We've been coming to Ballet Kukan in Monrovia for a little over a year and it has been such a wonderful experience for my daughter. She started as a pretty shy beginner at age 6 in the ballet program and has grown so much in confidence and technique. The instructors are patient but very knowledgeable, and I really appreciate that they follow the Royal Academy of Dance curriculum so there is a clear structure and progression. I can see that they provide real training rather than just a casual dance class. We also tried their jazz and hip hop classes and loved how organized and age-appropriate everything is. The environment is fun, but you can still tell the students are actually learning proper technique. I also like that the studio is clean and welcoming, and they have clear communication about schedules and progression. The performances are amazing as well. We're very happy to have found a studio in San Gabriel Valley that balances discipline with encouragement. read more

Here's your translation: My son has decent athletic ability. At four, he could climb a pole at the park, and by five, he was riding a bike without training wheels. So, I enrolled him in this street dance class. After a year, he still can't do anything. The teacher probably doesn't even know the basics, like the Thomas spin, yet started teaching others. We've decided to stop wasting time with this useless street dance class. If you want your child to actually learn something, don't come here. If you just want to waste your own and your child's time, feel free to sign up. --------------------------------- Reply to this owner: Obviously, my son has been attending classes with you. You're trying to dodge responsibility by claiming he hasn't. I'll be coming tomorrow to cancel your terrible and useless course. Also, your response will be shared with everyone. Not only do you fail at teaching dance, but your attitude is poor, and you have a habit of shifting blame. read more

My daughter has been a student at Ballet Kukan for the past 9 years. I have seen her abilities grow so much in that time. She loves the annual recital performances and joined the Ballet Kukan Theatrical Company competition team last year. There are a lot of kids in her age group who have been dancing at Ballet Kukan for years, but still new kids occasionally join and are welcomed into the community. I really value the skills and confidence she has gained under Ms. Noriko's instruction. She has had different teachers over the years, but two of her current teachers (besides Ms. Noriko) are Ms. Angie and Mr. Julian; she has good things to say about them as well. Ms. Elena who handles all the administration at the front desk really cares about the kids too. read more

I've been coming here for a few weeks! It's pretty good so far. The tuition is very reasonable. Please note that if you use a credit card on file to pay the tuition the costumer is responsible for the credit card fees. The staff is very friendly and professional! I am so looking forward to creating more memories with this academy as the showcases come closer! read more

In short: before you enroll your kid, read everything over carefully, all of the paperwork they have you to sign or agree to. If you overlook something, this place will nickel and dime you to make sure they take your money. She was enrolled here by my mother when I was out of town, and who isn't exactly a professor in the English language. She signed my kid up for a class and had all of the paperwork, if any, and now due to summer trips planned and other summer classes, I needed to pull her out. Not knowing a date when I can bring her back, I was forced to withdraw her from the class, because the max is 2 months we can be absent. She missed a class due to being sick, so we should've had credit for one missed class. But that was taken away. Additionally, I had to pay extra for a class that should've been the credited one. Receptionist claims there's a 30 day withdrawal notice requirement, which she never showed me in writing, only by her words, and she acted like she did me a favor by only charging me for one class that should've been free. I suppose they feel since I'm leaving, who the hell cares, right? And for someone who's on the frontline of a customer based business, she sure wasn't the friendliest. But I suppose she knows how to make money for the business so that's what counts. I also spoke to several other parents, and they all agreed their kids didn't learn much after many months. It's just a place for them to dress up and pretend they're ballerinas. And the dance instructor had the audacity to call out certain little girls on how their ballet dresses were too flashy, so go buy another one, while others with flashy dresses were perfectly acceptable. We were planning to return after the summer, but after the nickel & dime incident ... I'll pass and take her to another place with a nicer staff that appreciates their client base and has much better parking. I'd advise any parent to shop around before deciding on this place. read more

My 4-year-old was a student here for approx. a year and she really enjoyed it. I worked in the performing arts for many years, so I know (a little too well) the the enormous level of passion, dedication, and patience it takes to run a program like this... and I have the utmost respect for Ms. Noriko, Ms. Elena, and the teachers (special shoutouts to Ms. Nicole and Ms. Angie, only because my daughter had them both for classes) for keeping it all together. My daughter's at the age where we want to expose her to other activities (such as sports, languages, and music - her tiny body and schedule can only take so much!)... but we'll definitely continue to keep Ballet Kukan in mind for the future. Miss you guys already! read more

My daughter loves her classes at Ballet Kukan! We are so thankful to have found this place! Thank you!

