Let me start with this: I need to eat my humble pie. I chanced upon this school years ago (old location, pre pandemic) - took some classes and was underwhelemed because it was a bit different from what I was used to. Then, I enrolled my child here. I watched their improvement and growth in dance. Guidance and corrections sprinkled with love and kindness. I watched advanced students perform and showcase their OWN work and was blown away by their talent. Suffice to say, comparision is the thief of joy and clearsighted-ness. You need to understand the environment before even making a comment or judgement. Also, and this is VERY important - - I LOVE and APPRECIATE that their advanced students dont have a homogenous "look". They come in all heights, shapes and sizes. One of my biggest fears about classical ballet schools/non competition dance schools is that you will see a clear "standard look" once you go past a certain level. I cant imagine how jarring that might be for an impressionable child who is growing into their body. I feel that seeing that GOOD dancers can come in all shapes and sizes is a testament on its own and a quiet, but powerful positive message that gets relayed to the younger students. Thankful to be part of this community! Thank you to the admin and staff for making this community welcoming and safe on top having a wonderful space to learn and grow as a dancer/performer! read more

We came to this dance school by word of mouth. And we are so glad that we had! We took a 30-min private lesson ($35) to access which class would fit her best and tried the creative dance class! At Dance Connection Performing Arts Center in Concord, our 3.5 yo daughter was escorted a number of times out of her intro to ballet and tap class for 2.5 to 4 yo for "not listening." So we ditched that studio and tried this one! (But we did try a kinder teacher at DCPAC before leaving.) The Creative Dance class (single drop-in for $25, 10-class pack for $185) at The Ballet School is perfect for her, especially since she has a slow-to-warm-up temperament and is sensitive to loud sounds (ie. music, flushing toilets, leaf blowers, etc.). The value for these drop-in creative dance classes is excellent because we are willing to pay a few dollars more for our little one to have a positive experience with dance. Drop-in means that they are understanding that some days the littles aren't having a good enough day to join class and/or sick. (Btw, $45 one-time registration fee) Regarding the rest of the school, I can tell that there is a huge selection of classes including music. As a music teacher working at a music academy, I can't access the quality. However, I know there is a department near the entrance way. If you haven't tried this school, just know it supports Healthy Dance, and are a part of Dance Awareness: No Child Exploited. This was a huge factor of why we chose this school for our daughter. read more

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I have been a parent at the ballet school for 15 years now (with seven more to go). I cannot overstate what a wonderful place this place is. We live in an age where many expect Elementary School students to were glitter and makeup, then dress up in costumes. The Ballet School does not go down that road. Instead, it teaches young ladies (and gentlemen) to respect themselves and each other with any performance only coming from that confidence. Just as an example, the younger performers do never "perform" in a "show." Instead, TBS has a yearly "demonstration," which is literally just that...the students wear the regular baller uniform and demonstrate what happens in class every day. I have always thought that that is an incredibly healthy approach . Suffice to say, I strongly suggest that parents check out this school when looking into a school for performing arts. read more

I have been dancing with The Ballet School for 10+ years, and never have I stepped out of a class unhappy or dissatisfied. This is a warm family, and every time I go for class, I am welcomed with open arms! The Ballet School has enhanced my love for dancing so much through the years, that when I dance, I dance with and outpour of confidence and love. The building includes quite a few studios, including ones designated for acting and tap dancing. Inside it is very nice and bright, with a lot of history of the school adorning the walls. I have made so many close connections over the years because of the wonderful opportunities offered here. The staff is so loving, kind, and supportive, and I couldn't ask for a more beautiful community of people! Thank you TBSPA for the amazing years of dancing, I cannot wait for the many more to come! read more

Just went to an amazing performance of ballet and tap dancers at the Lesher theatre. All the dancers smiled and knew what to do! Well done! read more

The Ballet School Performing Arts - Tap dancers - Performing Arts Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

Having not done ballet in 20 or so years, I decided to revisit my old ballet school. I visited on a Saturday for their Ballet Drop in class. That day was "Ballet Barre and Center". The drop in fee was $20. It was a pretty full class with at least 24 students on the barres in the center and more on the walls. However, there was room for anyone who wanted to join. The teacher, Jenny, placed me between two other students so I could follow along on both sides. I loved her enthusiasm and encouragement. She definitely made me feel comfortable about participating and making mistakes. The 1 hour 45 minutes flew by and before I knew it, class was over. Given how unathletic I am, I was surprised I could follow along for the whole class, though my thighs were burning the next few days. I would totally return when I'm free and recommend. They're conveniently located on the 2nd floor of a free parking garage. read more

