Our Leadership Team

AMY LOWE

Artistic Director/Ballet, Conditioning

Mrs. Lowe's extensive dance training, teaching and choreographic work encompasses a broad array of classical, neoclassical and contemporary repertoire. She holds a degree in Sports Medicine with specialization in injury prevention and treatment and has been recognized with the Award of Distinction in Anatomy and Physiology for Dancers from the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, London, England and was awarded a distinction diploma in Functional Kinesiology. Mrs. Lowe is a Revolutionary Principles of Movement Master Teacher and the author of RPM's teacher training courses with the focus on the physics of movement as related to classical ballet.

She is an American Ballet Theatre® Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Primary through Level VII and Partnering of the ABT® National Training Curriculum. She is also a Progressing Ballet Technique certified teacher and a certified Pilates teacher through PhysicalMind Institute in New York. She has been recognized as the ACHI Magazine’s Mentor of the Year in 2020 and was a finalist with Tallahassee Women’s Magazine as Innovator of the Year in 2021. She was recognized by More Than Just Great Dancing® in 2023 as their Rookie Member of the Year.

Her teaching career spans three decades and she is celebrating her 24th anniversary as artistic director of Ballet Arts Conservatory of Tallahassee. She has served two terms as President for the Board of Directors of Florida State University’s School of Dance’s “Friends of Dance."

Mrs. Lowe’s teaching philosophy is to train young dancers in the healthiest, safest method possible all while enabling them to reach their highest potential at whatever age or skill level that might be. She's passionate about sharing her love for ballet and ballet wellness to Tallahassee youth.

VICTORIA BULECZA

Associate Artistic Director/Ballet, Contemporary, Conditioning

Victoria Bulecza holds a BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography from Florida Southern College. She trained extensively under Amy Lowe at Ballet Arts Conservatory of Tallahassee and danced as both a soloist and principal with the company performing featured roles in “Snow White,” “Christmas in Narnia,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Alice in Wonderland.”

While training at BACT, Tori taught classes in jazz and ballet and served as the founding chapter president of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts. Tori has had the privilege to work with choreographers such as Carolyn Dorfman, Melissa Rector, Jerry Opdenaker and Michael Foley and has performed in numerous works ranging from classical to modern.

While at FSC, Tori also studied exercise science and earned her AASDN nutrition specialist certification. She holds certification in Progressing Ballet Technique and has successfully completed the teacher training for Revolutionary Principles of Movement Level I certification as well as Alixa Flexibility and Acrobatic Arts. She aims to combine her passions for dance and wellness to encourage healthy training and performance practices in young dancers.

She teaches ballet and contemporary and serves as the company’s rehearsal mistress. She truly loves teaching contemporary, conditioning and ballet classes to Tallahassee youth.

Saige Whitaker

Enrollment and Outreach Coordinator, Children's Division

Saige Elyse Whitaker, an alumna of Florida State University, is following her passion for medicine and neurological research in the context of dance therapy. After discovering her love for dance in childhood, Saige rekindled her connection with ballet during her high school years. Her journey led her to Tallahassee, where she honed her skills and reignited her passion for ballet.

She furthered her training by attending summer intensives at acclaimed institutions such as Central Florida Ballet, Orlando Ballet, and most recently, Grand Rapids Ballet in Michigan, where she was granted a full scholarship. Guided by the mentorship of Amy Lowe, Saige has developed a profound appreciation for both classical and contemporary ballet styles.

As Saige advances in her career in neuroscience, she also nurtures her artistic aspirations. With a desire to seamlessly blend her medical pursuits with her love for dance, she envisions a future where she can contribute to both fields. Alongside her professional journey, Saige is dedicated to teaching classes in our Children's Division, while also taking on the roles of Enrollment Coordinator and Community Outreach Coordinator.

DANI MIELKE

Contemporary, Social Media and Customer Concierge Experience

Meet Dani Mielke, a Florida State University junior embracing her inaugural year at the Ballet Arts Conservatory of Tallahassee with boundless enthusiasm. Her dance journey encompasses training at Meg Segreto’s Dance Center and Calvary Christian Academy in the radiant expanse of South Florida. As a student, she graced the stage in numerous productions such as “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” “Sleeping Beauty,” “The Journey Home,” "Balanced: Concert in Dance," and "Make Art: A Concert in Dance." Within the latter, she even showcased her creative flair by choreographing two captivating contemporary pieces.

