Santa Clara Ballet School

this is an amazing class! the teacher is very patient and very detailed. the environment is friendly i would highly recommend this class. Adult beginners class is held every Thursday at 6:30

I have been going to the school for 5 years and I love it! I have learned a lot from this school, and I think the people there are really nice. I actually met my best friend there. The instructors really know what they are talking about. I have just started pointe work, and so has my friend. We learn so much, and it is actually really fun too! I really suggest going to SCBS!!!

This school has great ballet teachers. But, there is a big problem for me with the people who help managing this school. If you want to give your child a chance to perform on stage, you first have to pay an expensive participation fee, and they will ask you to buy tickets to see the show. Those tickets are not cheap for me. Worst of all, they would impost a ridiculous ticket sales requirement for each participant/​family. When you ask them why the family/​children are forced, but are not asked whether they would like to volunteer to help the ticket sales/​promotion. They would tell you that is a common pracitice in non-​profit organizations; and this school is not the worst one in term of requirements. If you are not willing to pay a lot for your child’s performance, and being treated as a sales representative with a ticket sale quota, maybe, you should look for a better school.

Great place to take adult ballet classes! Although you share with teens (most likely), everyone is very welcoming & all levels are welcome. Adults do not have a dress code (children wear black leos & tights) so you can wear something comfortable & it’s a great place to move.

Love the «family» feel of the ballet studio. Everyone helps everyone modo. People are friendly and always willing to answer questions. The teaching staff is phenominal. The small calls sizes are beneficial for learning. Students get lots of one on one attention which you will not get at other dance schools.
They put together an annual full length Nutcracker Ballet production. Allows the children to experience dancing with professional dancers in a very professional setting. The experience is truly something that will be remembered for years to come.
I would recommend this top notch ballet school to anyone from toddlers to adults!

We’ve been taking our daughter to SCBS for 7+ years now. We drive 45 minutes to an hour each way 3 to 5 days a week to get her there because the instruction is SO outstanding.
There IS no other school anywhere in the bay area (and I would argue much further) providing the quality disciplined instruction they get at this school.
If you or your child has a passion for dance and you simply must bring them to the best.
I can’t really speak to the concerns ‘J.M.’ mentioned. I have never experienced what he/​she describes and have always found everyone to be quite friendly and welcoming.
S

I’ve danced with Santa Clara Ballet, and taken lessons at the school since 1995. I’ve had most every part in the Nutcracker Ballet by now, and I have fond memories of many things about this school!
My top accolades about this professional ballet academy are:
* the comraderie developed during the rehearsals and practices… and practices… and practices… and practices :-). Sharing tips on how to sew ribbons, sharing both smiles and tears as dancers are molded and formed during the process of creating a ballet.
* the support from the professional dancers– from San Francisco Ballet, Ballet San Jose Silicon Valley, Diablo, Smuin and others– they help us «corps» types out, giving pointers, helping us to bring our characters to life on stage, and are there in the wings of every show smiling and hugging every child that comes offstage.
* both Mrs Reyes and Mr Reyes (God bless his soul) showing us so many variations of classical technique of each tiny, dainty move. Yes, there are jumps & leaps & turns, but the best dancers practice even just WALKING across the stage to perfection. Every hand and facial gesture to help express and convey the message of the music and choreography.
Oh I could go on. There are so FEW pure ballet academies left, and this one has withstood over 30 years at its location, and is the home company to the City of Santa Clara, plus the premier company to the Santa Clara Convention Center. The company has toured the world and performed in far away places such as Prague, Czeck.
I have loved being a part of the school and company. Now that I have a little one (2 y/​o) I’m counting the days until he can audition to be an Angel in the Nutcracker and join me on stage.
This is NOT a place for acrobatics or «competition dance». This is pure ballet, taught by masters and principal dancers of major companies. BRING IT! :-)

The owner and the instructors are great. My daughter has learned a lot since she has been there. However, I am moving her because of the many parents and dancers who are not very welcoming or friendly. In fact, it has been painful for my daughter and for me to deal with some of the people who help to run things at this school. If you can deal with the people, it is great. Otherwise, head somewhere else.