The School

The Excelsior School of Dance and Performing Arts is director by mother and daughter team, Sonja Staines and Liza Pollok, who relocated from the Sunshine Coast of Queensland, Australia to Texas, USA, bring with them the Sonshine Christian Ballet Syllabus.

The Excelsior School of Dance and Performing Arts welcomes new students to study under the Sonshine Christian Ballet Syllabus, which is based on European and Australian standards, which teach the traditional building blocks from which all dance can be performed. The styles of dance we teach include Classical Ballet, Modern, and Tap Dance and drama.

Our program includes:
• Structured ballet syllabus
• Modern, tap, hip hop and drama classes
• An annual theatrical ballet performance

Our Syllabus
The syllabus, Sonshine Christian Ballet, with twelve levels of ballet, enhances the learning process, providing individualized instruction that encompasses both technique and expression/artistry.

Benefits of Syllabus for a student
• Your student will be in a class with others of the same level.
• Provides a detail outline and plan for each student, each year.
• As the director, I know what each student is being taught each year. I know what they had last year, and will have next year.
• Class structure is guided by the syllabus, which insures that no area of ballet training is neglected.
• Exams: testing of learned and practiced curriculum for assessment and personal achievement.
• Achievable goal setting.

Annual Performance
Our annual ballets, with their inspirational messages, are held in a local theatre. Students are part of a bigger picture, as they gain performance experience in a ballet along with senior and professional dancers. Learn more.

For detailed class descriptions, see the Curriculum page.

Undergraduate Opportunities
The Excelsior School of Dance and Performing Arts is the feeder school into the performing professional Christian ballet company, Ballet Excelsior of Houston, which is directed by Liza Pollok.

Additionally, Level 7 and Level 8 students are eligible for the Teacher Diploma & Certification and the Associate of Arts Degree in Ministry (dance) offered in conjunction with the Liberty Theological Seminary of Alabama and the Sonshine Theater Company.

Discipline, confidence, and skills are developed in a Christian environment along with life-long friendships and ministries.