I have always wanted to try ballet but I've never danced in my life. I started taking the absolute beginner adult ballet classes and I've greatly enjoyed the 2 sessions (completed 16 weeks) so far. I would recommend taking the class more than once before progressing because I felt like I learned so much the second time. I took the class with instructor Isobel Chang and enjoyed her teaching style. There are all ages and all body types and all genders, with no problems. So if you're interested, go for it read more

I'm not sure what compelled me to try ballet after years and years of sports and a failed audition at a middle school play of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." Perhaps, it was my love of all things spandex or the need to finally live up to the Abba song my parents still sing to me, "Nina, the Pretty Ballerina," but I made the leap (pun intended) and signed up for the adult absolute beginner class. This class will not disappoint! The instructor, Claire, is a magic maker. She took a girl (ahem..me) whose lack of coordination has resulted in two broken arms (mind you, at the same time) and numerous other embarrassing moments and turned her into a girl who can now plie in front of a mirror without laughing at herself. I wish I wasn't moving this summer otherwise I would definitely continue the classes. Here's the low-down: Attire ~ Think yoga. You don't have rock the leotard like Beyonce but you can if you want. I wore spandex on bottom and a shirt or tank top on top. Show your calves and your feet. It helps to wear different colors - one on top and a different one on the bottom. This will allow your instructor (and you) to see when parts of your body move that shouldn't (i.e. hips). They sell ballet slippers at the studio. You can buy them there but you will have to sew the straps on at home. Color choices: pink and black. Demographics ~ As mentioned above I had none, I mean zilch experience with ballet or dance. There were people in the class who had some gymnastics/ice skating/ballet/cheer-leading/jazz dance etc... Ages range from high school students to happy retired people. Class sizes are usually around 10 but will vary. Mainly ladies who take the class but men are definitely welcome (there was one guy in the first series of classes I took and he was way better than me). Cost ~ I think I paid around $120 for 8 weeks or something like that. Well worth the money. Add the cost of ballet slippers if you don't have them. I was like this girl when I started: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7fAvXH25Ng so if I can do it...anyone can do it! read more

Recently received a 5 class pass as a gift and went last night to check out the adult drop in classes. STAFF The staff is super nice, all very helpful. There's a desk right at the door you can go to if you are a first time guest. The teacher we had for my class was Mary, she was very sweet and personable, yet gave us a great workout. INTERIOR The space is good, there are a couple of dressing rooms, lockers to leave valuables, and the studios are nice. Not much room for stretching before class but didn't seem to matter too much. CLASS I only have taken the Adult Advanced Beginner class. I wouldn't recommend taking this if you don't have extensive dance knowledge. I danced for about 15 years (haven't been in 5 years) and I was able to follow the barre and center work fine, but if you were new to ballet you would most likely feel a bit lost at the Advanced class.. The atmosphere is good though, there isn't any arrogance among dancers or teachers, and everyone is welcome. ATTIRE I was the outcast wearing socks and a tank top/sports bra.. Most dancers had tights/leotards perhaps with yoga pants or shorts over. Everyone had ballet slippers. (This may be because it was the Advanced Beginner class instead of the Basic class). I'd probably recommend ballet slippers and at least tight yoga capris and a tank top if not a leotard. Looking forward to trying the Zumba/Yoga class as well! Overall quite pleased, will most likely become a regular here! read more

I love this place. I always feel as though I'm a real dancer, but I'm not, but there's something about this place that just oozes professionalism. I once took a Saturday morning drop-in ballet class here, and realized that even though I did ballet as a 4 year old, that I was not well versed enough to truly get the most out of class without reviewing the basics. I was so happy to see that they began offering an Absolute Beginner class series. I wanted something that started from the very beginning (i.e. learning the positions) to knowing how the body and the feet are supposed to flow. This class offers just that. Our instructor Claire is awesome. She knows just how to explain how to properly perform ballet moves to those of us who may not be the most graceful and educated on ballet. Sure, we probably look like a bunch of bulls in the china cabinet, but it sure doesn't feel like it. We progressively learned movements over time, and review each week. Claire was very responsive to what we are doing right and wrong, and is not afraid to nicely correct us when we were doing something a little wrong (or a lot wrong). The Brookline Ballet school itself is conveniently located near Coolidge Corner. The front desk is always manned by one of the owners and it's nice to have that presence. The place is always clean and bustling from so many different types of dance and fitness classes. I like to watch the various classes before and after class. I like the array and breadth of classes offered here. I'd say that it's a great place for anyone who is looking to become more active, and they're not quite sure how to go about it. Perhaps they'd like to try a new type of dance, or they'd like to take a sculpting class. If you're intrigued by dance, check out the class descriptions and schedules and try a drop-in class! read more

