Ruth Ziegler has been in love with ballet her whole life.  She began her early studies in classical ballet as part of her training in competitive gymnastics. Her primary training as both a student and a teacher is from the Royal Academy of Dance.  She continues to attend workshops and continuing education courses from that organization to be able to offer her students classes that provide excellent classical training, with opportunity for artistic expression.  While residing in California, Ms. Ziegler was co-owner of Central Coast School of Dance. She served as Artistic Director of Ballet La Jeunesse, and in addition to presenting yearly Nutcracker Ballet and other stage productions, she was active in community arts outreach programs, receiving grants from local arts councils to aid with her dance arts education activities.

Excellence in teaching is her passion. She has been privileged to take classes from major teachers in the dance world, among them  Arturo Fernandez (Lines Ballet), Zory Karah (Academy of Ballet San Francisco) Susan Magno (former principal, Joffrey Ballet), Stanley Holden (Royal Ballet)

Ms. Ziegler is also passionate about dancer wellness.  She is a Stott Pilates trained instructor in mat and reformer, with an emphasis in Pilates for Dancers, and is certified in all three levels of The Progressing Ballet Technique.  Ms. Ziegler recently completed The Perfect Form Physiotherapy Dance Teacher and Practitioner Training.

Ms. Ziegler graduated with honors from Cal State Fullerton, receiving a BA in French, with concentrated studies in world music, music history and music theory.  She is happy to be able to share her love of ballet with dancers at Hathaway Academy of Ballet.