boutique

fine arts
& dance

studio

in the Upper Valley

𝕨𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕞𝕖𝕒𝕟𝕚𝕟𝕘 & 𝕞𝕒𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕞𝕖𝕖𝕥

booking & registration

adult ballet

youth dance

private lessons

somatic movement

the backstory
eleVe ballet
class calendar
eleVe booking page

Welcome to eleVe | the studio where story lives.
We are a boutique fine arts & dance studio in Vermont’s Upper Valley.

As a multi-modal, independently-owned, creative arts business, we teach the transformative practice of turning personal story & pain into fine art. Our story-driven mediums are classical & contemporary ballet, somatic dance, narrative movement, and our MFA-led classes & cohorts.

Founded by Victoria Sottosanti (MFA) — award-winning writer, trained ballet dancer, veteran instructor, breast cancer survivor & mental health advocate — eleVe was born at the intersection of great passion & pain. For that reason, no suffering or weakness goes to waste. We believe it is the darkest parts of life that are the primary raw materials one needs to make lasting art.

eleVe aims to bridge the gap between excellence and accessibility, providing premium fine arts education & experiences that are (too often) exclusive to society’s elite. At eleVe, every story has a seat. Come join us at “the studio where story lives” and partake with us in the disciplined dreaming of mastering fine art.

One of our goals is to become a fully-funded arts business that sustains a vibrant local ecosystem of independent artists & the art they make. Being for-profit also allows us to provide full and partial scholarships to those who have survived cancer, trauma, & addiction — offering a new and life-changing way to cope with life’s pain.

𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓽𝓾𝓭𝓲𝓸 𝔀𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝓼𝓽𝓸𝓻𝔂 𝓵𝓲𝓿𝓮𝓼

✿

𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓽𝓾𝓭𝓲𝓸 𝔀𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝓼𝓽𝓸𝓻𝔂 𝓵𝓲𝓿𝓮𝓼 ✿

s t u d e n t s t o r i e s

  • Exceptional Instruction

    “After training in major hubs like New York, Montreal, and Nashville, I can confidently say that Victoria’s instruction is uniquely tailored to the needs of her individual students. My growth is a direct result of her exceptional guidance.”

    — Adams, Intermediate Adult

  • A Shame-Free Space

    "I have never seen Victoria suggest that any body shape or size does not belong in a studio. She meets my body where it is with humor and support, fostering an environment where correct technique always comes first."

    — Adult Student

  • Never Too Late

    I always wanted to do ballet as a kid and teen, but I was told I “wasn’t a dancer.” I wasted many years chasing the wrong things. Then Victoria came along in my thirties and told me it’s never too late. I’m so glad I listened. ” — eleVe ballet co dancer

  • Awesome Atmosphere

    “eleVe is so different than your typical dance studio. It’s nice to have a group of adults to dance with who aren’t afraid to laugh at themselves. Victoria’s authenticity sets the tone. The stories she shares in class are rich with specifics, from the heart, and often….hilarious.”

    — Adult Dancer

  • Poetry in Motion


    "Victoria helps you experience the beauty of how ballet is often described as 'poetry in motion' in a way that feels accessible and deeply personal. Her classes are the highlight of my week!"

    — Jessica, Adult Dancer

  • The Newcomer's Sanctuary

    "As a complete beginner at 27, I found a sanctuary at eleVe. Victoria is friendly & fun, her energy—uplifting and safe—making an intimidating art form feel like home."


    — J.C. Beginner Adult

  • Learning Together


    "As an adult beginner, I am so thankful for this supportive environment. In Victoria's classes, I’ve had the unique opportunity to observe and learn alongside dancers of all ages, levels, and backgrounds."


    — Founding Student

  • Confidence & Poise

    "At eleVe, Victoria has created something truly special. I’m not only learning ballet—I’m becoming more confident and poised in my life as a woman, mom, and wife."

    — eleVe Ballet Co Dancer

  • Feels Like Family

    "Unlike larger studios where you feel like just another face in the crowd, Victoria fosters a 'family' atmosphere. Her classes are rigorously challenging, yet infectious with lighthearted energy."

    — Founding Dancer

  • Tailored Progress

    "Through semi-privates and open classes, I’ve seen a massive improvement in what my forty-something-year-old body can do. Victoria pushes me while respecting my agency and my awareness of what I’m capable of each day."

    — Alison, Adult Student

  • Classical Repertoire, a Joy

    "Ballet integrates music and structured movement to produce beauty. Victoria communicates her love of the art through careful instruction and a warm, accepting atmosphere, striving to make the classical repertoire a joy."

    — Ellen, Private Pointe Student

  • A Safe Space

    “I’d have a much harder time staying sober without this place.”

    — anonymous artist