The year my daughter turned 4, we came to LDA-PBS and found our studio for as long as my daughter continues dancing. She started with only ballet where even the smallest ballerinas learn the importance of becoming confident dancers with a strong foundation in technique. She has since joined tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, and even tried some contemporary. The teachers are kind and innovative and are loved by their students. Even through Covid-19, everyone at the studio has gone out of their way to make sure our students continue to grow as dancers. Our classes may look a little different right now, but I have watched my daughter get stronger and persevere. Liv DanceArts, Professional Ballet School has become a part of our family over the last three years. When we changed elementary schools, instead of finding a new studio closer in location, we stayed because of the relationships that we have created with those in the studio. We have been lucky to find our place. read more

My granddaughter started dancing at LDA when she was four. In the last eight years she has gone from an adorable little ball of energy, skipping and hopping across the stage to a beautiful, graceful, confident dancer! I'm looking forward to when her recitals can resume. They are the perfect way to kick off the Christmas and Summer seasons. I've been attending them since she started and have enjoyed seeing all of the kids she has been dancing with grow into accomplished dancers. Thank you, dedicated teachers and staff, for all of your hard work. I'm so glad my daughter chose your studio for my granddaughter! read more

Continuing this streak of Norcal reviews, my 150th review goes a little-known studio that deserves 5 stars for having been an influential part of my life: Professional Ballet School! =) In my younger years growing up in the Bay Area, I took dance classes here at Professional Ballet School for nearly 10 years. I primarily focused on Ballet + only dabbled a little in some Contemporary around performance time or in the summer months so my review will be largely based on my experience in this area; however, the studio does offer a variety of afternoon + evening classes for all ages + all levels in Jazz, Pilates, + Contemporary as well. The studio, itself, consists of 2 studio rooms (one larger + one smaller); ample space at both the barre + on the floor; clean dressing rooms + bathrooms; + a good amount of parking shared with the other businesses in the building. Zoltan + Carmela Peter founded PBS about 23 years ago after decades of collective professional dancing + teaching experience from around the world, + through to today, they are still the primary Ballet instructors of the studio. Under their guidance, many Ballet students from the PBS are continuously selected through competitive auditions to train over the summer at renowned schools around the nation, + some have continued on dancing professionally. But don't be mislead into thinking that only dancers who want to dance professionally come here! The studio welcomes dancers of any level who want to take class for more recreational + exercise purposes or for fun whether they be little kids in Pre-Ballet or advanced dancers seeking instruction on Pointe or in Repertoire. The instructors take the time + attention to correct each student accordingly + recommend class level promotions each year based on actual ability rather than putting girls in pointe shoes at much too young of an age. While I have stopped actively dancing many years ago (largely because I moved to LA for college), I look back + can't help but appreciate the memories of the hours spent each week at the studio ... the camaraderie between the girls, the thrill of being on stage for the annual June performances, admiring the older dancers' technique + fluidity of movement, Zoltan's sense of humor, the soreness in my legs the day after a good class, the experimental process of trying out new pointe shoes, the sense of accomplishment after the rare occasion of accomplishing a triple pirouette ... + of course, the wonders that all the dancing did for my body in terms of flexibility, toning, posture + poise. *sigh* Even just coming back for a class or two on visits back home or watching the annual performances from the audience rather than in the wings has brought back nostalgia of what it was like to be a dancer. Although, I have not experienced any of the other newer instructors that have joined the studio nor all of the other areas of dance now available, I would highly recommend taking lessons at the studio. If nothing else, the strong attention to detail, the ability to feel movement in music, + the appreciation for dance in general are things I have taken away with me that I will cherish for as long as there is still a dancer in me... which will be always. =) ***** Next door to the studio is the Just for Dance shop, which is owned + run by Carmela's mother. While the inventory is limited as the shop is quite small, you can find most of your basic dance gear there or request a special order. For advanced ballet dancers, one perk to buying through there is the Pointe Shoe Club where buying 5 pairs of pointe shoes will get you 1 pair free! P.S. On PBS homepage in the very first masthead photo, you can get a glimpse of me from about 6 years ago in a pink tutu, but I'm not telling you which one is me ... LoL. http://professionalballetschool.com/ P.P.S. Random trivia: This is the dance studio that Dianna Agron (Quinn Fabray from "Glee") took classes at during her high school years. Yes, I personally knew her. =P read more

Liv DanceArts, Professional Ballet School - Front of the studio - Performing Arts Near Me - Belmont, California

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Kristen Porter is a caring and dedicated dance teacher! Her students are lucky to have such a fabulous mentor!!!