Adding to her diverse repertoire, Dani also took up the role of Lead Choreographer for tryouts and halftime routines in her school’s cheer team. Her engagement extended to her post as Secretary of her school's chapter of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts. With an aim to cultivate an atmosphere of inspiration, Dani ardently encourages students to channel their expressions through contemporary artistry. Her devotion to jazz and musical theater complements her affection for contemporary dance. Eager to educate, she aspires to nurture a secure haven where students can flourish in the realm of dance.

CELESTE STRESAU

Children's Division, Social Media and Customer Concierge Experience

Celeste Stresau, a freshman enrolled at Florida State University, hails originally from Fort Lauderdale. Her dance journey commenced at Ballet Elite Dance Studio and Calvary Christian Academy. With a decade of dedicated dance experience, Celeste's primary focus has been on honing her ballet skills. Throughout her academic years, she actively assisted in teaching ballet to young children, contributing to their growth.

As a testament to her commitment, Celeste engaged in an intensive endorsement program offered by her school, aiming to delve deeper into her training. This opportunity led her to various choreography experiences, including crafting routines for elementary musicals and school performances. Her creative involvement extended to numerous showcases both within her academic institution and dance studio. Notable productions she contributed to include "Sleeping Beauty," "The Journey Home," and "Make Art: a concert in dance."

Celeste's dedication also earned her the role of Historian within her school's chapter of the National Honors Society for Dance Arts. Now, embarking on a new chapter, she eagerly anticipates sharing her ballet expertise as a teacher this year.

LINDA BULECZA

Company Costume Designer

Linda Bulecza is the esteemed wardrobe mistress and costume designer for our ballet company. She began assisting with costumes and props for Alice in Wonderland in 2007, costuming three dancers in paper mache teapots, and creating realistic tree logs from chicken wire, canvas, and paint. She assumed the position of Wardrobe Mistress with the first production of Christmas in Narnia in 2011 and works closely with BACT's artistic director, Mrs.Lowe in designing and creating the unique look our dancers have on stage.

She has a special knack for creating unique and original costume designs that are specific to our company and our dancers. Linda retired as the Director of Staff Attorneys at the First District Court of Appeal and enjoys spending her time investing in her true passion, the arts. She has many expressive talents in addition to sewing, including jewelry designing and painting. But she is quick to point out that her favorite pastime is costuming the beautiful dancers of Ballet Arts Conservatory. She is the proud mother of an accomplished alumna dancer.

Testimonials

Today we say "Thank You!!!" to all the excellent and outstanding Ballet Arts Conservatory of Tallahassee (BACT) teachers! Special "thank you" to Ms. Amy for molding our children into confident dancers. Also, thank you, Ms. Tori, for your hard work with the girls!

Sharon A.

My daughter studied here for 12 years. It is the best dance instruction in the area. The ballet productions are professional quality. It is THE studio for the serious dancer.

Linda B.

Contact Us

ADDRESS & HOURS

2028 North Point Blvd, Tallahassee, Florida 32308

Monday: 3–8 PM

Tuesday: 3–8 PM

Wednesday: 3–8 PM

Thursday: 3–8 PM

Friday: Closed

Saturday: 9:30 AM–12 PM

Sunday: Closed

About

As Tallahassee’s top youth ballet school, we offer performance opportunities for dancers aged 4+ to enrich our students and community through dance, theater, and music. We stage two full ballets each season and perform small local shows. Our dancers have featured with the Tallahassee Youth Orchestra at Ruby Diamond Auditorium. Our regional youth ballet company mirrors a pre-professional training program's curriculum and commitment, providing professional performing arts enrichment for our dancers and community.

Opening Hours

Monday: 3–8 PM

Tuesday: 3–8 PM

Wednesday: 3–8 PM

Thursday: 3–8 PM

Friday: Closed

Saturday: 9:30 AM–12 PM

Sunday: Closed

Address: 2028 North Point Boulevard Tallahassee, Florida 32308

Telephone: (850) 510-1302

@ Copyright 2023 - Ballet Arts Conservatory of Tallahassee - All rights reserved