After 12 years at this academy, the kid has moved on to other sport endeavors. She enjoyed the challenge of this academy. What I personally won't miss is the clicky dance moms and their clicky ballerinas. Ballet is evolving - pink tights do not represent universal skin tones - and broad shoulders and thick hips DO have their place in the world of dance, without criticism or critique from costume production personnel (and volunteer moms). Choosing dancers based on their ability to fit the costume is fair how?? Please invest and continue to work on diversity, equity and inclusivity. Get to know these dancers' backgrounds and challenges. I saw many aspiring dancers come and go, and it's likely because they felt like they didn't belong. All dancers deserve mentorship and guidance. read more

The Long Beach Ballet is phenomenal. Last minute our friend decided we should watch the Long Beach Ballet Nutcracker for her birthday and it was a hit! There were so many puns intended and surprises that captivated the audience! The artistic choices made on such a classic ballet reignited the power of the story! Needless to say, we have agreed to make this a tradition and have dedicated our annual Nutcracker viewing to the Long Beach Ballet! read more

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You'd think my little one would be tired after an hour of practice, followed by an hour of rehearsal but she loves showing off her latest ballet moves. Her spontaneous encore is usually as soon as we get home, en L'air, obstructing daddy's view of Kobe's final buzzer beaters. It's ok though. We pretend the game's standing ovation is applauding her perfect timing. Emotionally exhausted from her visually striking performance, Kobe has to take a seat and bury his tears in a towel. We recently signed our 'pink mamba' up for a performance featuring Don Quixote. I was concerned an additional hour of rehearsal might be a little too demanding for a 5yr old but the instructors keep it fun and interactive. I appreciate their patience when the pint-sized attention spans start to waiver, not to mention their trained eye to quickly spot a pee-pee dance before it gets full Swan Lake. As far as credentials, you really can't be more accomplished than the talent that has graced the building over the years. The alumnae are impressive and a parent can't help but wonder about the possibilities from the dedication invested under the tutelage here. read more

Long Beach Ballet Art Center - Performing Arts Near Me - Long Beach, California

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I honestly have always, ALWAYS loved and appreciated David Wilcox and his work. But honestly, this location and company is horrible for one BIG reason - Tammy, the receptionist. A truly rude and unpleasant woman. I really do not understand why they employ such horrible women at the front desks - Tammy legitimately asked me when I walked in "where my credit card was" - and allow them to continue to be rude. She honestly must go because she is the singular reason I will not return and give them my patronage, and by reading these reviews and speaking to others, I know I am not alone in these feelings. read more

Sadly want to love this place but can't due to the rude women who run the front desk and office. The teachers are wonderful and it's so sad that Long Beach Ballet would employ such miserable and nasty women to interact with the customers. If this was my business I would conduct a seminar on customer service for my staff to teach them how interact with customers and people in general. I have had terrible first hand experiences with them and have witnessed others deal with similar. It's really uncalled for behavior. Miserable, nasty, rude and unhelpful are words I would use for the administrative staff here. :( read more

I have been going to this studio since 1964 when it was owned by the predecessor to today's owner, David Wilcox. I came back to the studio in 2004 when I retired and there was little change at the studio from when I was young. If you are a ballet purist, this is where you should go to dance. The discipline and adherence to classic rules is refreshing in a world where everything is dumbed down and reduced to the lowest common denominator. Having reviewed the one-star comments, I happen to know that lots of people don't pay their bills on time here. No one can run a business for free. read more

I started going here because I heard great things about Johnny Zong from Catherine Rounds in Pasadena. And I got tired of driving to Pasadena all the time for a good Adult intermediate ballet class. I love Johnny's Sunday AM classes. He keeps a good tempo, does not talk too much so you are guaranteed to break out in a sweat. And it's always entertaining to see his little one accompanying him in class, with matching socks always moving in time with the music. And Jaycee, his wife, moves flawlessly with the toddler strapped to her torso- amazing. I am also enthralled with his other "babies", the performing teenagers. I've seen the progress he's made with these budding ballerinas and it is absolutely breath-taking! A true ballet-master! read more

