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Agape Dance Academy
4.9 ★★★★★ 36 Google reviews · Ballet school in Soquel, California
Plan your first class
- Adult classes classes for grown-ups, including absolute beginners — it's never too late to start at the barre
- Recitals end-of-year performances and shows — ask about costume and performance fees when you enroll
- Today see hours ·
- Phone +1 831-359-7879
- Website & schedule agapedance.com — enroll and see the live class schedule
Hours
| Monday | 4–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 4–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 4–8 pm |
| Thursday | 4–8 pm |
| Friday | 4–8 pm |
| Saturday | 8:30 am–3 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The programs they offer
“I attended the Agape Dance Academy from December 2023 to August 2024, And within that timeframe, I could say, I excel immensely as a beginner adult ballet dancer.”
“I attended the Agape Dance Academy from December 2023 to August 2024, And within that timeframe, I could say, I excel immensely as a beginner adult ballet dancer.”
“As a former professional dancer, I feel confident that my children will receive safe and proper training under the professional staff at Agape.”
“Agape has given me a safe place to land while I continued dance training at summer intensives, throughout college and even now.”
What families & students say
“Not only is she a wonderful and dedicated teacher but she loves and supports her students as if they were family.”
“As a former professional dancer, I feel confident that my children will receive safe and proper training under the professional staff at Agape.”
“I attended the Agape Dance Academy from December 2023 to August 2024, And within that timeframe, I could say, I excel immensely as a beginner adult ballet dancer.”
“It has been our pleasure to watch our daughter grow into a confident young woman and always passionate about the thing that she puts so many hours into.”
“There appears to be a specific focus on fostering an encouraging and fun environment for young dancers, while still introducing the beginnings of classical ballet.”
“The teaching is excellent and the performances are so well done from the choreography to set design to costume—so many amazing and professional level details.”
From the reviews
The instructors, students, and community of Agape Dance Academy played an incredible role in forming my confidence, self-esteem, physical health, and character over the six years I was actively involved.
My two daughters and I have been dancing with Melanie for over 10 years. She is an inspiration to us on so many levels. Not only is she a wonderful and dedicated teacher but she loves and supports her students as if they were family. She takes the time to talk to them and listen to their needs and concerns.
I attended the Agape Dance Academy from December 2023 to August 2024, And within that timeframe, I could say, I excel immensely as a beginner adult ballet dancer. I had come to this company with approximately a year and a half of ballet experience. Starting my dance career in my early 20s.
Agape Dance Academy is wonderful dance studio. It was started by Melanie Useldinger who was a professional dancer with San Francisco Ballet. Agape Dance Academy is a classical ballet studio where the students learn the art of ballet in a loving and warm environment.
Adult ballet at Agape Dance Academy
Agape Dance Academy runs classes for grown-ups — confirmed on their own site. If you've never taken ballet, or you're coming back to it after years away, this is for you — and a good studio genuinely welcomes a nervous first-timer. A few things worth asking before you go. First, which class to start in — look for one labeled "absolute beginner" or "adult beginner" rather than an open or "all levels" class, so you learn the fundamentals at the right pace. Second, drop-in or term — many adult programs let you pay per class to try it, then move to a term or monthly package once you're hooked. Third, what to wear — comfortable clothes you can move in, plus socks or bare feet, are plenty for a first class; you won't need a leotard or ballet shoes to walk in the door. It's never too late for first position.
Your first ballet class at Agape Dance Academy
Nervous about walking into your first class? Almost everyone is — and a good studio expects beginners, whether your dancer is five or you're returning at fifty. Here's what to know. What to wear: comfortable clothes you can move in, with socks or bare feet; a leotard and tights are nice if you have them, but not required, and pointe shoes are years down the road — never day one. What to expect: class usually starts at the barre with slow, simple movements to warm up, then moves to the center — follow along, copy the teacher, and don't worry about getting it "right" the first time. Arrive early: come 10–15 minutes ahead to change, find a spot, and let the teacher know it's a first class so they can keep an eye out. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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