OUR TEAM

Professional, Qualified, Experienced

SHARON SOBEL IDUL

Artistic Director and Owner

Sharon Sobel Idul, a Pittsburg native & mother of two, began her ballet training at the age three through the City of Pittsburg. She then studied under Helga Ishikata at Delta Ballet Academy from age 7 to 18. Sharon joined Delta Children's Ballet Theatre in 1992 and performed in principal roles of The Little Match Girl, Enchanted Toy Shoppe, Peter and the Wolf, and Bolero. Sharon was the recipient of the 2004 Jason Robins Dance Scholarship and holds a degree in Dance from Cal State University, Long Beach, where she studied under accomplished dance educators and choreographers Sophie Monat, Alaine Haubert, Keith Johnson, Sharon McKinney, Douglas Neilson, and many other guest instructors. During her time at CSU-Long Beach, she performed original ballet pieces, as well as historical ballets such as Balanchine’s Serenade and Petipa’s Les Slyphides, while dancing with Peninsula Ballet Theatre during visits to the Bay Area.

Sharon was the owner of Delta Ballet Academy from 2007-2014. In 2008 debuted as Artistic Director of Delta Children’s Ballet Theatre with the premiere of Peter Pan. In 2009, she helped form Black Diamond Ballet - East County's First Professional Ballet Company - a non-profit organization, whose annual production of the Nutcracker is performed at the Creative Arts Building each December. She is an active member of the Soroptimist International of Pittsburg. In 2017, she joined the Pittsburg High School staff to offer dance to 10th-12th graders. She was awarded a Master of the Arts in Education 2019 and holds a single-subject credential in Physical Education. In the fall of 2020, she was named Teacher of the Season by Special Olympics North America for her dedication to students with special needs through the Unified Sports programs, Pitt Unify, and Unified Dance she leads at Pittsburg High School.

Sharon is committed to the giving back to a community that has given her so much throughout the years and is thrilled to come home to Pittsburg and provide the community with arts education at Pittsburg Performing Arts Academy.

ANDREA HERRERA

Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical, Jazz

Andrea began her ballet training at Delta Ballet Academy in Antioch, CA at age 9 under Helen Piernik and artistic director emeritus, Helga Ishikata. She continued training in ballet, contemporary, and jazz at Delta Ballet until age 18 under Ricky Navarro, Michael Lowe, and artistic director, Sharon Sobel Idul. She has competed in national competitions including YAGP and performed with Delta Children’s Ballet Theater, Peninsula Ballet, Black Diamond Ballet Theater, and Menlowe Ballet. Andrea teaches throughout the Bay Area and is on staff with Pittsburg Performing Arts Academy. Andrea holds a B.A. in Linguistics and Communications from U.C. Davis.

NATALIA HERNANDEZ

Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Tap

Natalia grew up in Antioch, CA and started at the age of 3. She attended Delta Ballet Academy under the direction of Helga Ishikata, started competing with their team by age 5. In 2007, Delta Ballet Academy switched ownership to Sharon Sobel Idul , but she continued to compete and dance.
In addition to competing, she performed in various productions under Delta Children's Ballet Theatre (now DBA as Black Diamond Ballet), including Peter Pan, Pinocchio, The Little Match Girl, and more recently, the Nutcracker. She followed the studio to Pittsburg and continued studying under the new name - Pittsburg Performing Arts Academy. While attending Deer Valley High School, she joined the dance team, advanced dance ensemble, and was awarded, "overall best performer." She's excited to join the PPAA family and share her many years of dance with the next generation.

SARA LEYVA

Yoga, Arco/Tumbling

Hi! I’m Sara Leyva, a registered yoga instructor and gymnastics coach.

I began practicing yoga years ago when I was looking for a way to help reduce stress and anxiety. Throughout my journey, which includes over 200 hours of training, I have reinvigorated myself both mentally and physically. As an instructor, I strive to meet each student at her or his own level of practice. With my light-hearted and fun approach to teaching, I encourage anyone in the community, even if you are new to yoga, to come explore with me!

I competed in 3 styles of gymnastics over a course of 12 years: competitive, team, and acro. My years of coaching ages 3-13, was such an enriching experience for me. I love helping students build self confidence on and off the tumbling mat, all while having fun!

MYLA BENJAMIN

Substitute Dance Teacher

Myla Benjamin has been dancing at a young age and has been dancing ever since. She danced at Delta Ballet Academy and Pittsburg Performing Arts Academy as a graduating senior. She also performed in Black Diamond Ballet’s Nutcracker since 2012 and played some roles such as Arabian Coffee and the Rat Queen. Myla is currently working and dancing at Pittsburg Performing Arts Academy and is also an honor student at Los Medanos College.

MARLENE GUZMAN

Office Assistant

Coming soon!