t h e
studio
w h e r e
story
l i v e s
turning
pain
into fine
art
life as art.
art as story.
story as redemption.
life as art. art as story. story as redemption.
move. make. master. lift.
Welcome to eleVe | the studio where story lives—the Upper Valley’s premier redemptive arts studio where meaning & making meet. At eleVe, we are committed to mastering fine art, curating inspiring spaces, and coming together as a community to turn pain into art. Founded by ballet dancer, trauma & cancer survivor, and award-winning writer, Victoria Sottosanti, eleVe was born out of the intersection of great passion and pain. Through our making, we ensure that no suffering or weakness goes to waste. In fact, we believe it’s life's rawest parts that serve as the main ingredient needed in the creation of lasting art.
Specializing in the creative disciplines of ballet, somatic dance, narrative movement, creative writing, and “storied design” services, we offer master-level, narrative-driven classes, practices, & services to large groups, customized cohorts, private clients, & specific projects.
What makes us unique is that all we do, provide, and teach—no matter the form—is shared and sculpted through the unmatched power and transformative lens of STORY. Whether you’re a dancer, a survivor in recovery, an artist, or local business who currently lacks the narrative spine needed to hold and grow your life, skills, or vision, eleVe exists for you.
We hope to hear your story soon! Together, let’s write something new.
e l e V e
Our Studio Where Story Lives is so much more than “one thing.” To try and define us is complicated. It still is (and will always be) an adaptive process of revision (the Writer’s best friend). We’re a dance studio, but we’re not just a studio where people dance. We primarily teach adults, but also kids. We offer fine-arts education, but there are no traditional applications necessitating qualifications. We are a premium creative arts studio with premium pricing, but we also fund scholarships to those who lack stability due to a lifetime of surviving. We are a studio where advanced artists can be inspired and challenged, and we’re a welcoming space for beginners who have little to no knowledge. We take our art with the utmost seriousness, and we laugh—quite often—in every creative space. We are a physical home studio in WRJ, and we are the many satellite spaces we rent from local partners with similar aims. We are an official independent arts business (LLC), and we carry profound philanthropic dreams.
But, if you’re more of a bullet-point-person, here’s a multifaceted definition via list:
a step in ballet when a dancer’s heels lift from flat off the ground
an essence of lifting (or being lifted) up
a safe space to land, learn, & make
an atmosphere curated to commune & create
a sanctuary of healing & change
that fine arts place where you’re known by name
the studio where story lives
Praise for e l e V e
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A Safe Space
“I’d have a much harder time staying sober without this place.”
— anonymous artist -
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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
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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 -
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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 -
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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 -
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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 -
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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 -
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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 -
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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
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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 -
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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 -
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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
