LARGO, Fla. — Two long-time dancers trying to make classical ballet more accessible teamed up to create what they boast as the only professional classical ballet company based in the Bay area.

“We just felt that the voice that was missing was a ballet company, and that’s what Coastal Ballet is,” said Lauren Birnbaum, executive director and co-founder of Coastal Ballet of Florida.

What You Need To Know • Lauren Birnbaum and Heather Ossola founded the Coastal Ballet of Florida • The two long-time dancers said their goal was to make classical ballet more accessible • Coastal Ballet of Florida will take center stage Saturday, Oct. 18 at the Central Park Performing Arts Center in Largo • Get more information and tickets here

“It makes me very proud that we are the only professional c

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