Andrea Paris-Gutierrez, Artistic Director/CEO

In business for 22 years, Los Angeles Ballet Academy teaches ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap, hip-hop, Pilates and preschool dance and is home of the nonprofit Los Angeles Youth Ballet Theater and Theatrics Dance Company. Last year the company launched its adult fitness and ballet program, LABA4LIFE. Owner Andrea Paris-Gutierrez is from Auckland, New Zealand. She danced professionally in a classical ballet company and then in Broadway productions, film and television. She and her husband, Iker, live in Lake Balboa. Their son, Dylan, is a professional dancer with the Joffrey Ballet Company, and their daughter, Veronica, plans to study with the Joffrey Academy and Hubbard Street Dance this summer after graduating from high school.

What sets Los Angeles Ballet Academy apart from the rest?

“The level of the dancers at LABA is exceptional and on a parallel with many professional (audition-only) schools across the country and abroad. We expect excellence from our students, and they achieve it. Our team of teachers not only are highly qualified, but they work together to produce performances and technical training that is at the top of the field.”

Do you support charitable organizations that help children?

“We ourselves are a nonprofit organization and work to provide scholarships to further the training of children from all socio-economic backgrounds. Very talented students without the funds to train for a ballet career are not turned away at LABA. We are also currently looking for sponsors to send dancers to New York City for the Youth America Grand Prix. To support a talented student, contact us at andreaparis@laballet.com. Donations are tax-deductible. We match all donations in funding talent in the San Fernando Valley.”

Tell us about your summer program.

“We have a great Summer Intensive session; don’t wait to enroll because we fill up. Check the enrollment dates or call us to make sure you don’t miss out.”

What would you like kids and parents to know about your business?

“LABA strives to teach dance to the highest standards and safe practice. We are members of the Royal Academy of Dance, an international organization that monitors teaching standards and practices and encourages continuing education. We teach dedication, commitment and discipline to our students. We have a strong sense of community, and even though we work hard, we have fun.”