Ruth Balestra's interest in dance began when she attended her first dance lesson at the age of 10. While pursuing her Bachelor of Fine and Performing Arts degree at Youngstown State University, Ruth worked on refining and really developing her Ballet technique skills. She toured extensively with and served as president of the YSU Dance Ensemble. In addition, she was a member of the YSU Dance Line and performed in numerous dance productions. At Kent State University, she studied the Horton and Lamon' Modern techniques, both at the professional level. In April of 2009, Ruth and her ballet students went to New York City to participate in a master class with Finis Jhung, a former legendary principal dancer with "The Joffrey" and "San Francisco Ballet" Companies.

Between 2002–2004, Ruth choreographed several productions for the Youngstown Playhouse, including Can Can, Idora Park, Mame and Cinderella. She is also the former choreographer for East Palestine, Boardman, Liberty, New Springfield and Wilson High School Dance Lines. Ruth was the choreographer for the Struthers High School Show Choir from 1991–1993.

Ruth is a certified Step Aerobics instructor through The American Aerobic Association and the International Sports Medicine Association. She is also certified through NETA (National Exercise Trainers Association).

Kaitlyn Fabian is a sixth year children’s Ballet and Jazz Instructor at Ruth’s Dance and Fitness Co.,LLC. Having received her dance training from Ruth , Kaitlyn carries the same philosophies of solid training and technique combined with personal and caring instruction. After beginning her training at age ten, Kaitlyn fell in love with the art of dance and fully dedicated herself to the pursuit of excellence. Her determination has led her to being cast in several lead roles and solos in a number of performances during her years of training.

Some of Kaitlyn’s past repertoire includes dancing with the Moscow Ballet’s “Great Russian Nutcracker” in Youngstown, where she performed “The Arabian Dance,” “The Russian Dance,” and “The Butterfly.” Most recently, Kaitlyn was a featured dancer in Ruth’s 2010 spring recital, “Cinderella,” where she was cast as the “Fairy Godmother.” Kaitlyn attended a summer dance intensive at Ballet Magnificat, a professional Christian ballet company, in Mississippi in 2007.

In addition, she is a member of the dance team at her local church. Kaitlyn debuted several self-choreographed ballet solos at Ruth’s past recitals, and other church and college venues. Most recently she choreographed a modern dance duet to Michael Jackson’s “Will You Be There,” at Ruth’s 2010 spring recital. She also had the opportunity to dance ballet and Modern dances at Disney World in January of 2007.

Victoria Climo began her dance training at age three with Ruth, placing a specific focus on ballet. Over the past 17 years, she has studied Classical Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, and Modern dance. In addition to performing, she has been a Ballet and Jazz Instructor for Ruth since 2006. Victoria has performed at various venues locally in the Youngstown area and around the country over the years. In January 2007, she performed at Magic Kingdom at Disney World, with Ruth’s production team, where they danced excerpts from “The Lion King.” Victoria auditioned and was cast in the “Spanish Dance” in the Moscow Ballet’s “Great Russian Nutcracker,” held at the DeYor Performing Arts Center in December of 2007. In June of 2008, Victoria danced the lead role of “Christine” in Ruth’s company production of “The Phantom of the Opera.” Victoria studied in April 2009 in New York City under Finis Jhung, a dance coach involved with Broadway’s “Billy Elliot,” and who was also a former Principal dancer with the Joffrey and San Francisco Ballet companies. In May of 2009, Victoria played the role of “Tanya” in Ruth’s dance production of “Mamma Mia,” where she was able to have several lead dancing roles. In November of 2009, Victoria was interviewed and selected to attend the “Beginnings Workshop” in New York with renowned talent scout and Broadway Producer, Peter Sklar.

Laura Bobby, who has been a student of Ruth’s for the past seven years, is currently a Hip Hop Instructor at Ruth’s Dance and Fitness Co.,LLC. She also assists Ruth with children’s classes in Ballet and Jazz. This past spring of 2010, Laura choreographed a Hip Hop piece to “Black or White,” in our “Michael Jackson Music Tribute.” Laura is a former choreographer for the Youngstown Christian High School musicals. During her last two years in high school she choreographed, “The Wizard of Oz” and “My Fair Lady.” Some of Laura’s repertoire includes dancing excerpts from “The Lion King” at Magic Kingdom in January of 2007, and she also was an “Angel” in “The Great Russian Nutcracker” when the Moscow Ballet performed in Youngstown in Dec. of 2007. Laura enjoys teaching Hip Hop the most, but also enjoys and respects the disciplines of Ballet and Jazz techniques.