I took my daughter so she can try out for ballet at Contessi Ballet and she loved it. She tried out…read morefor the age group 6-9yrs old. I had a few questions since every ballet company works a bit differently and I was happy that the staff was quick to response and answered all my questions. It's a small ballet studio in a beautiful community of Penngrove. There is a park near it as well as a Penngrove Market. I liked the atmosphere and what I saw the first two classes I attended. Parents are welcome to stay to watch the class if they like or take advantage and finished those last minute errands you might have while your child it's at ballet. The teacher is nice but firm and she runs the class smoothly. She has a good handle on the kids and most important she knows how to talk to them. She makes sure everyone gets a turn and sees that everyone is in the right position otherwise she'll correct them. She makes the class a learning experience but fun but at the same time. There isn't a water fountain in the studio so make sure you bring water or you can purchase from the snack Bar water bottles or snacks. There is plenty of Parking so no worry there.

(( This business is also known as "Contessi Ballet". I will be reviewing the Adult Ballet division…read more )) Located in Penngrove's historic train depot building, Contessi Ballet has a warm, community feeling and they embrace dancers of all ages, shapes, and sizes. At my first class, I was warmly welcomed by the staff and dancers. They offer a decent compliment of adult ballet classes, including two levels of pointe. They offer classes both in the mornings and in the evenings, making it easy for a busy adult to take class during our ever-changing schedules. Best of all (and what attracted me to the studio in the first place), they allow their adult dancers to perform dancing roles in their productions, and even join the NBPA company if they qualify. The company class on Saturdays also offers pas de deux. The studio holds both a winter production (The Nutcracker), and a spring production. The only issues I would put forth is the cleanliness of the floor (I would prefer it to be a bit cleaner), and the temperatures in the studio can fluctuate, so dancers are encouraged to bring layers. I feel that more corrections could be given during classes (some of the teachers are young and seem hesitant), and perhaps more teacher/pedagogical training could be provided for the instructors. A great studio for adults who wish to pursue dance!

When I first moved with my family to Sonoma County, I was just an awkward, uncoordinated young…read moreballet and tap dancer wanting to expand my lessons. We met with John Ross and did lessons in Foxtrot, Ballroom, Waltz, Tango, and many others. After that, I managed to gain some coordination and my passion for organized dance grew into Salsa, Bachata, Swing, and more. Now approaching our upcoming wedding, I didnt even think twice about who to chalenge with trying to teach our families how to dance for our special day because I knew John Ross was the man for the job. We scheduled a private lesson for us as a couple for our first dance, and to teach my dad and my fiance's mom for the father-daughter and mother-son dances. We did have our dance song picked out, and John didn't hesitate to step in helping us pick a song for us together as a group. My mom, future mother in law and I have all had extensive dance lessons and were very much at home on the dance floor. My dad, future father in law and my fiance have had not very many lessons, and yet with John's expertise and over 30 years of teaching, we all ended our lessons feeling relatively confident and excited about our progress we made together. It was a wonderful bonding experience for all of us. Regardless of if you're a seasoned pro, or a newbie with two left feet, trust John Ross to bring out the dancer within you. Take some lessons at this local studio and feel for yourself the breadth of fun you can have solo or with a partner/date. Competitive pricing, convenient location, variety of classes and years of experience make The Ballroom second to none for dance lessons in Sonoma County.

I have been dancing with John at the Ballroom for 4 years and it has been an amazing experience…read more If you are single or a couple he makes you feel comfortable right away. That is how I started with him as a beginning ballroom dancer at the age of 70 and now we compete together. This is the best thing I could have done for myself. John is now teaching in Sebastapol and Santa Rosa.

Congratulations to the O'Brien Center of the Arts for 2 things. (1) for your move to a new…read morelocation closer to downtown, at 226 Petaluma Blvd N, Petaluma. Also (2) for your fantastic original performance of a ballet story set in at the Paris Worlds Fair, 1878. I especially the detailed backdrop of a painting of your gifted artist husband. I felt like I was in the same street at all the bakery and coffee shops! Here are some other paintings by him. (3) and best wishes for another successful year in 2024.

amazing studio, great teachers, incredible dancers. Their new space has beautiful lighting and…read moretheir location is convenient. Highly recommend

Kyle is a fantastic dance teacher and turned my fiancé who would stand like my body guard at…read moreconcerts to the closest we can get to John Travolta dancing in Saturday Night Fever. My husband says, "I didn't think I would have as much fun as I did, but I did!" Thank you!

