The idea for Coastal Ballet Center for the Arts was born out of Catharine and Zuri Goldman's shared vision to create a space where aspiring dancers could receive high-quality training. After their careers as professional ballet dancers, they settled in Encinitas and transitioned to teaching, where they have continued to inspire and mentor young dancers.
At Coastal Ballet, we are dedicated to providing a premier ballet education and fostering a lifelong passion for the arts. Our mission extends beyond dance techniques to encompass the holistic wellness of our students, emphasizing the development of the heart, mind, body, and soul. We support physical conditioning and mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
OUR FOUNDERS
Coastal Ballet delivers expert training via seasoned instructors and a curriculum designed to cultivate technical proficiency and artistic sensitivity. We strive to maintain a nurturing environment that welcomes diversity and fosters individual growth.
Zuri Goldman
DIRECTOR
Catharine Grow Goldman
DIRECTOR
Zuri started ballet at age 20 -- yes, 20 – at North Carolina School of the Arts and four years later got his first professional job. He danced professionally around the world for 15 years before Catharine brought him to Encinitas, where they now live, and has been teaching with her ever since. Zuri brings his (slightly crazy, wildly fun) energy, creativity and sense of humor to his teaching and to life.
Zuri's professional journey began at North Carolina Dance Theater, under the direction of Sal Aiello, and led him to perform with companies including Indianapolis Ballet, Ballet Met, Ohio Ballet, and Ballet San Jose. Additionally, he has made guest appearances with Ballet Arizona and The Move. His repertoire features diverse ballets, perhaps most noteworthy was Alonzo King, who choreographed two pieces specifically for him, including the acclaimed pas de deux, Heaven and Earth. A career highlight was his performance of the Prince in The Nutcracker alongside Catharine who played the role of Maria (Clara) at Ballet San Jose.
Throughout his career, Zuri has been dedicated to teaching students of all ages and levels at institutions throughout the United States, France, Germany, and Italy, and at places such as UNCSA, Pasadena Dance Theater, CalArts, and Performing Arts Workshop.
Zuri will teach adult ballet, Ballet 3 and Ballet 4.
Catharine’s ballet training began at age seven in Encinitas at Janice Lee’s School of Ballet. She danced professionally for 15 years primarily with Cleveland San Jose Ballet. In 2010, she retired from the stage and returned to Encinitas, and has been teaching students of all ages ever since. She believes hard work and strong discipline can be combined with joy and a deep love for the art, and is quick to share her tips and tricks of the trade.
Professionally, Catharine has danced with the Milwaukee Ballet Company and Ballet San Jose. She was honored to perform principal roles such as Long Tall Sally in Dennis Nahat’s Blue Suede Shoes, Maria in The Nutcracker, The Rancher’s Daughter in Agnes de Mille’s Rodeo, and The Lover in Antony Tudor’s Lilac Garden. Her repertoire also includes soloist performances in Balanchine’s Who Cares? and Theme and Variations, Dennis Nahat’s Celebrations and Ode, as well as in Giselle, Swan Lake, and Twyla Tharp’s Baker’s Dozen.
Alongside Zuri, Catharine had the privilege of touring with Sylvia in Italy, France and Germany. Her film credits include a role as a Tango Dancer in the movie Rent.
She is certified in the Gyrotonic Expansion System and in Gyrokinesis.
Catharine will teach Intro to Ballet, Ballet 1 and Ballet 2.