I've been going to professional ballet school for around 5-6 years. I have been to other studios before PBS, but they weren't right for me. I love all of the teachers here, they are committed to the growth of the students and teach in a way that help each individual. The school values ballet and uses ballet technique to improve in all other classes. As soon as I joined the school, I met many new people. They were all so welcoming, kind and helpful. I am also on the competitive dance team. I joined 2 years ago. It has been so fun and excited to go out and see other dance teams and have the competition experience. Everyone on the team are close friends. One thing I love about being on team is how it exposed us to many new dance experienced. We have brought in hip hop, acro, contemporary, etc. guest teachers. I love this studio and have learned and improved so much since I've been here. read more

Unfortunately, I am extremely disappointed with the owner of this Ballet School. He is rude, uncompromising, and unreasonable person. He is quite insensitive towards his students' feelings, and discourteous towards parents. They only have two studios and to be fare the teachers are good. My daughter likes the studio and her teachers , however the owner makes it too difficult for the parents to enjoy the school. I wish the city would have some regulations for people who wants to operate a school for children, because not every individual is suitable to manage one. If I could separate my review into two different sections, I would give a big "0" Star to the management, and 4 Stars for the teachers. If you can avoid the owner of the school, (which is kind of impossible), you can enjoy the dance instruction. read more

My daughter has been here for 3 years and we are very pleased. The talent and professionalism of the instructors and school is unmatched. I appreciate the way they keep logistics for performances simple and cost efficient for parents. Costumes and routines are always classy and I never have to worry about my daughter being exposed to inappropriate dance moves or song choices, even as she watches the older girls dance. Truly a high-class, top notch school. I am so glad we found PBS. read more

Thank you, Professional Ballet School, for the past 10 years of extraordinary dance instruction my daughter has received. She has developed a true passion for dance and is continuing on into high school and likely beyond - all due to the strong foundation from her training at PBS. The annual spring performance in early June of each year offers the audience an accurate example of the high quality dance education attainable right here on the Peninsula. This was absolutely a convincing factor for our family - when we attended the Spring Performance just over 10 years ago we were amazed! Not only were the students clearly enjoying themselves, but the execution was unparalleled for a student performance. The skill & preparation, technique, musicality - all of it was what we were hoping for in a dance program for our daughter. The consistency of the teaching staff is exceptional - a great team of instructors. Of course the Ballet curriculum is extensive, but there is also much more to PBS. . . the Jazz division has an award-winning track record; the Contemporary and Lyrical classes are really superior; and the fitness classes for teens and adults, primarily Pilates are great, with certified Pilates instructors. I have just learned the school will be offering a stretch class this summer as well as Zumba! OK, so I'm a big fan of PBS - Most definitely, if the school wasn't so remarkable, we would not have stuck around this long. Check it out! read more

Amazing dance studio that is focused on technique, choreography and building confidence. Kris has established a supportive environment for all dancers and it trickles all the way through from staff to students and parents. We have been with LDA/PBS for 4 years and hope to develop both our daughters love of dance for many more. read more

Professional Ballet School is a hidden jewel that is tucked away in Belmont. Both of our daughters have been taking dance lessons from the age of 3. When our oldest daughter was 12 years old, she wanted to switch dance programs and seek out a school with more rigorous dance training. After researching all of the dance schools on the peninsula from San Bruno to Palo Alto, we were drawn to Professional Ballet School because we liked the fact that all of the PBS instructors have professional work experience in the dance community. The main thing that we appreciate about PBS is that their dance program has integrity. They will not sacrifice quality for quantity. They believe that each dancer should have solid ballet technique that forms the core foundation for other dance styles. The PBS dance instructors really care about the quality of their program and will not promote dancers unless they have mastered all of the technical skills necessary in the previous level before they are moved up to the next level. We appreciate that PBS requires a minimum ballet core level before a dancer can be promoted not only in ballet but also in jazz, lyrical and contemporary dance classes. Last year, PBS started a competition and performing dance team. Our youngest daughter is starting her 2nd year on the competition dance team. She loves dancing with her friends because they performed at community events, attended the JUMP Dance Convention and competed in Anaheim at the KAR Nationals. Our oldest daughter is a high school senior and has been a member of the PBS Young Artist Ballet Theatre for the past 5 years. The YABT members are advanced level dancers that receive pre-professional dance training. Upon graduation from high school, several of the former YABT members have moved onto professional dance programs. read more

This post is long overdue. My daughter is 8 and has been dancing @ Liv for 3 years now. She has tried 3 other dance studio's in the area and Liv surpasses all of them by far. The dance community is supportive. The teaching caliber is held to a high standard as evidenced by the technique in the performances. The costumes are tasteful and appropriate. I also like how they recycle costumes so that you do not buy or take home the costumes. I highly recommend Ms. Julie, Mrs. Kris, and Ms. Brittney. All amazing and supportive teachers. A true hidden gem! read more

Love this school! Owners and instructors are accomplished, dedicated and truly have the dancers' best interest at heart. Students have the opportunity to experience ballet, jazz, contemporary and lyrical and to perform. I've seen my children gain not only skills and technique but also self-confidence, poise and a love for dance that I think they will carry with them throughout life. read more

