I LOVED the Beginning and Back to Basics Ballet classes with Hiroko! I've been searching for adult beginner ballet classes in the area, but it was hard to find one truly tailored for adult beginners--where I could learn proper positions and fundamental techniques. I'm so glad I found Hiroko's classes. She genuinely cares about each student's form and takes the time to correct our poses and steps. I really appreciate her patience and understanding. I only wish they can add more Back to Basics class options on weekends or in the evenings so I could attend after work. Thank you, Hiroko, for reigniting my passion for ballet! read more

I was enrolled in an adult ballet class taught by Hiroko Shabuya. Though she seemed nice, it was a waste of money. She selected a few of the best ballet dancers in the class to act as lead dancers for a production we were to perform as a class. The rest of us were relegated to be background dancers. This meant most of us waited around for her attention or practiced simple movements, while Hiroko focused on teaching the main dancers their roles. I felt like my money was wasted since her focus was on a few of the best dancers and teaching them their intricate choreography, while the rest of us did not get much individual attention. read more

If you're looking for an enjoyable group experience for your son or daughter and would like to leave open the possibility that he or she becomes seriously interested in ballet, Contra Costa Ballet is a terrific school to choose. If you compare the credentials of the faculty with those of other area schools, you can understand why. They are outstanding. And former students have gone on to careers with New York City Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Miami City Ballet and many more. As a former student mom, I can heartily recommend CCBC. And as an adult student for many years, I can add that I met my closest friends in my classes at CCBC! Cindy E. read more

Very professional teachers！High quality students as well. Relatively low tuition fee. No fee for performance and costume. Every penny worth it. read more

If you are looking for a classical ballet school who provides extensive training and potential to advance to a career in dance, this is THE BEST ballet school in the East Bay area. Contra Costa Ballet Center is a quality school with experienced faculty who are invested in both the growth of the student's technique and preparing them for a variety of professional grade performances- which showcase the students! I was a student at Contra Costa Ballet Center for many years (school age to high school) and have fond memories of performing at the Lesher theater, being promoted to dance en pointe, and eventually auditioning to top professional ballet schools around the country. I found it to be a great supportive environment to learn, make friendships, dance and perform. Many years later, when my son asked to take ballet classes (after watching the Nutcracker) Contra Costa Ballet is where I returned. Now, all 4 of my kids LOVE Contra Costa Ballet! They continue to have an amazing program for aspiring ballet dancers, both male and female. (Yes! there is a boy's program). Highly recommended! read more

This is for their 2012 performance of the *Story of the Nutcracker* at the Lesher Center. DD was a ballet student for years, and I was for a brief time. We both took from very serious schools. I am always looking at the training the dancers have received, and their ability to perform the various moves with strength and precision. This dance school makes a top grade in my book. This is a well crafted show for small children, with a narrator. This helps the little ones understand the rather strange story, although I do think the narration needed to extend into the war scene and subsequent dream scene. The costumes were great, the dancers were where they needed to be...even down to the small ones. Well choreographed, good costumes, well trained dancers....it was great. Did all the principals have the *it* factor...well no, but that is small in my book. Perfect first nutcracker for the little ones. read more

I started at Contra Costa Ballet in seventh grade, in level 5. I have had most of the teachers who teach here, and know many of the adult students. Contra Costa Ballet is a school that fed and continues to feed a passion for dance that I've had within me since the age of 3. I've been involved in their shows and now help backstage. I see the joy they give ALL. Of their students, whether they are 3, 11, or 60. Everyone enjoys taking class and working hard at something that also requires a large amount of discipline. This school helped me achieve dreams of becoming a professional through admittance into the Royal Swedish Ballet School. I've loved every moment being a student, pre/basic ballet assistant, volunteer and audience member. I highly recommend this ballet school. With the opportunity of being on stage an performing but also creating amazing friendships, it will always be a place I call home. See you by the barre! read more

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Our daughters have thrived at Contra Costa Ballet under the careful guidance of experienced & dedicated faculty. We remain impressed by this ballet school & are honored to be a part of its community! Highly recommend for classic ballet technique for dancers of all ages!! read more

Although I danced with Contra Costa Ballet School more than twenty years ago, CCBS has more than thrived under the twenty year tutelage of owner/directors Zola Dishong and Richard Cammack. Classes are well taught and well attended due to the professionalism of the Centre's wonderful staff. Dance training starts at pre-school level all the way to level 8 - professional training. Some performances, including their lovely Nutcracker Story, can be caught at the Regional Center for the Arts. The Dishong/Cammack team are true visionaries when it comes to the little studio that could. http://www.contracostaballet.org/ read more

This is a great school that provides some serious training for those that want a real good foundation for ballet and dance. We started at a different studio that did a lot of styles and ultimately my daughter loved ballet the most. When we decieed to switch her skills were not up to par with the other dancers and she had to work hard and ultimately she caught up and is now the youngest in her class. They focus on technique and building the muscles necessary for advanced levels of dance. This place also came highly recommended by a friend whose sister in law trained here and dances professionally with the Houston Ballet. If your child is serious about dance, dont give this studio a second thought and apply now. Give them a start here where they will foster those skills early on rather than having to do remedial lessons if they werent taught properly before. read more

