilliant individual who I am both honored and privileged to call my teacher and friend. Mary Elizabeth is a gifted instructor whose method of teaching is professional, defined, and effective. Anyone who might have the advantage of working with Ms. Mock is sure to reap the benefits of her gifts as an exceptional person, teacher, choreographer, dancer, and friend.”
– Shelby Gail Elsbree
FBA Alumna
Professional Dancer, Royal Danish Ballet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Boston Ballet, Boston, MA
Author/Blogger, Tutus & Tea
Graduate, Columbia University, NYC
“During my ten years as a student at FBA, I gained invaluable training and performance experience which will forever benefit me in any endeavors I pursue. FBA’s exceptional faculty and motivated students continue to create a positive, inspiring learning environment devoted to excellence. By exemplifying dedication and commitment to the best in dance education, Florida Ballet Arts Academy establishes the precedent for what an academy should impart.”
– Amanda Means, MBA
FBA Alumna
Professional Dancer, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montreal, Montreal, Canada; Sarasota Ballet of Florida
Graduate, Southern Methodist University & Graduate, MBA Program at University of South Florida
“Mary Elizabeth Mock is a prolific teacher and choreographer whose profound results in the classroom are evidence of her vast knowledge, talent, and true passion for dance. She cultivates clean technique, a strong work ethic, and polished artistry and stands for nothing short of excellence.”
- Tessandra Chavez
Emmy Award Winning Choreographer, “Dancing with the Stars”,“So You Think You Can Dance”, “World of Dance”
Founder/Director, Unity Dance Ensemble, San Diego / Unity LA, Los Angeles
Faculty Member, The Pulse On Tour, Velocity Dance Convention, and RADIX
Former Faculty Member, The Edge Performing Arts Center, Debbie Allen Dance Academy, & Debbie Reynolds Dance Studio
“Mary Elizabeth is a wonderful teacher and choreographer. Her teaching technique is very dynamic and precise. As a choreographer, she is very innovative and I personally love her contemporary Caribbean style.”
- Addul Manzano
Former Faculty Member, Cary Ballet Conservatory, Cary, NC
Principal Dancer & Soloist, National Ballet of Cuba; Charlotte Ballet / North Carolina Dance Theatre; Dance Theatre of Harlem; Washington Ballet; BalletNY, Columbia City Ballet; Sarasota Ballet of Florida
“With pleasure I recommend MaryElizabeth Mock. She is a professional and always respects everyone involved around her. She is a strong lover of dance and executes everything she touches in that area with success.”
- Eddy Toussaint
Artistic Director, Ballet Eddy Toussaint de Montreal
World Renowned Ballet Director and Choreographer
“I could write novels about the impact MaryElizabeth’s training and teaching has had on my life. I have gained so much more than proper ballet training from her. She helped me grow in ways I thought were impossible and gave me the confidence to succeed in all my endeavors. In my adulthood, I am able to look at obstacles with an objective mind, confident that I can accomplish my dreams. MaryElizabeth’s belief in me stays with me to this day, continues to guide me, and will stay forever a part of the woman I am today.”
- Alexandra Ashworth
Student, West Virginia University
Privately Coached by MaryElizabeth Mock
“As competitive Ice-Dancers, we recognize the importance of a solid foundation in Ballet. Our challenge was to find a studio committed to excellence in technique, artistry and discipline. We have found everything we need at Florida Ballet Arts Academy. Many thanks to the exceptional instructors who are so dedicated to helping us realize our dream of representing the US in the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in the discipline of Ice-Dancing. Their unparalleled attention to detail is exactly what we need for the level of skill we are striving to achieve.”
- Elicia & Stephen Reynolds
Privately Coached by MaryElizabeth Mock & Sasha Yapparov
“I had Ms. Mock come in to teach a master class at my studio, To The Pointe. I was thrilled to have her teach. She is extremely knowledgeable and excellent with the kids. It was a fabulous experience for all.”
- Erin Duclos
Owner, To The Pointe, San Marcos, CA
“MaryElizabeth is a pleasure to work with. Her abilities to direct her dancers and choreograph her shows are always right on the money. She is very open minded when it comes to the technical aspect of a production. She is a great listener. I have lots of great memories, as a front of the house engineer, enjoying all the productions we have done together in the past decade. I would not hesitate to work with Mary Elizabeth again and again.”
– Pascal Danon
Sound Engineer
Director of Operations, Pro Audio/Visual Division, Focused Technology
Former Executive Vice-President/CFO/CEO, Tight A/V
Former President, P.L.U.G., Inc.
“MaryElizabeth Mock is one of the most intelligent, hard-working and dedicated individuals with whom I have had the pleasure of working. She brings a level of energy to each program or performance that is unmatched. She will get the job done if it takes pulling an all-nighter to get it done right. Top qualities: Great Results, High Integrity, Creative”
- Stephen Lowther
Financial Advisor
Former Board Member, Florida Ballet Arts Foundation, Inc.
“MaryElizabeth has a wonderful rapport with people of all ages. Her ability to connect with the families, ensure smooth business operations and talent at training and preparing her students, is truly superior.”
- Thorin Lindsey
Project Development, Done Deal Enterprises
Former Director of Operations, Choice Diagnostic Imaging
Parent of two former long-term students of FBA
"We have received continuous and unconditional support from MaryElizabeth Mock through the consultation services offered by Florida Ballet Arts - Professional Dance Alliance. I have just started my ballet school business and was clueless on what steps to take as far as advertisement, equipment, contacts, search for optimum places for opening my studio. They have guided me on what are the best strategies to maximize our profits and marketing. We don't hesitate to contact them for ongoing support and they always give us quick, detailed, and extensive responses. MaryElizabeth Mock's advisement is truly valuable for us, as she is experienced in the ballet and arts world on every level." (September 15, 2013)
- Liz Ugaz
Owner, Classical Ballet of Miami