My little dancer is loving the class. She is in the intro to ballet with 4/5 year olds. They are learning a little bit of technique and lots of fun moves. The class is 45 mins. About 40 mins of ballet and 5 of tap. They have a recycle program for shoes. This is great since kids grow so fast. You can purchase very slightly used ballet and tap shoes for $5. Right now if you check in you can save $ on registration. read more

Ballet Kukan Academy - 2 studios. 1st one has plenty of room for little dancers - Performing Arts Near Me - Monrovia, California

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Price notes: -4 classes/month= $58.00 + $25 registration fee -$10.00 for the trial class My girlfriend and I did the trial class for our girls. Unlike the other places we tried, this was not free. It's $10.00 to try it out and if you like it and want to continue with the class, the $10.00 is credited towards your tuition. I did like it. I thought the instruction was fun, friendly and enthusiastic. Right away, she took the time to learn each girl's name. The room was a good size and the class was very small. My daughter really enjoyed it and wanted to join this school. Although I'm sure it had more to do with the fact that the dance instructor gave them things like fake leaves to throw and fairy wings to wear as part of the ballet instruction, which just means it made learning fun. The ballet class includes some tap instruction at the end as well. I probably would've gone with Ballet Kukan had I not tried out Le Petit Dance Studio (review here: https://www.yelp.com/biz/le-petit-dance-studio-sierra-madre?hrid=2txzfV6tOqEvRxylZIP6xw&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)) and liked it far more. read more

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Love this place! This year will be the 4th year that my oldest daughter has been attending here. She started with mommy and me class. Both odd my daughters love the teachers, environment and overall atmosphere. The studio is super clean and ms noriko is superb with all the kids. I strongly recommend coming here !! read more

My daughter had about 2 years of ballet experience before Ballet Kukan. Since being enrolled this March, her skill level has dramatically improved. My daughter's poise, confidence are noticeable and she is understanding the importance of stage entrance and music cues. She's been in two seperate recitals, but was never taught this. Ms. Noriko is an excellent instructor. She is dedicated, passionate, and loves teaching ballet. She is committed to her students. At Ballet Kukan, there is discipline coupled with fun exercises. My daughter LOVES her ballet school and so do I. Highly recommend this school to anyone who is serious about ballet. read more

My husband and I inquired for our 2 year old daughter. She loves dancing and doing gymnastics right now. I thought maybe she would like ballet too. I was really excited about this place especially the owner talking about some cool program. So after her gymnastics class, we decided to come over and ask about their schedules. But this place just didn't give me that "inviting" atmosphere. The receptionist was not very... I don't know... inviting..?? Or warm or I don't know. Just weird. Like she doesn't want to talk or deal with us. I was expecting she would tell us about the classes, schedules, the program itself, show us around. Nope. It's more like so can she come in even though she's only 2, yes. Ok. What class is that... it's the parent and me. Ok. So when is that... Saturday's and Thursday's but tell us if you're coming in Thursday. Ok. So how much.. some $20 per class (I don't know I forgot what she said). Ok. Alright well thank you then. Sigh. It's so funny coz I asked my husband how he feels about the place and he said exactly the same thing. Too bad it's really close to our home. Oh well.. guess we'll look for another place where we would feel our daughter would feel taken care of and learn at the same time. read more

All 3 of my girls go to this studio, and they are currently in Mommy and me class, Pre-Primary (which is mostly ballet but a little tap) and Ballet Grade 2. All 3 love going! My oldest has been attending for about 2.5 years now. For my 2 younger ones, it is mostly a lot of fun, although they are definitely learning some ballet (they each attend once per week) but my oldest attends 2x/week and is really learning some significant form and technique. I am amazed at the choreography she is able to do! The teachers have been great, especially the owner, Ms. Noriko, who has taught all my girls at one time or another. Ms. Elena at the front desk has always been very helpful as well. It has been wonderful to see it all come together for my two older girls at the annual Fall recital in November. Definitely check out this studio if you are interested in dance classes for your child. In addition to ballet, they offer tap, jazz/contemporary, and hip hop. read more

I have been attending this amazing ballet academy for the past 4-5 years and counting. I have acquired amazing technique, descipline, and a variety of dancing styles from some of the best and experienced teachers in the area. It provides a positive and comfortable atmosphere where students of all ages can learn, excercise, and have fun at the same time. Ballet Kukan Academy has become my second home to where I have experienced and witnessed many dancers sharing the same interests and love for ballet and dance. read more

The worst ballet school in the world. The front desk woman is sooooo mean to my kid. She never smile and treat people very unfriendly. It is a kids school. I do not know why you hire such unfriendly employee. I will never come again. Suggest others parents Do Not come！ read more

My daughter started here in September and she absolutely loves it. The instructors are very nice. I enjoy watching my daughter learn and appreciate ballet. read more

We have been with this ballet school for over 5 years. It is a serious school about ballet and curriculum (RAD). Few things we love about the school is the annual recital (blown you off kind of wow) friendly environment (all the parents and faculties) and the passion I see in the kids! If your kids are serious about ballet, this would be the place to be! read more

My daughter has been attending ballet classes for the past two year, the Mommy and Me class and the preschool age class. I come from a professional ballet background and I am very happy with the balance of technique and creative movement and fun in the classes. Ms. Noriko finds a happy medium of teaching the discipline required for ballet while maintaining a developmentally appropriate approach for preschoolers. read more

This place has been the best thing to happen for my princess. She loves ballet and they run a respectful business.

Wonderful ballet studio. Strong foundational skills. Excellent attention to technique and girls also have fun. Annual recital ensures all girls get to perform on stage regardless of level. Also offers jazz and hip hop. Free parking in lot with supermarket and restaurants so you can do other things while girls practice. read more