My daughter has been at Professional Ballet School since she was 7 years old. PBS is a hidden gem in the peninsula. I was drawn to PBS 4 years ago due to their prestigious classical ballet training under the direction of Carmela Zegarelli Peter and Zoltan Peter. Not only has my daughter gained the strong foundation through their ballet program but the creative and talented lyrical and jazz teachers add significant value in my daughter's dance curriculum. She enjoys learning from each teacher who come with a strong dance background and diverse teaching ability. PBS will not disappoint when it comes to providing your child with a strong ballet, lyrical, jazz and contemporary dance experience. In the last year, they've added a competitive team where the girls are able to perform at local events and compete and surround themselves with other talent within their age group. It's a lot of fun for the girls and gives them a chance to enhance their technique and learn about team building. The teachers at PBS really care about providing a strong dance foundation for their students, they offer excellent training and most of all they help enrich a dance community where you can build friendships and create memories to last a lifetime. #PBS4L read more

My daughter has been dancing at PBS since she was four years old, and we love it, so she is still there more than 10 years later. She gets withdrawal symptoms during the summer, when classes take a break! She does all the different styles of dance offered there: ballet, lyrical, jazz and contemporary and is also a member of the Lyrical Competition Team. We cannot say enough about the quality of the teaching - the school's owners, Zoltan and Carmela are former professional ballet dancers, and there is a great focus on technique, which shows in quality of the dancers who have trained at the school. Unlike some schools, where the focus is more on 'razzle, dazzle and sequins', here the students gain a strong foundation in dance. The shows, in which students perform twice a year, are so much more than mere recitals - the quality of the choreography, and the skills which the students have developed, go together to create a wonderful showcase of dance. And there is a great variety of styles on show - from traditional ballet pieces, modern ballet, jazz, lyrical and contemporary numbers. The lyrical competition team did tremendously well in its first year last year, thanks to the combination of great mentorship, teaching and choreography of Teacher Kris, the lyrical teacher at PBS. All in all, we could not be happier with the dance education that my daughter is receiving at PBS! read more

We were invited to watch my best friend's little girl have a ballet performance and that's how our story began... I fell-in-love! With a studio which didn't just teach my daughter to dance, it changed her forever! Here, she stands tall and works hard and perseveres and reaches for the stars. Those skills didn't come so easy. It all starts with a great foundation Carmie and Zoltan set from early on and is being continued by the absolute dedicated work of Kris and all the other teachers. The environment of this studio is professional and supportive and protective to all the dancers. Along with learning choreography, children learn to work as a team, push themselves hard, learn to respect their bodies and each other, while understanding that nothing can be achieved without hard work but is not impossible. I love that this studio embraces individuality and inclusive to all different colors of the rainbow. For my daughter, growing to find her confidence from deep within, learn to focus and that wasn't always easy, and work harder and even harder. And, in a blink of an eye, I realize that we've been a part of the studio family for six amazing and wonderful years. In all of my life, I would have never dreamed that choosing a ballet school would impact her life and mine in so many ways. read more

My daughters have been here for over 4 years. The school has become the focal point of my older daughter's life. The instructors are simply the best around (we have tried other dance schools), the program is professional, age-appropriate, and developmentally outstanding for young dancers. The school is the best possible way I can think of for my daughters to spend their time after school -- healthy, positive activity; improving self-esteem; and imbuing a sense of real accomplishment gained from hard work and attention to one's craft. The school is run by a couple, Zoltan and Carmie, who themselves are professional ballet dancers. They are incredibly professional with all of the kids. They take such pride in their school and their program, and deserve incredible praise for running such an amazing school. They hire the best teachers and provide those teachers with the support they need to thrive at PBS, without micro-managing the teachers (from what I can tell). The school has a number of very involved parents, but the expectations for performances in terms of parental involvement are actually minimal (which is a relief if you are a busy mom/dad, especially compared to some other schools!). The school also now has a dance team, which has already made a name for itself in numerous competitions. This experience has also been outstanding and is not at all "dance-mom"ish -- but rather, great positive experience for all of the girls involves. Kris is amazing as an instructor and coach. I could go on and on about how much I love the school, the teachers, the atmosphere, and the school's impact on my daughter and on us as a family. Simply put -- OUTSTANDING!!!! read more

My daughter started dancing at PBS, now Liv DanceArts, 6 years ago (when she was only 4) and I couldn't be happier with our decision to enroll her when we did. I believe that starting her early with such top notch instructors has really made a difference. The professional instructors at LDA are exactly that, professional!! Every one of the teachers have been or are currently professional dancers. They have a deep understanding of dance education as well as the importance of keeping the body healthy so to avoid injury as much as possible. My daughter dances ballet, lyrical, jazz and recently started hip hop. She is also part of the competitive team. As much as I love ALL of our instructors I must say that the families at LDA that we have come to know and love are just as wonderful. LDA is a wonderful, supportive, welcoming environment for all children who want to learn dance. LDA's beautiful, clean studio is truly a hidden gem in Belmont. read more