Join the Journey at Cuizon Ballet Centre
Our Philosophy
At Cuizon Ballet Centre, we believe that every dancer has a unique story to tell through movement. Our philosophy emphasizes the importance of technique, artistry, and personal growth in every student.
Personalized Training
With years of experience, Lisa Cuizon leads Cuizon Ballet Centre in providing tailored ballet training that suits each dancer's individual goals. Our personalized approach ensures that students receive the best instruction possible.
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Building Connections
Our inclusive environment at Cuizon Ballet Centre encourages dancers to build meaningful connections with their peers and instructors. We believe that collaboration and support are key to artistic growth.
Our Teachers
Lisa Cuizon Founder/Director Ballet
Lisa Cuizon’s journey in ballet began at age 8 at the prestigious Rozann/Zimmerman Ballet Center in Chatsworth, CA, a studio affiliated with Balanchine’s School of American Ballet (SAB). This affiliation provided exclusive access to guest instructors from the New York City Ballet (NYCB), offering unparalleled insights into Balanchine’s evolving technique. Sheila Rozann and Eleanor Zimmerman, the studio’s leaders, regularly attended Balanchine’s seminars, ensuring their students received cutting-edge training grounded in Russian Imperial Ballet traditions.
At 12, Lisa was awarded a Ford Foundation scholarship, recognizing her exceptional talent. By 15, she earned a full scholarship to SAB, selected by Violette Verdy, a celebrated prima ballerina. At SAB, Lisa trained under esteemed Russian ballerinas, including Madame Danilova, Madame Doubrovska, Madame Tumkovsky, and Madame Kosmovska, alongside distinguished instructors like Muriel Stuart of the Royal Ballet and Stanley Williams of the Royal Danish Ballet. Her exposure to Bournonville training enriched her artistry, solidifying her passion for a professional dance career.
At 17, Lisa came under the mentorship of Melissa Hayden, a legendary NYCB prima ballerina assoluta. She later joined Pacific Northwest Ballet (PNB) as a soloist in 1976, launching a 10-year professional career that included performances with Pennsylvania Ballet, Arizona Ballet, Puerto Rican Dance Theatre, Cleveland Ballet, and Los Angeles Chamber Ballet. Lisa also attributes much of her artistic growth to her long-standing mentor and friend, Wilhelm Burmann, whose guidance profoundly shaped her career.
Teaching Career and Studio Leadership
For over 41 years, Lisa Cuizon has been an influential ballet instructor, dedicated to shaping dancers with professional-level Balanchine training. In 2001, she founded Cuizon Ballet Centre to help students achieve their dreams—whether as professional dancers or successful individuals in their chosen paths.
Lisa carefully selects her teaching staff, ensuring they are seasoned professionals who bring firsthand experience in the demands of a dancer’s life, providing the guidance and support needed for both artistic and personal success.