My daughter has been going here for about a year and a half and we love it. Since starting in kindergarten she has matured so much and I know the positive discipline of ballet has been a huge factor in her changes. The teachers are all amazing. Absolutely everyone who works there is just radiating loveliness and ballerina/Disney princess energy. They are so dedicated to the students and families and you really feel like you're part of their family even if you only drop in once a week. During the pandemic they were the first out of all our various kid things (including school) to get Zoom up and running and give us a sense of normalcy which they continued until now. We are now doing in person classes in addition to the Zoom classes and my daughter is thrilled to be back in the studio. I am looking forward to her growing and learning for years to come with The Ballet School. We haven't personally done any of the other classes they offer like voice and theater but I have heard great things from other families who have. We highly recommend The Ballet School for both serious and casual ballerinas since they have classes for everyone and you can choose from a huge range of classes and commitment levels. read more

The Ballet School Performing Arts - Rooftop openair performance this year instead of at the Lesher Center. They really did everything they could to keep ballet life normal. :D - Performing Arts Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

This is the most amazing dance studio I've ever been to. It is such a safe place to build confidence and strength, while having fun. Both my elementary school daughter and I take class here (she in ballet 2 and me in adult ballet and broadway dance). The teachers are all well trained, but more importantly to me, are so encouraging and positive. No judgement, just a safe place to dance, improve, and begin again. Ms Jenny is an absolute gem of a person, full of joy and compassion. I came back to ballet after many years off and a very difficult personal time filled with self-doubt, and they welcomed me with open arms and encouragement, helping me build joy and happiness again. What an incredible space and community. read more

My daughter just turned two and I was looking to start something fun for her. Our soccer plans got cancelled twice so when I walked past the school one night I grabbed a flyer and we tried a drop in class. I love that they have three teachers in the class. My daughter was helped throughout her first class by one of the teachers. The teacher always guided her to follow the other students without forcing her. They seem to understand children can be scared or shy their first few times. We ended up buying a punch card (10 classes at a discounted price) that can be used within a time frame. They offer multiple days and times for the 2-3 year old class which is great! Parents are encouraged to watch from the outside the room but they can go inside if needed. I can't wait to go try a class myself Edit: It took my daughter 6 classes before she became more independent in class! She loves dance class! She talks about it all the time. I was finally able to check out a class for myself. I took barre and center. If I didn't have dance background I think I'd be lost! It was quick paced. It was a great workout. I haven't been able to take another class but I'm hoping to try broadway soon! read more

The Ballet School Performing Arts - She couldn't wait to start! - Performing Arts Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

Herstory of Beauty. Experience is NOT even a word. You will learn. You will grow. In such a beautiful light. I am picky with dance classes/school. They take the cake and the whole party. Friendly atmosphere. Your kids will love it!! Enjoy!!! read more

We are still fairly new to this studio, but my daughter and I absolutely love this place. My daughter (5yo) had expressed that she was interested in trying ballet, so we found this studio right here on yelp, and I'm so glad we did. The teachers are so nice and wonderful with the kids. It gets pretty busy on the weekends, but it is really nice to see my daughter part of something she really loves. She looks forward to class every week, and is always practicing at home. read more

My daughter has taken 3 seasons of pre-ballet in Walnut Creek with a different studio. Upon her last recital, we noticed that all the performers (from the age of 3 to adult) pretty much had bad form. The instructors were all really nice, wonderful ladies, who themselves had great form, and were absolutely elegant. We needed to leave that studio and find one where my daughter could learn the fundamentals with proper form. We called around and checked reviews and it was between The Ballet School and another facility. The Ballet School happened to have an opening for my daughter's age, so it was perfect. I was impressed with the fact that the instructor has an assistant. The conditioning exercises are helpful and fun for the children. I was also very happy that I was able to watch my daughter practice through the viewing window. There are other dance studios out there that don't allow for their children to be watched during instruction. Since she started, my daughter's form and practice have exponentially improved. I am very happy with her move to The Ballet School. The only thorn that I have is that the other parents of the pre-ballet students can't read the rules. School policy #7 explicitly states: "Students should always wear clothes over their dancewear coming into the school and leaving the school. Students should also wear regular shoes coming and going into the school." I see too many children violating this rule. Seriously, there are not that many policies to adhere to, at least, try to read them. read more

