Sarah Engle (Teacher and Co-Founder)

Sarah was inspired to learn ballet at the age of 7 after watching Ballet Magnificat’s performance of “Savior”.

After a year of praying that the Lord would provide a ballet school for her to attend, one of the company members of Ballet Magnificat started a Christian ballet school in her home town in Michigan. 

Sarah began her training at Turning Pointe School of dance at the age of 8 years old and continued with them, dancing with the Senior Ensemble, in their many Christian inspired original performances. During these years in Michigan Sarah also co-owned, co-directed, taught and choreographed with her sister for On your Toes school of dance before relocating to Virginia in 2007.

Once in Virginia Sarah continued her training taking classes as a day student with Virginia School of the Arts. 

She attended several summer programs including Grand Rapids Ballet, Joffrey Midwest, Kaatsbaan Ballet Intensive, and the Carolina Ballet where she had exposure to excellent instruction from various professional backgrounds. 

Eventually deciding that she did not desire a career in the secular dance world, Sarah put away her pointe shoes believing that chapter of life was closed. 

 It was shortly after that she was approached to teach for Laura Dunn at Ballet Aresko in Lynchburg VA.

This turned to be the highlight of Sarah’s years of dancing. 

It gave her opportunity to take all that she loved of the Art of Ballet and not only give it as a gift to her students, but also do so with the heart and focus that she saw to be needful and healthy for the young students, striving to create an atmosphere that delights In the gifts God has given without distorting them with the lies that our culture imposes. 

Sarah taught for Ballet Aresko pre-ballet through advanced classes, and also served as co-director and assistant choreographer for many of their performances. 

For young students, Sarah implements creativity as well as developmental technique to help the little minds and bodies develop to be able to handle more complex movement. She works to create an engaging and fun environment where a love for dance and creativity is fostered. 

For Older students Sarah pushes for excellence and proper technique while working to help each individual student enjoy the art form as God has given them ability, encouraging each in their unique strengths.

Juliet Sage (Teacher and Co-Founder)

For years, Juliet Sage has dreamed of teaching ballet and inspiring artistry at a Christ-centered ballet studio where Juliet can share her love of dance and passion for Christ through encouraging students. In 2024, Juliet, along with her husband, Sarah Engle, and Rebecca Craddock, decided to found Elaia Academy to offer a Biblically-centered arts school focused on pursuing excellence for the glory of God. 

Juliet received formal ballet training through Ballet Aresko for seven years under the instruction of Laura Windship Dunn, Sarah Engle, and Joselyn Horn, and has experience dancing multiple roles in Aresko's performances, including Spanish and Arabian in The Nutcracker, and the Doll from A Little Princess.   

Rebecca Craddock (Teacher and Co-Founder)

Bio coming soon...

Ruth Patti (Teacher)