AboutÂ
Gulf Coast BalletÂ
Academy
Our Mission
At Gulf Coast Ballet Academy, our mission is to provide exceptional ballet training in a supportive, structured, and inspiring environment. We are committed to developing strong, confident, and disciplined dancers while fostering a genuine love for the art of ballet.
We believe that ballet is more than technique. It is a foundation for growth, resilience, and self-expression that extends far beyond the studio.
About the Studio
Gulf Coast Ballet Academy was founded with the vision of creating a welcoming, professional, and inspiring place for dancers to grow. Originally established as Classical Ballet Academy, the studio has served the North Port and surrounding communities for the past several years, building a foundation of quality ballet training and a close-knit studio environment.
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In June 2026, the studio entered a new chapter as Gulf Coast Ballet Academy, continuing its commitment to strong classical training while expanding opportunities for dancers of all ages and levels. Under new direction, GCBA is dedicated to providing thoughtful, structured instruction in a positive and encouraging atmosphere.
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Our mission is to help students develop clean technique, confidence, artistry, discipline, and a lifelong appreciation for dance. Whether a student is taking their very first ballet class or training more seriously, we strive to meet each dancer where they are and help them reach their fullest potential.
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At Gulf Coast Ballet Academy, we believe in excellence without intimidation, structure with warmth, and training that supports the whole dancer. Our goal is to create a studio where students feel challenged, supported, and inspired every time they walk through the door.
Artistic Director
Erica Raver
Born in Marietta, Georgia, Erica Raver began her dance training at The Georgia Ballet under the direction of Gigi Hyatt and Janusz Mason. At age 15, she continued her pre-professional training under Fiona Fairrie, competing in several major ballet competitions including Youth America Grand Prix, World Ballet Competition, and Indianapolis International Ballet Competition.
In 2016, at age 17, Erica placed first in both the Classical and Contemporary categories at Youth America Grand Prix in Dallas, Texas. She also attended summer intensives on scholarship at Houston Ballet, School of American Ballet, Ellison Ballet, Boston Ballet, and Texas Ballet Theater. In 2017, Erica moved to Fort Worth, Texas, to train with the Texas Ballet Theater Studio Company.
Erica went on to dance professionally with Rochester City Ballet in Rochester, New York, from 2018–2020. After retiring from her professional performing career at age 21 due to injury, she transitioned into teaching and has since served as a full-time ballet instructor at Sarasota Ballet School, Brandon School of Dance Arts, and Elite Studio.
In addition to her ballet background, Erica is a certified personal trainer specializing in dancer strength, conditioning, and injury prevention. Her experience as both a professional dancer and movement educator gives her a unique perspective on training dancers with strong technique, body awareness, longevity, and care.
As Owner and Director of Gulf Coast Ballet Academy, Erica is passionate about creating a positive, structured, and inspiring environment where dancers can grow with confidence. Her teaching philosophy blends classical ballet training, artistry, discipline, and a deep understanding of the dancer’s body. She is dedicated to helping each student build a strong technical foundation while fostering a lifelong appreciation for dance.
Faculty
Ashley McGuinness
Ashley McGuinness has dedicated much of her life to the performing arts, beginning her dance training in 1995 under the direction of Ann Stein-Heemskirk at the Dance Arts League of Atlantic County in New Jersey. Over the course of ten years, she studied ballet, jazz, and acrobatics while performing in annual productions at Richard Stockton College of New Jersey. After relocating to Southwest Florida, Ashley continued her dance education under the direction of Abdelazis Roque and Watamora Casey, studying ballet, jazz, modern, and pas de deux from 2005 to 2009. During this time, she competed in the prestigious Youth America Grand Prix and performed with the Southwest Florida Ballet, the school's nonprofit pre-professional dance company.
Ashley went on to share her passion for dance as an instructor, coach, and mentor, teaching students from Pre-K through age 18 in ballet, lyrical, tap, and jazz. She developed age-appropriate choreography for annual performances and served as a dance coach for the Naples Youth Dance Company (NYDC), working with Mini, Petite, Junior, and Senior teams while coordinating performances for community events and dance competitions. She is a Certified Cecchetti Instructor (Grades I–V) and a Certified Leap 'N Learn Instructor for children ages 3–6.
In addition to her work in dance education, Ashley has built a successful career in marketing and business leadership. She served as Marketing Director for Backstage Dance Academy beginning in February 2020, where she combined her love of dance with her expertise in branding, communications, and community engagement. Since January 2022, she has served as Marketing Manager for Earthcare Landscape Services, leading marketing initiatives, content development, customer communications, and brand growth throughout Southwest Florida.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Ashley is a devoted wife and proud mother of three boys. Together with her husband, she owns and operates several family businesses, including The Southern Spread, a luxury charcuterie and dessert cart company; Precision Project Partners, a project management company; and Buoy Oh Buoy Boat Rentals, a family-friendly boat rental business serving the waters of Southwest Florida.
Whether in the dance studio, the boardroom, or the community, Ashley is passionate about inspiring others, fostering meaningful connections, and creating memorable experiences that bring people together.
Kinsey HillÂ
Kinsey Hill has been dancing since the age of 7 and brings a passion for both artistry and technicality to every class she teaches. She has three years of teaching experience at a local dance studio and has also instructed dancers through the University of South Florida Dance Club.
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As a student, Kinsey successfully completed examinations through Grade 4 in the Cecchetti Method of classical ballet. She teaches ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap, lyrical, and musical theater. Her teaching style centers on strong technique, attention to detail, and fostering a positive environment where dancers can grow in both skill and confidence.