AS BALLETT GmbH

Founded in 1996 in Köniz near Bern by Sônia Melo and Alfonso Bausilio, the AS Ballet School is based on the legacy of two artists with international careers marked by excellence.
Sônia Melo, trained in Brazil, was a soloist with the São Paulo City Ballet, the Rio de Janeiro Ballet Company, and the Grand Théâtre de Genève before joining the Stadttheater Bern, where she danced and choreographed for over ten years.
Alfonso Bausilio, trained in Naples, has performed as a soloist at major opera houses such as La Fenice in Venice, the Opera in Rome, the Ballet Royal de Wallonie, and the Israel Ballet. He has also left his mark as a dancer at the Stadttheater Bern.
With a wealth of experience working with personalities such as Rudolf Nureyev, Fernando Bujones, and Wilfride Piollet, they put their knowledge at the service of future generations of dancers—with high standards, goodwill, and passion.

In August 2025, the AS Ballet School begins a new chapter in its history. Yannick Bittencourt, son of the founders, joins forces with Grégory Dominiak joining the artistic direction of the school. Both are former dancers with the Opéra de Paris and hold French state diplomas as dance teachers.
“Returning to the school where I took my first steps alongside my parents is like returning to my roots and a great honor for me. Together with Grégory, we want to start a new chapter that remains true to the school's heritage while looking to the future.”
— Yannick Bittencourt
The founders Sônia Melo (back from New York) and Alfonso Bausilio will continue to teach and ensure direct transmission between generations and educational continuity.