Light of the World Ballet
Professional ballet school and company in Syracuse offering classes
A ballet-focused dance school offering classical ballet training along with related dance disciplines.
Photo: Light of the World Ballet via Google
Before your first class
Beginner Ballet classes start at age 3–5 and are designed as the entry point; all students build self-discipline and confidence through progressive levels.
Hair in a smooth, tight bun away from face; beginner students wear pink leotard, pink skirt, pink tights, and pink ballet slippers; higher levels wear black leotard with pink or black tights and pink ballet slippers.
Students must wear specified ballet attire depending on their level: leotards (pink for beginners, black for other levels), skirts, tights (pink or black depending on level), and pink ballet slippers.
Beginner Ballet $185/trimester (ages 3–5); Ballet 3 $200/trimester (ages 6–7); Ballet 4 $355/trimester; Ballet 5 $455/trimester; Ballet 6 and 7 $485/trimester; Light of the World Youth Ballet $250 ann
About this studio
Light of the World Ballet is a full-time professional ballet company and school based at 3537 James Street in Syracuse, NY. Founded in 2005 by Ashley Rollinson Sunada, the organization consists of three interconnected parts: a School, a Trainee Program, and a Professional Ballet Company. The school offers classes for children from age 3 upwards, structured in progressive levels from Beginner Ballet through Ballet 7, with additional homeschool classes. All instruction is rooted in classical ballet technique, with advanced students also learning pointe, modern, pas de deux, conditioning, and acting.
The professional company performs locally, state-wide, and tours nationally and internationally, having visited Burma, China, Hungary, India, Israel, Kazakhstan, Slovakia, Sri Lanka, Peru, and the Philippines. The company presents original story ballets including You Are Special, LifeSongs, Mother India, The Crown, Ana's Battle, Follow the North Star, and A Turned Heart. Beyond theaters and concert halls, the company has performed in churches, schools, hospitals, shelters for abused women, universities, orphanages, conferences, prisons, and other community venues.
The teaching staff includes founder Ashley Rollinson Sunada (trained at Syracuse School of Dance & Center of Ballet and Dance Arts under Deborah Boughton, and formerly a professional company member with Ballet Magnificat in Jackson, MS for six years, performing at the Kennedy Center and Trinity Broadcast Network), Alyssa Ishizu (trained in Japan, Hawaii, and through Ballet Magnificat, now teaching since 2010 and responsible for costume design), Cayla Noreau Hsu (trained at Dancing Arts Center in Boston and with Royal Ballet instructor Wayne Stewarte, company member since 2013), Hannah Henninger (Trainee Program graduate 2022, now company apprentice and teaching staff member), Angela Mia Bravo (BFA in Dance from Belhaven University, performed at the White House), and Emilie Magnosi (Trainee Program graduate, recent school alumna).
The school calendar includes Christmas performances (5 December, 1pm and 5:30pm at Believers Chapel) and Spring performances (17–22 May, Saturday shows at 1pm and 6pm). Students participate in Christmas Outreach Performances (10–13 December) and have opportunities to attend Summer Dance Outreach (18–30 July) and Jr. Summer Dance Outreach & Summer Ballerina Camp (5–9 July). The Light of the World Youth Ballet rehearses Thursdays 5:30–7pm by invitation.
The school also delivers Public School Programs to Syracuse City School District schools and schools in Mexico, NY, offering story ballet performances and dance workshops addressing character development, self-esteem, and historical literacy. Beyond the school, the organization runs an Emerging Artist Program, Auditions, and accepts students for the Trainee Program—a pathway used by several current staff members to transition into professional performance and teaching roles.
What to expect
Your first visit
Classes are structured by level and age, with clear expectations around ballet technique and character development in a faith-based atmosphere. You will be given a dress code (hair in a tight bun, specific leotard colors and skirt styles depending on level), and class fees cover instruction and registration; costume fees ($20 per child per show) are added separately for participation in the Christmas and Spring performances.
Instructors
Who teaches here
The school is led by founder Ashley Rollinson Sunada, a professional ballerina trained in Syracuse and formerly with Ballet Magnificat, who continues to perform and conduct master classes internationally. The teaching staff also includes Alyssa Ishizu (teaching since 2010, Ballet Magnificat trainee graduate), Cayla Noreau Hsu (trained at Dancing Arts Center in Boston with Royal Ballet faculty, company member since 2013), Hannah Henninger (Trainee Program graduate now on teaching staff), Angela Mia Bravo (BFA Dance from Belhaven University), and Emilie Magnosi (recent Trainee Program graduate and school alumna).
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Beginner Ballet classes start at age 3–5 and are designed as the entry point; all students build self-discipline and confidence through progressive levels.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
Dress code
Hair in a smooth, tight bun away from face; beginner students wear pink leotard, pink skirt, pink tights, and pink ballet slippers; higher levels wear black leotard with pink or black tights and pink ballet slippers.
What to bring
Students must wear specified ballet attire depending on their level: leotards (pink for beginners, black for other levels), skirts, tights (pink or black depending on level), and pink ballet slippers. Hair must be worn in a smooth, tight bun away from the face.
Studio history
Light of the World Ballet was founded in 2005 by Ashley Rollinson Sunada, who was trained at Syracuse School of Dance & Center of Ballet and Dance Arts and danced professionally with Ballet Magnificat in Jackson, MS for six years before returning to Syracuse to establish the company and school.
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Not yet published on LODance
Check the About section above for the days and times Light of the World Ballet has shared. A bookable schedule has not been published on LODance yet.
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Frequently asked about Light of the World Ballet
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Light of the World Ballet teach?
Light of the World Ballet teaches Ballet, Pointe, Modern, Pas de deux (Ballet 6 and 7).
Where is Light of the World Ballet located?
Light of the World Ballet is located in Syracuse, NY. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Light of the World Ballet offer private lessons?
Contact Light of the World Ballet directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Light of the World Ballet teach kids and adults?
Contact Light of the World Ballet directly to ask which classes suit your age and experience level.
How do I sign up for classes at Light of the World Ballet?
Sign up through Light of the World Ballet's website, or contact the studio directly.
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Upcoming opportunities
No upcoming opportunities for this studio in the next 90 days.
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