I was a student at the Contra Costa Ballet Centre for 8 years while growing up. It is a small studio just outside of downtown Walnut Creek next to the post office. All the instructors are very professional and are dedicated to improving the technique of their students. Through my years there, I felt that the atmosphere was very encouraging, with just the right amount of competition built in within each class to encourage each of us to improve and work harder. If you are looking for a great place to begin classical ballet training for your child, this is it. There are experienced instuctors who are not only good dancers but good teachers, and many opportunities for your child to gain stage experience. I would suggest checking out their annual performance of the Nutcracker if interested in the school. It's an awesome production, and a great representation of their dancers across all levels. read more

Great place to for adult beginners like myself: Supportive, fun nonetheless a good learning environment as you're given corrections. Hiroko is wonderful teacher, who dances beautifully and gives one on one corrections. I wish they had weekend beginner classes though. read more

Would be one of the best schools in the Bay Area if Richard could just convince the teachers that they are not God's gift to dancing and that most of the students will never reach the Bolshoi. My daughter had a fairly good experience here until one of the teachers decided to hone in on her and treat her so disrespectfully that we literally walked out just days before the final performance of the Nut Cracker. I'm sure this caused some problems but really don't care as the teacher was way out of line. In fact as my daughter walked out many of the other students applauded her for standing up to a dance teacher with a failed career that teaches kids above a nail salon. It's not the Bolshoi, it's a strip mall in Walnut Creek. Let the kids have fun and lose the attitude. read more

There is a very good reason why parents drive their kids to Contra Costa Ballet quite long distances (Pleasanton is not uncommon). The classical ballet instruction, from pre-ballet through pre-professional teens, and adult classes, is outstanding. Having grown up studying at San Jose Ballet under American Ballet Theatre's first ballet master,Dimitri Romanoff, I've been routinely disappointed by ballet schools both on the peninsula and in the East Bay, until we arrived at Contra Costa. While other schools had my kids in endless weekend rehearsals for shows that were all about the expensive costumes and pictures, at CCB the emphasis is on proper training, expression of the beautiful art of ballet, and optimal technique. When my 15-year-old daughter auditioned for the dance team in her high school musical, the choreographer commented to me that she could immediately tell that she had trained at CCB, and not at the local school that requires all students to take ballet, jazz, and tap. She was made dance captain and was given a solo. Every CCB teacher is a full professional, as opposed to my local school, where high school students teach the younger kids. The adult ballet classes are wonderful, as is the Tues/Thurs morning stretch/conditioning class, where instructor Emily Borthwick incorporates ballet, pilates, and yoga for a complete toning workout. After suffering a hip injury at another school (kickboxing), Emily's stretch class enables me to relieve my chronic leg/hip pain. Contrary to an earlier comment, the majority of adult students are incredibly faithful to their classes, and develop lasting relationships with the instructors. read more

My daughters have been taking classes at Contra Costa Ballet since pre-ballet. My oldest is now in level 6. They adore taking ballet at CCB and can't wait to go to class. I am thrilled they are getting exercise, learning an amazing skill, and doing something they love. There are so many benefits I cannot possibly list them all here. When looking into ballet schools, I compared all the schools in the east bay. I was looking for a real ballet school not a commercial school with competitions and inappropriate costumes. Those schools usually teach other types of dance as well and offer low quality classes in ballet. I found Contra Costa Ballet to be one of the precious few schools which offer professional level training programs. Some of the Hallmarks I was looking for in a ballet school are: * Proper placement and focus on correct fundamentals * Emphasis on correct execution of steps, with focus on clean lines, strength and stability * Technical proficiency of a majority of students in the school, not just a select few. * Students' low occurrence of injury * Success of graduating students in the professional arena or university High level instruction is a priority to me and CCB provides quality professional teachers with impressive resumes. CCB students show technical proficiency as well as artistic ability. The students are always well behaved and professional. They are kind and very passionate about ballet. When observing classes and attending performances it is obvious none of the other schools dancers or instructors compare to CCB. Contra Costa Ballet sets a standard that I have yet to see matched in the East Bay. My daughters have had some amazing teachers so far, my daughter was lucky to have Zola Dishong teach her in level 4. Robert Dekkers teaches an advanced adult class on Saturdays that is always packed, as well as Charles Anderson. Emily Borthwick is so knowledgable and kind, she explains the steps and how to execute them with a passion that comes through in her teaching. Shannon Bresnahan is an exciting new addition to the teaching staff, the students absolutely adore her. I have yet to see another school with as qualified teachers whom have been trained internationally. Check our their resumes on the CCB website. To learn more, ask their administrator at the front desk, she is so sweet and helpful, she makes all the dancers feel at home. We feel lucky to have such a professional yet friendly ballet school. read more

Phenomenal ballet school. My 15 y.o. daughter has danced here year round for over 7 years. Caring, fantastic teachers that are preparing/guiding her for a possible professional career. read more