I recently took Claire's Saturday morning class and I absolutely loved it! I recently moved to the Boston area, so I don't know Brookline, but the studio was easy to find. It was the perfect pace -- I've taken class off and on since I was a teen (I'm 42) and it was a great level. Pretty chill environment, too. read more

I have only taken their adult beginning ballet classes, can't speak for the other classes but I think this place is great. I started about a year ago as an absoluate beginner (with no ballet experience whatsoever, that is), and I love it. The studios are new and spacious, and the instructors are fabulous. Going to their ballet classes is one of my favourite things to do in a week, whether it's after a long day working or start off fresh on a saturday morning - it always puts me in such a good mood! read more

My teenage daughters were looking for professional classical ballet training in a small environment. We found it here at The Brookline Ballet School. My daughters train six days a week with the directors, Trinidad Vives and Parren Ballard, who come from the upper echelons of the ballet world. They focus on each dancer to bring out their full potential; whether the goal is entering a company, acceptance to a college dance program, or finding their personal best in a discipline they love. The training is centered on proper ballet technique, musicality and developing artistry, which is exactly what my daughters were seeking. This past year, which was their first full year as a ballet school, the advanced students competed successfully at Youth America Grand Prix, and later at the Boston International Ballet Competition, a student was awarded "Excellence for Best Academic Training." A wonderful start! The co-owners, Renee and John Randle, have a welcoming hands-on approach to managing the studio which results in a wonderful environment. It's a bit of a commute from the suburbs of Boston, but we don't mind the drive, because my daughters couldn't be happier. read more

I am always on the lookout for active classes for preschoolers, so I was thrilled when The Brookline Ballet School opened its doors and included classes that my 3YO could take. The location is incredibly convenient -- literally steps from the T, right on Beacon Street between Coolidge Corner and Washington Square-- and the space is light and airy. My daughter loves taking the Kindergym class with Anita, and we're looking forward to trying out other preschool dance classes as well. Their website is easy to use, and they take registrations online. I literally registered my daughter for class online on Thursday and she showed up in the studio the next morning. Everything worked really smoothly. Brookline Ballet School is a great addition to the neighborhood, and a perfect option to allow little ones to get some exercise and have fun with creative movement. read more

I love the classes they offer for adults. As a teacher for beginners, Claire is super patient and fun to study with. The classical barre class is challenging but I really learned a lot in every class. Easy parking and affordable rates. read more

I took a Saturday morning ballet class almost 5 months ago with no prior knowledge of ballet and haven't looked back! Claire, Sydney and the rest of the brookline ballet staff, are very friendly, helpful and I wouldn't have gotten this far without them. I began taking adult beginner classes every Tuesday and Saturday, which is a little backwards since you should have a little knowledge of ballet, then worked my way to taking the session ballet classes to further improve my technique. The teachers take the time to correct and teach the adults as they do the younger more serious students, which I really appreciate. They also offered a summer ballet intensive for adults which I loved and would do again in a heart beat! Any adults out there looking to start ballet or to get back into it after sometime off will fit in here, as they have classes for all levels. You definitely won't be disappointed! read more

I have taken the Adult Absolute Beginner class, and I'm now going into my third session of the Basic Ballet class, and I LOVE IT!!! I have absolutely no ballet experience (and let's face it, I'm pretty awkward) but I feel totally comfortable in class. Claire does an amazing job of explaining the positions, jumps, turns, everything, and always takes time to answer any questions. She has great similes to help you think about what you should be doing: "Your legs are like a book, make sure you keep them open and turned out." There are other better, funnier ones, but of course they are not coming to mind now. In the beginning I spent so much of the class giggling at myself because I looked awkward and now I find myself smiling because I actually do things right sometimes! These classes are no-pressure, most people are there because they both like ballet, and want to improve their bodies (mostly posture). I have arthritis in my knees, and the classes have actually helped them. Claire will tell us at least once every class to "keep our knees tight" and I think that's what does it! My class has a range of ages, from teens to fifties or sixties. I wear what is comfortable, a tank top and leggings, or short yoga pants. Some people choose to wear a leotard, others choose to wear sweatpants. As long as your feet are visible, you're all set. If you are thinking about trying ballet, but you're scared/nervous/embarrassed, this is the place for you! I'm so glad I finally signed up, and I look forward to class every Wednesday. read more