On the south side of Bixby Knolls - - you could drive right by this place without realizing what it is if you weren't paying attention! Classes for little ones (and older!) specialize in classical ballet (no tap, no jazz, no modern dance here) with reasonably priced classes and lots of options for class times at each level. read more

This school is beyond racist, and after today's conversation with yet another rude receptionist they will receive no more of my money. They constantly unenrolled my daughter from class, they were always adament that my daughter was not paying, when we overpaid. If it's raining cats and dogs, and we missed a class I received no e-mails on how to make the class up. If they believed she wasn't paying due to her black skin I would get e-mails constantly and immediately. Looks like we will just go to Debbie Allen and let all the whites continue to click together. read more

I will start by saying that I am a very proud mother of a daughter that dances with this school BUT the staff - most especially the receptionists - are the rudest people I have ever met. They are making it increasingly uncomfortable as a parent to attend classes with my child and I dread the time I have to call and speak to one them via telephone. They are curt, often will interrupt and have zero capacity of empathy of others, Tammy especially. It's a shame so, because they are the face of such a prestigious establishment that relies so greatly on parents and their involvement. What does make the Long Beach Ballet a great place is the instructors and the director. Unfortunately, most contact between parents and staff, though, is through the receptionists. read more

Many years ago I took my daughter to the LBBAC. She loved it. The staff was great and the instruction appropriate. Recently (2014), I started taking my granddaughter. My how time flies. If anything the place has improved since the 80's. You would think they had to just to stay in business for so long. Some of the same people are still there day in and day out. There are a lot more pictures on the wall now of stellar performances, national champions, etc. A 2 generation 5 star rating is as good as I can do. I do agree with those who complain about parking but on the weekends there is plenty of street parking as well as the side and back lots. So even with the crowd parking is no problem at all. Now 2018, (time is now on a rocket) 4 years since my first review. Granddaughter is now in Academy 4, Getting expensive. But the minimum attendance is 5 sessions per week. Parking is worse. But she is old enough I don't park. Just drop off and pick up. Traffic on Wardlow is much worse than 4 years ago. The instructors seem to get better every year and they were good to start with. They expect a lot from the students. My granddaughter loves it. read more

My daughter went in the 80's now I take my grand daughter. Very consistent over the years and they have turned out many professional dancers. What that means to me is that they have a good program. It is not often places like this last multiple generations. This one has. It is not cheap, or maybe I have sticker shock because the last time I was paying was in the 80's. But it seems worth it. My grand daughter takes ballet to improve her Karate and it really works. He balance and poise is much better and it has only been a few months. 2018 Still doing ballet and Karate. Now more ballet than karate. Ballet is difficult and she sweats some when she practices. Now Academy 4 so the expected commitment is 1:15 per day 5 days a week. That is a lot of dance. Karate is now 4 days a week 2 hours a day. She loves both. The team at LBBAC has high expectations for the students and works with them to achieve those goals. It doesn't get cheaper either. . read more

I took ballet class on LBCC after the semester was over I was looking for a place where I can continue to practice what I have learned, im so happy I found this amazing place sonce I vone in the front desk receptionist made me feel welcome she show me around, my professor is amazing I love her energy and the way she corrects you... read more

Let me start off by saying that I'm naturally thin. I have been vegan for a while and I work out on a daily basis. I took ballet classes from age 2 - 6 and have always wanted to sign up for classes as an adult but hadn't had the chance. When I finally got around to it because I'm a Long Beach resident I decided to stay local instead of taking the classes out in LA. I bought a package for a month (cant recall how much I paid) and was super excited to attended my first class. The ladies taking the class were nice & friendly. The instructor however was a different story. Shortly after meeting her she made a statement that really bothered me, "You don't need to be anorexic to be in a ballet class" I was baffled! How dare she? As angry as I was I stayed till the class ended because I was really looking forward to taking the class all week. I didn't enjoy the class as much as I thought I would've and I'm sure it was due to her nasty and unnecessary statement. read more