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American Ballet Theatre William J. Gillespie School
5 ★★★★★ 19 Google reviews · Ballet school in Costa Mesa, California
Plan your first class
- Pointe pointe and pre-pointe work for dancers who are ready — the pre-pointe strengthening comes first
- Recitals end-of-year performances and shows — ask about costume and performance fees when you enroll
- Today see hours ·
- Phone +1 714-427-2211
- Website & schedule scfta.org — enroll and see the live class schedule
Hours
| Monday | 9 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 9 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 9 am–8 pm |
The programs they offer
“We went to see the Nutcracker they presented that year and my daughter said she wanted to do it too!”
“We’ve been really impressed by the school’s step-by-step approach to developing the dancers—no rushing, especially when it comes to pointe shoes.”
“Summer Intensives, or going to the Master Classes.”
What families & students say
“The school focuses on technical ballet and does a great job of teaching even their youngest students confidence, focus, great technique, and poise.”
“They have dedicated and outstanding teachers, sophisticated curriculum, and welcoming environment which leads to the growth of student in every aspects of ballet.”
“My daughter has grown to love dance even more and wants to become a professional.”
“The knowledgeable teachers create a nurturing atmosphere for artistic growth, and the live music accompaniment during classes enhances the experience.”
“Additionally, the exposure to performances is a fantastic opportunity for the dancers, giving them invaluable experience and motivation.”
“Additionally, one of the most impressive things to me as a parent is that the school is very well run and extremely communicative and organized.”
From the reviews
I highly recommend ABT William J. Gillespie Ballet school.This is a professional school of dance, with live Music piano during class. Miss Mandy is simply the sweetest teacher in the world , thank you for your impeccable and wonderful work.
The ABT Gillespie school was referred to me by one of my adult students (I am a flamenco dance teacher.) My student's daughter attended the ABT Gillespie school, and both parent and daughter loved it. We went to see the Nutcracker they presented that year and my daughter said she wanted to do it too!
My eleven year old daughter has been enrolled in ABT for the last nine months. Prior to ABT, she did a year of ballet in two various programs in Orange County. The progress she has made at ABT is tremendous and notable. The program focuses on proper technique and advancement only when steps are near-perfected.
Our daughter started at ABT William J. Gillespie School this year, and we have been so happy with our experience there. My daughter is in Miss Mindy's class. Miss Mindy is so kind, and my daughter looks forward to every class. In the past 3 months, she has already learned so much.
Your first ballet class at American Ballet Theatre William J. Gillespie School
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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