Go here. I mean it. I have had experiences with both their dance and individual music studio lessons, and can attest to their quality. Other than instruction, what I consider equally stellar is the culture and positive energy this studio nurtures. That is incredibly difficult to find. The owner and staff of the studio found out something devastating had happened in my life, and went out of their way to help me. I honestly owe so much to them. It's important to support small businesses, but this studio is more than that. They are welcoming and supportive, in and outside of their classes, and genuinely care about your well-being. read more

We love, love this school! My daughter has fallen in love with dance, her teachers are one of the most patient and positive people out there. read more

Truly an amazing studio! I'm in my mid-thirties and hadn't danced in years. I was nervous to get back into it, especially with a musical theatre and jazz background but the moment I walked in the doors I knew I found my new home when it came to dance! Jenny and the staff are extremely skilled, professional, very kind, and welcoming! The positivity and excitement at The Ballet School are infectious but that doesn't mean you won't get your ballet booty kicked! The classes are challenging promoting rapid growth and sharpening of your skills. I am not used to a studio that is so professional yet you walk in happy and out even happier and I feel like I am a part of a community. My background in training had so much pressure and expectation that it caused stress and anxiety, which is very common in the performance world. But at The Ballet School, you get all of the professionalism and talent minus the unnecessary stress and pressure making the experience pure and joyful... something a lot of other dance studios can look to The Ballet School to learn from. I'm so grateful for The Ballet School, they have brought dance back into my life and given me an opportunity to connect with my joy of dance again. Thank you, guys! I'm a huge fan! read more

Very professional Ballet school ! Vince is a great guy for piano lessons very easy for communication! Jeff Reber, In Tune Piano Service read more

If you are looking for a reputable, friendly and professional place to take your child to learn ballet this is the place to go to. Every child is treated very kind and they build confidence in them each time. They offer classes for toddlers as well as adults. You are never to young to learn. All the instructions are professional and kind. Your child will always be cared for as well. I highly recommend this place to anyone. Here are the top reasons to send your child 1. Child is well taken care of and classes are not over crowded. 2. You can watch your child blossom into a confidant dancer 3. Teachers are kind and friendly and treat your child as one of their own and as a big sister. 4. Classes are structured so the child can learn in a confident dance environment read more

Our family LOVES The Ballet school! Both my daughter and son are big fans. My daughter does ballet and piano lessons, and my son does piano, voice, and theater lessons. Each and every instructor we have found there is caring, knowledgable, and positive. When they had to pivot the school to online classes during COVID, they managed to stay positive and effective, while continuing lessons online immediately, and bringing the kids a much-needed connection with their loved activities, teachers, and friends. It helped our family find a little 'normalcy' among these crazy times. I cannot say enough nice things about The Ballet School, not only the staff is awesome, but you can see the joy on students all ages when you are there. The new studio is beautiful too. The cherry on the cake for a great and meaningful experience :). read more

Fun and friendly family atmosphere. I started taking ballet classes this year. I was a bit overwhelmed as a newbie but the school helped me find the right beginning classes. The beginning classes cover basic technique but don't dive into the remedial. I would benefit from taking a private lesson or two. Nonetheless, I learn so much from watching my peers in class and I like how I don't feel judged in class. The instructors are very kind and encouraging in their classes. The studio itself has a 'family feel' vibe and the owner has a zing about her that brings people to their happy place. I'm very happy to have found this place as I get to dance and work my core all at once. The studio is located downtown Walnut Creek but parking is easy, there is a free one hour garage nearby. There is a Groupon special for new clients, if interested. read more

We LOVE The Ballet School!!!! My 8 year old daughter has been coming here for piano since she was 5 and ballet since she was 3 years old. The new studio is beautiful and all the instructors are flowing with positivity. They teach proper technique while making it age appropriate fun for the little ones. read more