I used to dance here. I was doing a fundraiser for a soup kitchen in Santa Rosa. I asked if they…read morecould donate a class or private lesson and they willingly gave me a gift certificate for 4 private lessons which was very generous. The person who bid on it was previously a student there. He tried to use it and they told him he couldn't use it because he wasn't a new student even though it says nothing on the gift certificate that you have to be a new dancer. They told him to have him ask me to give him back his money that he paid for it. This is just another example of the sleazy business practices. So disappointing for the man who bought it. There are so many other places that are fun to dance that have ethics. Jenny in response to your comment with the two other gift certificates you donated for our auction this was not the reaction not honoring certificate. The certificate says nothing about needing to be a new student as a requirement. It also, costs me alot to put on an auction and to create materials to promote your business at our auction. Often times people by gift certificates to support and event and never use them but this time someone wanted to use it. The recipient called me last night and said you offered him a month of free group classes after I posted this. At least he got something for his money. So thank you.

Excellent. She creates a professional environment in a first class dance studio. Everyone is…read moretreated warmly and respectfully with attention to detailed instruction for each dancer. Ms. Tamara is a class act.

I love this studio! I have never been to a dance studio that offered so many opportunities for…read moreadult, non-professional dancers. You don't have to be a pro to receive excellent instruction here. A large variety of classes are offered for adults and teens, especially focusing on ballet and pointe, and these classes are no joke! They are long (1.5 to 2 hours for technique, and 1 hour for pointe), so you get a good barre, stretch, and center, along with plenty of time to discuss concepts and technique. While the instruction is professional and detailed, there is no need to worry about dress code or a toxic atmosphere. You can wear whatever you feel comfortable in, and everyone is positive, friendly, and welcoming. No drama divas here! The prices are also very fair - just compare them to other studios in the area - and you pay less per hour the more hours you dance per week. This is the perfect studio for anyone who is considering trying ballet, as well as for adults who want a more intensive ballet school. The first class is free, the music is great, and the instructors can work with any physical limitations that a dancer may have. Plus, they offer the rare opportunity for a beginner adult or teen dancer to eventually go en pointe with enough training. Best of all, CCD offers TWO performances each year at Spreckels Performing Arts Center in Rohnert Park! If you have ever dreamed of performing in a ballet, yet thought you were too old, you're in luck! These are not recitals, but full-fledged productions. They are not necessarily classical ballet-based, but also incorporate jazz, tap, and contemporary. It is an amazing experience to take part in one of these productions! They are not your usual ballet fare, either. For 2010, CCD put on original productions of "Alice in Wonderland" and "Nightmare Before Christmas". A welcome change from the usual "Nutcracker"! I should also mention that the floor and facilities are fantastic. The studio is clean and fresh (no dust bunnies!), and the floor is sprung with multi-purpose Marley which is perfect for pointe work. It is well heated in winter. They are in a convenient location, being just a few blocks away from the center of the Cotati hub. This studio also offers classes for children, starting with Primary Ballet for 4 and 5 year olds and going up to teens. They are also beginning to offer RAD ballet exam work. Best of all, they are expanding their class lineup to include adult beginner tap, hip-hop, and Afro-Caribbean.

I feel so lucky that I have been able to take adult tap classes with Carole at Footloose Dance…read moreCenter. She is a great teacher. Her classes are fun and, also, challenging.

Amy is an exceptionally amazing dance instructor and choreographer, especially for children! I wish…read moreI was a kid so I could take her class! I can't stress how important it is to love what you do, be enthusiastic about it and teach with fun and excitement! I am thoroughly impressed! And I will definitely write more when I have more time!! 10 stars by far!!!! Bravo footloose!!!

Dancing was always a little terrifying for me! Very happy to have found Jasmine Worrell Dance…read more Jasmine is a dance instructor like no other. She is skilled in helping students thru the typical fear and nervousness that some experience with dancing. I recommend the 7 session beginner swing series if she is offering it. It will take you from being a complete beginning to being ready for social dancing. My daughter and I have been taking classes from her and plan to stick with it! It's been great 1 on 1 time with her. In addition, the swing dance community and her other students are a fun, great group and are completely welcoming.

I go to the dance center, and take 5 classes a week. Let me just start with the teams, I feel the…read moreteams are so good for us because we learn how to work in groups and we ALWAYS support eachother!!! You can be in up to 3 teams but you have to get into the teams near spring. I will always be super supportive over our dance community. The classes are AMAZING and always make my day 10000000x better! I really appreciate all the teachers, especially: Ms Rachel (hiphop + jazz), Ms Emily (tap+musical theater) , and Tayla (AMAZING hiphop). I love the dance center and 10/10 recommend!!! -Charley

Love love love this place! Miss Lindsay and Miss Amelia are so patient and kind with my crazy 3…read moreyear old! They have summer camps and summer lessons too!!! Oh and really amazing performances done professionally! Best dance studio in Sonoma county!!