My daughter has been taking dance lessons at this studio for about a year now, I feel I have had enough experience to finally write a review! My children are homeschooled, so the bulk of their peer relationships are built through the extra curricular activities that we choose for them and I don't put them into sports or classes out of pure convenience. When deciding to buy our home, one of the first things I did was look into dance studios up to a 50 (yes 50) mile radius. Once I saw that this studio puts on an annual production of the Nutcracker, I was instantly intrigued. I know the level of work and commitment it takes to put on a show with so many moving pieces, and not many dance studios are willing to take on that challenge. Right away we felt welcomed by both the staff and many of the "veteran families" who have been there for years. I love the fact that many of the teachers and helpers are young ladies who have danced with the studio since they were my daughters age, I think that speaks to the level of dance education that the studio provides. It also gives the very youngest dancers something to look forward to and wonderful role models to look up to. The owner and artistic director, Laura, has extensive training in both dance and education. She takes her craft VERY seriously and brings a level of structure and classroom standard that I think is important for any young athlete. That is NOT to say she lacks decorum, in fact the opposite is true. There are clear rules set within each class that ensure both the growth and (most importantly) safety of your dancer as well as those around him or her. Laura has ensured that there are straightforward expectations set which makes it easy for the children to learn and grow without the constant boundary testing that you see in many of the younger dance classes . In the past year my daughter has grown by leaps and bounds as a dancer and she's made so many wonderful friends. Another thing that I love is that each class introduces the children to proper dance terminology, pertinent to the particular style of dance being taught. Even the tiniest dancers are introduced to french ballet vocabulary and that is something that I really appreciate. When you walk in you'll likely be greeted by Lupe or Alisa, who both work in the front office to keep everything running smoothly. They are two of the sweetest people that you'll ever meet and truly do all that they can to get your child (and your family) woven into the fabric of the studio. Whether you need someone to help you with proper sizing, classroom placement, or have any questions at all these two ladies are available and eager to help. My daughters favorite teacher so far has been Ms. Chelcie, who is just wonderful and truly has the patience of Job. Like, really... Bless her, because I don't know that I could handle a classroom full of kindergartners with the level of tact and care that she does. I could go on and on about how impressed I've been with the level of dance education and the welcoming atmosphere that I've felt here at SBDA, but I realize that my review is already too long and I appreciate those of you who have hung in there LOL! I'll end in saying that my family has been so blessed by the relationships we've built and the character building that has happened within my daughters classes. read more

I take ballet here! I love this place :) A year ago, I called all over to find a school that would take an adult for classical ballet and no one returned my calls. SBDA not only called me back, they accepted me with open arms and encouraged and nurtured my newfound love for dance! I now take 4 1/2 hours a week and this February 9 will be my 1 year anniversary. I've been in one recital and even was in The Nutcracker this past Christmas! Everyone is wonderful there! Ms Lara, Ms Casandra, Ms Chelcea, Ms Sara, Ms Stephanie, Ms Paula and Ms Lupe; I love them all! Thank you all for allowing me to dance! It makes me so, so happy :) read more

See all

My 4 year old has been dancing here for a year and a half. I hope my daughter never stop dances here! This studio was a light in our lives during 2020. Lara is an underrated QUEEN of this community. The last two productions of Nutcracker were absolutely amazing and the talent of these dancers are unbelievable. Lara is an organizational superpower, so I find the negative scheduling comments laughable. Lara makes the impossible possible by letting hundreds of dancers participate in the production. Would you rather her limit the cast into only one show? Heck no! Great job by all staff and especially Lara! read more

The Scheduling for Nutcracker rehearsals is very very confusing. Needs more detail in terms of who needs to be at practice rather than being a generic comment when it come to the cast involved. This needs to be fixed immediately. Don't blame the parents. Fix your administrative staff and communication with clarity is key. read more

SBDA is a wonderful place to take dance. All the staff is very welcoming & kind. My daughter is learning a lot in her classes & having tons of fun. read more

Lara, business owner, lied to me. Said she would let our girls take ballet classes and then, after registration, she pulled back. Kids were heartbroken. Then she managed to get my first and second review here removed. Cannot recommend. read more

My family has been part of this dace studio for 3 years. It has become a home away from home. Everyone is so kind and welcoming. All of the instructors and older students are wonderful with the younger dancers. They even offer adult classes of all kinds and they're so much fun! You will not be disappointed in this studio or the Nutcracker and recital they put on! read more

My daughter bought her 3rd pair of toe shoes with them. We didn't go to the store but to the mobile unit. It was awesome! The ladies that run this business are kind,helpful, caring. They sent the time to listen to my daughter and her needs. It was an excellent experience! I will go there every time my daughter needs ballet stuff read more

This is a safe and fun place to learn about dance and the ways to do it safely. I've always had a desire to dance ballet. This is a great place to learn for beginners. read more

I was looking around at dance academies/schools doing some research for my brother as he wants to send my niece who keeps begging to "do" dancing. I walked in and immediately felt unwelcome. I wasn't greeted ( which I get, people are working and busy, I'm patient), no one tried to help me or even addressed me even though I was standing there for a good two to three mins (awkwardly), and quite honestly I got the feeling that I was bothering them. Side note: I'm a teacher... I also didn't feel safe leaving my niece somewhere where a complete stranger could just walk in and isn't verified or even questioned as to their purpose there. I know it's a business but as there are young children, safety should be woven Into the fabric of it. The teachers and staff (the few that I saw) seemed very cold and overall not the type of place I want to send my niece. We decided to check out Flying Colors instead as this was very disheartening. read more

My daughter has been going to this dance studio for 3 years and we love it. They are great at instilling a love of dance in young children, and transition them to serious ballerinas as they grow. They have a nutcracker performance every year that is amazing and so much fun to participate in. read more

San Benito Dance Academy is the best! The staff is welcoming and knowledgeable. They take the time to get to know your child and place them in the appropriate level of dance. The classes are fun and structured with a happy medium of learning and discipline. We are so excited to have found this studio and hope to stay for years to come. read more

Wonderful studio with a strong emphasis on quality and character. While all three of my kids have been involved over the years, one is going on to pursue a career in dance. She has found her years with SBDA to be invaluable! read more

San Benito Dance Academy is amazing. Their prices are affordable and their schedule is convenient. My daughter and I both take ballet but they also offer jazz and tap. The instructors are wonderful. The recitals are beautiful and expertly planned! I'm so happy to have found such an awesome and nurturing studio!!! read more