More Review pending. Recently upgraded facilities, clean, and classy. read more

We came from another dance studio and were really impressed with this school. The other school we went to only had one instructor in the pre ballet class for about 10 students. The Ballet School has 3 instructors for 15 ish students. The new space is also very nice. It has all glass doors so we can see right through versus watching through a tiny window. The program is very well structured. We drive all the way from San Ramon just to come here. Well worth it! read more

My daughter is 10 years old and has taken dance lessons at many different studios throughout the Tri Valley. In a nutshell, ballet is her "thing." She can't get enough of it. She is now starting her third academic year at The Ballet School and goes five times every week! We live in the southern part of Danville and commute to The Ballet School because we have found it is the absolute best place for school aged children and teenagers to take ballet lessons. The technique instruction that The Ballet School provides is far superior than most other dance studios. Also, I have noticed that my daughter is more engaged with her instructors at The Ballet School than other dance studios and ballet companies. Because of her engagement in her lessons, she has developed an intense passion for ballet that has given her confidence, identity, and has carried over to school work by fostering ideas to read and write about. This may be TMI for a yelp review, but I honestly can't say enough about The Ballet School. If your son or daughter has an interest in ballet, do not bother with any other studio. read more

I heard of this school for years, but it wasn't until a few months back that I started taking classes there. I absolutely love it, I've taken Beginning Adult Ballet, Beginning Tap, and Jazz Dance classes....all the teachers are great. They (the teachers) break down each step, movement, etc so simply that anyone can learn...If I can do it, so can you. I was sad that I missed last night's Adult Ballet class, but I was encouraged to stay for the Jazz class which I loved... I will be back for much more classes. Love this place. read more

Our daughters will be starting their third year here at The Ballet School. It wasn't until our girls asked to learn ballet that we even started them in dance. The teachers here are patient and are very knowledgeable and encouraging. From the start we have felt like coming here was like becoming part of a large family. I sit through my daughters classes and have seen first hand how the older girls care for each other and the younger ones too and it does not feel competitive here between the dancers. Everyone seems to sincerely care about the quality of instruction and it comes across in a very positive manner and you witness this when you attend the June Demonstration held at the Lesher Center. read more

I can't rate 2 1/2 stars so I will rate it as 3. Beginner Adult Ballet Class - I like how "relaxed" it is compared to the other classes I've attended, but the technique is not as "strong" as others - even comparing to a beginner class. If I had started taking my ballet classes here, then I would not be thinking this was too slow or technically weak. (I'm technically weak too so who am I kidding - -ha ha!) but the form, etc of the instructors and students here pale in comparison to the form and technique of beginner students I've had classes with in other studios. But it's good to go here if you want a slower paced, more relaxed ballet class. read more

I used to dance here as a child and I loved it so much. When my daughter was old enough to join, she too, experienced the joy of dance from the ballet school. I highly recommend this studio for you and your children. The teachers are so great and it's like a family. read more

I have so much love for the Ballet School. My five year old son takes piano classes here once a week and I take adult pilates and yoga classes. The staff are warm and inviting, and always make you feel like you're one of the family. My son who is too young to take piano classes even loves to come here. It's that magical. I can't express how much better I feel after coming to the Ballet School. The pilates and yoga instructor has transformed my practice - not only is she knowledgable and a great instructor, but she gets to know each person and creates an incredibly supportive environment. She empowers her students to feel good about themselves. I'm so glad our family found the Ballet School. read more

This place is amazing!!! The teachers are professional and nice! My daughters love going there and I see a huge progress in their posture and movements. We have tried different places and this school is the best!!! Keep the great work ! read more

I have been exposed to "The Ballet School" since 1985. As an young adult in the eighties, who longed for ballet, it was the perfect spot for me. I observed Lareen's methodology first hand, and always watched the tiny dancers with enthusiasm. Young or old you felt enveloped by Lareen and her technique. I took class for many years and even was able to experience pointe. LOVED IT. I have recently returned to "The Ballet School" after many years and I have found the environment has not changed...it is still a very positive, nurturing, experience. Jenny is a gem, of course, as she is following in Lareen's footsteps and doing a great job. I have taken from three other instructors all with the same positive enthusiasm and skill developed from Lareen. I am still a little rusty but the instructors are so supportive and helpful. If you are interested in an experience that will last a lifetime, stop by "The Ballet School"! read more

