Home › For kids › San Francisco, CA
Ballet Classes for Kids in San Francisco
18 studios in San Francisco, California teach children — from baby ballet and creative movement for toddlers (often from ages 2–3) to graded classes for school-age kids and teens. A great first studio is nurturing and non-competitive, with patient teachers who keep the first term joyful; many put on an annual recital your child will remember for years. Studios are ranked below by local reputation (rating weighted by review count), and with 18 options in town it's worth calling ahead to ask what age they start, which class fits your child, and whether there's a trial.
1. San Francisco Ballet
4.5 ★★★★★ 118 reviews
“Great experience. We had 2 seats on Grand tier ($150 each). Show started at 7pm, we arrived at the Performing Arts Garage(across the street from Ballet) @ 4:40pm grab event…” — Manny
2. ODC Dance Commons
4.6 ★★★★★ 104 reviews
“The dance classes here are phenomenal. take a class with Tika Morgan - she is a tough teacher but you will learn so much about dance, culture roots and life wisdom.” — Chenyu
3. Tutu School West Portal
5 ★★★★★ 61 reviews
“We love the Tutu School. We first visited when my daughter was around 2yo for a parent-participatory mixed-age class. It was pretty chaotic. The teacher was not unkind, but she…” — Laura
4. Smuin Contemporary Ballet | Smuin Center for Dance
4.7 ★★★★★ 42 reviews
“The Smuin Ballet 25th Anniversary production is superb. I can't say enough positive about the performace from the choice of ballets to the exquisite dancing. A perfect mixture of…” — Phyllis
5. Academy of Ballet
5 ★★★★★ 27 reviews
“I have been practicing ballet at the Academy of Ballet for 6.5 years, and I highly recommend its Adult Program for the following reasons: 1. Safe place for EVERYONE You'll see…” — Jennifer
6. Terpsichora Ballet School (TBS)
4.8 ★★★★★ 24 reviews
“I had known Liezl Austria before she received certificates from Vaganova Ballet Academy. I remember her annual trips to St. Petersburg, Russia. Naturally I was excited when she…” — Eiko
7. San Francisco Dance Space
4.8 ★★★★★ 22 reviews
“A great place to develop a love of dance while also attaining the technical skills to be an amazing dancer. The teachers are warm and highly skilled. The studio is beautiful and…” — Anel
8. Ms. Marian's Dance Garden
5 ★★★★★ 18 reviews
“I started to take my daughter to Ms. Marian's Dance Garden for the "Dancing with Baby (6-36 mo w/caregiver)" class right when she learned to walk. She was dancing to music in our…” — Virginia
9. Moving Arts Academy of Dance
4.7 ★★★★★ 15 reviews
“My oldest child has been attending Moving Arts when it first started and we have continued ever since. They offer superb programs for every level including camps.” — Jeannie
10. Tutu School San Francisco - Bay Street
5 ★★★★★ 13 reviews
“My daughter went to multiple summer camp sessions here and loved it. They had a performance at the end of each week and I was amazed at what the camp taught them in just a week.…” — Andonio
12. Marina Classical Ballet
4.3 ★★★★☆ 11 reviews
“I started my ballet training with Mrs. Marina at 4 years old and she has truly helped me become the dancer and person I am today. First off, it is a great and friendly environment…” — Paulina
13. San Francisco Youth Ballet
3.9 ★★★★☆ 12 reviews
“Excellent mix of structure and creativity for pre ballet! Highly recommend. The tuition is very reasonable. Very impressed with program and the older dancers as well. Highly…” — Arsenio
14. CANVAS Dance Arts
5 ★★★★★ 6 reviews
“I know the owners and checked this studio out during the grand opening week. Both teachers are the best in the city and have years of both classical and free form styles of dance…” — Doug
15. Geary Dance Center
5 ★★★★★ 4 reviews
“Geary Dance Center is such a great studio for families of the Richmond District in San Francisco! The teachers are so experienced, professional and inviting and the owners are…” — Toni
17. Fomkin Ballet Academy
5 ★★★★★ 3 reviews
“Fomkin Ballet Academy is the school to learn ballet. Mr. Aleksei Fomkin is incredibly knowledgeable. He teaches every dancer in the room as an individual with tailored…” — Shadrack
18. Monique's Ballet SF
4.5 ★★★★★ 2 reviews
“Monique is just such a wonderful teacher and person. She was the best ballet teacher I ever had. Would come back anytime when I’m back in the city. Thank you Monique! Pia” — Pia
Enrolling your child in San Francisco: practical notes
- Call with your child's age. Ask which class fits — baby ballet, creative movement, or a graded level — and whether they offer a trial class so your child can try before you commit to a term.
- Ask about the recital. Most studios stage a year-end performance; check the schedule and any costume or ticket costs up front so the year holds no surprises.
- Sort the dress code, don't over-buy. A leotard, tights, and ballet slippers with hair in a bun is typical, but many studios keep the first class relaxed. Confirm what's required before shopping.
- Look for nurturing, not pushy. The best early teachers keep it fun and non-competitive; confidence and a love of moving come first, technique follows.
- Use a free trial. Some studios offer a free or discounted first class — the easiest way to see if your child clicks with the teacher. See studios with a free trial class.
Kids' ballet near San Francisco
All ballet studios in San Francisco, CA → · All kids' ballet cities →