The Ballet Studio

Ok, let’s break it down. I’m a guy who takes adult ballet classes in Sacramento. And yes, I’m frequently the only dude in the class — unless you count the few dads there to pick up their kids from earlier classes.
In 2007, I moved from San Francisco to Sacramento. In SF, I took 8 to 10 classes a week from a very reputtable school that stressed strong technique in its curriculum. I started taking classes too late in life for a ballet career so it’s a hobby. After moving to Sacramento and an absence from ballet classes for nearly 8 years, I decided to get back into shape and take classes at The Ballet Studio on Folsom Blvd. I called ahead to get info about the classes and Heidi McLean returned my call and we chatted for nearly an hour. She’s a terrific lady.
I’ve been taking at The Ballet Studio now since February 2015 and after my lengthy absence from ballet classes, it has taken a while for the mind and body to get into the swing of things, which is really a never-​ending process with ballet. In any event, I have never been made to feel out of place or unwelcome by Heidi, the other instructors, or other students. Remember, I’m usually the only guy in the room and everyone has been very welcoming and inspiring to me.
There’s an ease about Heidi’s teaching style, which encourages students to ask questions. The Ballet Studio’s focus for its adult programs is to teach ballet technique — and that’s no small feat. The teaching staff never loses sight that we’re adults with varied ranges of motion and strength. We are frequently reminded that it’s not how high you extend your leg but the manner in which you extend your leg. We are reminded that our arms are connected to our torso and our torso is the core of our placement. We are always reminded to breathe and to smile. And classes aren’t watered down, either. Although there are a number of levels from which to choose, the skill level of the dancers in a class is sometimes varied. Nonetheless, no one is ever made to feel inadequate. An individual may be encouraged to consider taking another level where the steps are broken down, but no one is ever looked down upon. I’ve seen Heidi quickly provide a simplified version of a combination for the less experienced dancers in a class while the others can execute the originally demonstrated combination.
The Ballet Studio is conveniently located off of Hwy 50 between Bradshaw and Watt. It’s immaculate, well equipped, and classes are very reasonably priced. I do believe, however, that Miss Heidi and her staff deserve a larger space. The studio is spacious enough to accommodate a good size class and to execute a grand allegro but it would be great if it were a little larger. Don’t misunderstand me, The Ballet Studio is NOT cramped or crowded — it would be fun if it were a bit larger. Nonetheless, Heidi and the other instructors remain aware of the studio’s size and use that to their advantage to help students learn economy of space when necessary — that is to say, students are taught to execute steps larger or smaller depending on the combination and the available space. This helps develop dynamics in our dancing, and those dynamics create an interesting dance picture.
I highly recommend The Ballet Studio and encourage you to try a class or two. You can take a single class to test the waters but there’s little doubt you won’t be hooked. The Ballet Studio has a number of classes for dancers of all levels and a never-​ending attention to injury prevention. The Ballet Studio also offers a «Ballet from the Beginning» series, which is a great starting point for adults new to ballet or those who wish to return to ballet after a long absence.

Everything you read in the reviews is correct. Heidi is wonderful and pays equal attention to every student, you’ll never feel uncomfortable with your level. Such a great place for adult dancers beginning to advance and even Pointe. The studio has the most adult ballet classes than anywhere around. They even do a yearly recital for everyone to participate in if you want, costumes and all! Can’t say enough about The Ballet Studio and Heidi McClean!

Heidi rules!
She’s Super friendly and makes you feel comfortable no matter what your level of ballet is

Heidi is an amazing teacher — patient, generous with her knowledge and time, and non-​judgmental. The Intro class is progressive — so it builds on the previous class all the while reinforcing what you’ve learned, to improve your technique and confidence. I had zero dance experience and have learned so much. It’s a great class to improve your flexibility and balance. An encouraging and «safe» place to be an adult in a leotard! All the other students are welcoming, as well. Highly recommend this studio for anyone who has ever dreamed of learning the disciplined art of ballet.