What a great place! My toddler just had her first class here and it was a great success. Miss Hailey was very high energy and so sweet with the kids, my daughter didn't even hesitate to join in with the group! I enjoyed that there were good sized viewing windows so I could watch during class and there are benches outside of the two upstairs studios. I appreciate the flexibility of drop-in class since the 2-3 year olds can be oh so finicky on any given day. The students did several "warm-ups" to get their wiggles out, then did a series of games/dances that incorporated typical preschool fun like the Hokey Pokey as well as actual ballet. Well, as much actual ballet as a 2 year old is capable of! It was a lot of fun for the kids and so sweet to watch, my daughter can't wait to go back to dance class. No real cons here. I'm not sure if there are cubbies or whatnot for older dancers to store bags near those studios, but that could be convenient to have! I didn't see any. There was enough seating for our small group of parents to wait, but I would imagine it difficult to sit and watch/wait if the group was much bigger. There are plenty of things to do right in the area, so perhaps it is a non-issue and other parents simply do drop-offs? Either way :) I know there just isn't a lot of room in general so it isn't really a problem to be fixed, but it may be something to take note of if grandparents or others are sticking around and cannot stand for the duration of class. read more

I went to tbs for an awesome Sunday morning ballet for beginners. It was a great introduction for someone that had never done or watched Ballet. And weekends later I went and saw a play that they also put on called Billy Elliot and the play was very professional and fun! Overall in a matter of weeks this place has convinced me ballet is an awesome art and I have new found love for it. Plus the people that work there are all down to earth and fun to talk to! read more

My two daughters (ages 3 and 5) have been taking ballet classes here for over a year now. We adore every single teacher and my girls have had so much fun learning the foundations of dance. Every time we walk in the door, we are treated like family. This is really more than a ballet school--it is a loving community that encourages self-love and positive body image. Furthermore, it is a family run small business that has a long history in Walnut Creek. read more

YES! YES! YES to everything about this school!!! It is truly a treasure and once you stumble upon it, you can't imagine your life without it! They are a one stop shop making it easy for me to take my daughter to ballet while my son takes his piano lesson. I know they have Theatre classes as well for all ages, and I am looking forward to trying those classes out next! A wonderful Performing Arts school full of passion, family and legacy! Do not go anywhere else. I highly recommend!! read more

My daughter absolutely loves The Ballet School! The teachers, staff and all the friends she's made has been an amazing experience for us.

This is a place of magic. The teachers are wonderful to the young and young at heart dancers. in the last few years they have added performing arts classes as well as Yoga, piano and vocal lessons. They create an atmosphere of family that makes the young dancers feel comfortable and want to learn and discover what dance, song, yoga and exercise are all about. Like sports for some this is truly a place that creates stars and a team feeling. I have witnessed the dancers support each other and "hold each other up". It is not a gym or a place that requires you to sweat but a place of joy. I recommend this to all. read more

I began dancing at the ballet school in middle school. I felt so welcomed by all the amazing teachers. The ballet school is a place for so many students to come in and just focus on themselves. Once you are in the ballet school the positivity from the teachers is infectious. Most if not all of the teachers grew up dancing for the ballet school. They all greatly care about the ballet school and each of their students as well. This is a family run business and home to so many current and previous students. The ballet school has a sense of community that not many other dance schools have. Also a great place for adult classes. Many of the previous students come back when they are home from college so that they can take a class at the ballet. It's a great place to grow up and be surrounded by so many positive people. read more

My daughter has been a student here for 3 years, and I couldn't be happier at our selection of this school. The teachers are mature, confident and engaging young women with a love of dance and really bring the best out of their pupils. Even if my daughter doesn't stick with ballet, the lessons of grace, posture and confidence will remain with her forever. read more

l love coming to class here! I've been taking the adult Broadway class for several weeks and having a blast. The choreography is fun and there are people at all different levels learning a new dance almost every week. Jennifer is a warm, friendly instructor and really takes the time to break down steps until everyone gets it. Can't wait to go back next week! read more

My daughter has been attending this school for over a year and I must say we love it here. Everyone is so welcoming and friendly. I love that they allow make-ups if we miss a class. The location of the school is great because everything is so close by and parking is never an issue! read more