RuthZiegler

Ruth Ziegler

Ruth Ziegler began her study of classical ballet as part of her training as a competitive gymnast during her middle school, and high
school years, while living in the San Fernando Valley. After graduation from high school, she moved to central coast area of
California, and devoted herself to furthering her ballet training while attending Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo. She
performed with Cal Poly's dance company, Orchesis. She also performed with the San Luis Ballet Theater for several seasons and
was featured in such diverse ballet productions as "Pas de Quatre", "The Story of Ruth" (an original ballet based on biblical
themes), Afternoon of a Faun, and the Nutcracker. During that time, she was fortunate to have been able to study both the art of
dancing and (her second love) the art of teaching with Gilbert Reed and Zory Karah.
In 1985, she assumed to role of studio co-owner/head of the ballet division of the Central Coast School of Dance in Los Osos. In
that capacity, she taught classes for both children and adults, and served as Artistic Director of the studio's Festival Ballet
Company. The Festival Ballet mounted a full-length Nutcracker each December and a smaller production in the spring, featuring
original chamber ballet pieces.
After moving to the Santa Barbara area in 1989, she continued her classical studies with Susan Magno (former Joffrey ballet
principal) and Arturo Fernandez. She founded a children's ballet company, Ballet La Jeunesse, in 1990 and was recognized by the
Ventura Arts Council for her full length children's ballets, "Country Fair" and "Alice's Tea Party" and for her outreach program of
lecture-demonstrations which brought dance to local elementary schools.
Ms. Ziegler continues to devote herself to both dancing and teaching. She believes that dance is the expression of the joy that is in
one's heart, expressed through movement. She strives to foster that joy and encourage beautiful movement in her classes, which
combine elements from both the Russian and the English schools of classical ballet, sound biomechanics, musicality and
opportunities for creative expression.
Ms. Ziegler is currently obtaining her Pilates certification from Stott Pilates, and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in French from Cal
State Fullerton.