I was surprised this place didn’t have any more reviews despite how awesome it is! I went in to try ballet for the first time (showed up a wee bit late) and from the moment I stepped in Heidi was so wonderful! The class itself had maybe 7 or 8 students at most and she made sure to give us each individual attention throughout the class. I can’t wait to go back next time! And the prices are great considering I had been looking around as to see where to take classes since not many places offer basic beginners classes for adults.

My daughter’s were starting ballet again after a 4 year absence so they were consider behind. The instructor was great, very patient, and she got the up to speed right away. The class is small so there a lot of one on one attention without having to request private classes. Much better and more affordable than the dance studios downtown.

I just took a ballet class here and I loved it! Heidi is an awesome teacher; she is really nice and patient, and she clearly is passionate about what she does. This place is great to improve your technique, and/​or have a good time. The environment is totally competition and pressure-​free, which makes it a good place to train without self esteem being at risk. I will definitley come back! :)

Okay, I normally don’t do reviews but I had to on the Ballet Studio. I really can’t say enough good things about this place and Heidi!!! I did ballet as a child and then picked up classes again in college, but it’s been a good 6, almost 7 years since then. It’s been a long search and some sporadic classes here or there, but nothing felt right until I came to this place. Let me just say: I am sold. Ten times over. It’s my happy place.
I love that I can take it twice a week for my class level and would do it more if they were available. I still like doing the ballet from the beginning class occasionally, just to have more time to work on technique. Even if you’ve had ballet before, that’s not a bad level to start at. It’s definitely slow in the first few weeks, but it really helps you make sure you don’t cheat your way through based on muscle memory alone.
All you have to do is brave the leotard. It sounds scary (unless you’re like 12), but it’s really not. Not once have I felt any judgment here and everyone is busy concentrating on their own bodies and Heidi’s constructive tips to notice much else. And there’s bound to be someone your age range there, whatever that may be, based on the classes I’ve been to.
Back to Heidi — she is so sweet and patient, it’s unbelievable. (Note, this is not code for saying she goes easy on you. She notices everything and you will undoubtedly improve in her classes.) Almost as unbelievable as her ability to remember every single person’s name. Personally, I have a hard time remembering the names of people I come in contact with at work the first 3 – 5 times I meet them, so color me impressed.
Anyway, if you have any doubts still, you can come in yoga pants and a form fitted top for the first class if you want to get a feel for things before you commit. Totally worth it, especially if you find the idea of running in place at a gym about as fun as root canal. This is much more like sitting at the end of a rainbow eating a bowl of lucky charms while watching little leprechauns frolic through the fields. In a sweaty, I just got my a*# kicked and loved every second of it, kind of way.
in sum: it’s so worth the (reasonable) cost if you brave the nervousness of getting back into it, or learning ballet for the first time.

I’ve tried adult beginning ballet classes at a few studios in Sacramento and this one is by FAR the best! I was daunted by the crummy location, but I’m used to the drive now and it doesn’t bother me anymore.
The instructor (Heidi McLean) is absolutely wonderful and gives a lot of constructive feedback while working you hard! The classes are challenging but not defeating, and she works with her (sometimes old and/​or injured) students bodies and their restrictions while motivating you to try harder and do better!
I know this review has a lot of exclamation points in it, but The Ballet Studio really is a gem.

I have to say I’m very impressed with this studio. I used to dance, a lot. Its has been about 8 years and 50 lbs later and it is scary going back in to class! But not scary here.
Heidi spent about 40 minutes on the phone with me and answered every question I asked her (I was being a wee-​bit high maintenance). Since I no longer owned dance clothes and shoes, Heidi GAVE me a pair of tights and let me borrow a pair of shoes until I was able to purchase some.
I am really impressed with the caliber of her teaching. She is very careful of her students bodies (not something you often find while teaching adults). The classes are very technique oriented (great if you are getting back into dance after an absence). The other participants are really nice and welcoming as well (no snotty ballet attitude here). My only critique would be the classes that I have taken (beginning classes only) are not very dancey. You don’t get to do a lot of combinations but that may be different of other classes (the more advances classes). I am super happy here!