teachers

Teachers & Admin

Robbie Downey

Robbie has been dancing for 18+ years.
She has trained at the top pre-professional ballet programs in the United States including Ellison Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Ballet Arte, California Ballet, San Diego Academy of Dance, San Diego Ballet, and Master Ballet Academy.
Robbie placed in the top 3 three years in a row at Youth America Grand Prix and was invited to compete at USA International Ballet Competition (IBC). IBC is by audition and invitation only.
She has danced in professional productions with California Ballet, San Diego Ballet, Phoenix Ballet and Colorado Ballet.
Roles include Clara, Sugar Plum Fairy, Snow Queen, Spanish, Walz Queen and more.
Robbie has appeared as a guest artist in several galas.
In addition to her training and performance experience Robbie has taught children and adults at several dance studios in California, Arizona and Colorado for the last 6 years. Robbie also teaches online dance classes through Zoom and has created pre-recorded workshops for hundreds of dancers to improve their technique and turns. She has been an online instructor since 2016.
She has been sponsored by Gaynor Minden, So Danca, Lucky Leo Dancewear, Jule Dancewear, Fré Skincare and other products.
Robbie is a successful social media influencer and her Youtube channel has over 26 million views. Her Facebook page has over 500k+ followers and Instagram has 40k+. TikTok has 11K+.
She has appeared twice in Dance Spirit Magazine… “Meet 3 Dancers Who Vlog” and “So You Think You Need a Website” and was Dance Spirit Magazine’s Cover Model Search Editor’s Choice Video Winner.
Read more at robbiedowney.com

Kyla Downey

Kyla has been dancing and performing since she was 4 years old.
She has trained with top instructors across the nation and has attended prestigious ballet schools such as Ellison Ballet (NYC), Forrest Academy of Ballet (NYC), Master Ballet Academy (AZ), San Diego Ballet, San Diego Academy of Ballet, Ballet Arte, and California Ballet.
She trained on full summer scholarship with Duncan Cooper (Dance Theatre of Harlem) and attended the coveted Jackson IBC ballet intensive in Mississippi.
Kyla has performed roles such as little Alice in Alice in Wonderland, Mouse King, Chinese, Russian, and Clara in the Nutcracker as well as many more.
She also won Regionals and Nationals (Junior Olympics) for trampoline at just 7 years old after less than 6 months in training.
Kyla is currently a Fashion student at community college and plays guitar.

Gina Downey (Admin & Marketing)

It’s a family affair! Gina (mom to Robbie and Kyla) has over 18 years of experience navigating the ballet industry. From summer intensives, to performances, to competitions and private lessons. She has been knee (or chin) deep in all of it. She understands the inner workings, ups and downs and the politics of ballet. With her vast experience she aims to make your experience enjoyable, fair and fun! She has used her marketing background to launch ballet apparel and the online school mentioned in Robbie’s bio. Her marketing experience stems from years in the luxury automotive industry and creating her own brands. She is currently working as the Chief Marketing Officer for a Los Angeles based company. Gina is a big advocate for enrolling your children in ballet. The talent, character and work ethic she sees in her daughters is certainly the result of it. It is a commitment for the students but the parents as well. When your kids see you involved and supporting them it pays off!

West Coast Ballet School is a small, family owned business. But we have big dreams and goals just like you. We welcome your children to join us as a hobbyist or someone with more serious intentions. Everyone is welcome to join in the fun and grow with us. We plan to develop a competition program for those that are interested and add performances in the near future. We are also developing West Coast Ballet Company.

The long term mission of West Coast Ballet School is to provide pre-professional training for all levels including serious ballet dancers that aim to compete nationally and internationally. Training is suitable for those that plan to seek a professional career in dance or apply to college dance programs. WCBS will serve children 4 and up as well as adults who wish to experience the wonderful world of ballet as a hobby. We are strongly committed to community outreach and opportunities for youth with physical, developmental, intellectual, emotional, and sensory disabilities as well as the under-resourced. Our company culture is one that promotes nurturing, kindness, compassion, self confidence, and a strong work ethic.