Alice and Wonderland at the Lesher Center. Contra Costa Ballet and Robert Dekkers nailed it! Chesire Cat - nailed it! Mad Hatters Tea Party - nailed it! Queens Courtyard - nailed it! Choreography, music and costumes are a wonderful blend of modern and classical dance. Incredible performance. Bravo! read more

I have been a student at Contra Costa Ballet for about 3 years now, and I've grown so much as a dancer! I love all the teachers here, the studios are great, and the overall feeling of community is very welcoming. I have made a close group of friends and have improved so much, all thanks to the wonderful pre-professional training here. read more

I highly recommend Contra Costa Ballet Centre. Its an outstanding institution with quality instruction, a highly professional atmosphere, and a devotion to the beautiful and disciplined art of ballet. I was a student at Contra Costa Ballet from the age of ten until I graduated high school. My memories of CCB are full of great friends, hard work, exciting performances, and the great privilege of working with master teachers from around the world. At the top of that list is Richard Cammack and Zola Dishong. Richard and Zola were impeccable teachers. Kind, patient, and supremely articulate in their instruction, they provided me with a solid understanding of classical ballet technique. Over time this technique has deepened, matured, and allowed me both a professional career in dance and a larger frame of reference through which to view and engage in the world around me. I am eternally grateful for the instruction I received at CCB. I consider it a great gift, one that gave my early life a sense of dedication and direction and continues to inform what I am curious and passionate about. The lasting gratitude I have of my time at CCB is a testament to Richard and Zola as individuals, but also to the school that they built and continue to infuse today with their love, expertise, and integrity. I consider Richard and Zola my family, CCB my home, and the lessons I learned there some of the most valuable I have ever received. read more

My 7y/o daughter has been dancing since the age of 2 and has taken classes at a few different dance studios in the area. This is her 2nd ballet studio and she is now in her 3rd year here. Contra Costa Ballet is by far my favorite ballet studio around! They offer excellent instruction in a nurturing, yet technically serious environment. read more

Great school, and amazing performances and supportive teachers. Fun classes and the annual Nutcracker is a must see.

This is such a wonderful ballet school. My four year old is in the pre-ballet class with Miss Emily and she absolutely loves it. This school is dedicated to ballet and nothing else. They don't offer any other type of dance class and you can tell they don't try to make money by selling leotards. The teachers are wonderful and the older students act as mentors to the younger students. The older students are given a chance to perform in the two annual performances at the Lesher Center. My daughter looks forward to her class each week and she now has a real passion for ballet. I would also like to add that it is reasonably priced. read more

I've been dancing for 10 years, and ccb has been a great school w amazing teachers! The performances are very fun and everyone is very supportive and kind! read more

My daughter has been dancing here for 5 years. Each year we are pleasantly surprised by her improvement taught by great teachers. She has made some life long friends and it's a great environment. In addition, their famous performance of "the Story of the Nutcracker" is a classic and we get friends and family to go every year. It helps create a fun holiday mood and is a perfect for kids of all ages. We suggest that everyone comes to see it Thanksgiving weekend at the Dean Lesher Theater in Walnut Creek. All in all, we have had a lovely experience here and can't wait to continue! read more

Contra Costa Ballet is a very professional and caring Ballet studio. The focus is on technical perfection, which is what my dancer came here for. She's thrilled with the instruction and can't wait to perform in her first Nutcracker with this Company. We have not found anything not to like here, although my dancer would love even more performing opportunities. She transferred as a 16 year old ballet dancer and has been welcomed warmly by teachers and co-students alike. read more

My daughter danced at Contra Costa Ballet School from the ages of three through fourteen. She is now at San Francisco Ballet School, and she has attended summer intensives at both American Ballet Theater and The School of American Ballet, where she is returning again this summer. The training she received at CCB has allowed her to do this. Contra Costa Ballet School is wonderful for both the student with professional ballet aspirations and for those who may not want to become professional dancers but instead become the best dancer they can be. The school offers high quality training and also performance opportunities for students that larger schools cannot provide. I feel so strongly about the worth of this school that I have served on the Foundation Board and continue to do volunteer work for the school even though I am no longer the parent of a student there. Over the course of the twelve years my daughter danced there, I have seen many young men and women move through the levels and then out into the world, ready to take it on with poise, self-confidence, and self-discipline. read more

The Best Dancers MAKE the BEST TEACHERS! This is a Top Quality Ballet Studio. More students end up in large companies than any in the area! Former teachers from ABT & other world renown companies make up their staff. Can't say enough glowing things about this beautiful crowd of respected dancers, artists, teachers, choreographers, costumers, & designers! read more

My children have been attending Contra Costa Ballet School for 5 years. The building is modern and has heating and air conditioning and Contra Costa Ballet has nice dressing rooms for the ladies and men. It is classically decorated and clean. As a mom, I appreciated the school's professionalism in all aspects. The teachers are highly qualified and the office is staffed by skilled personnel. The schedules are kept and you always know that you have a class. There are never sudden class cancellations and no extra fees popping up. read more