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Applegate Dance Studio

5 ★★★★★ 73 Google reviews · Ballet school in Davis, California

Free trial Adult classes Kids & teens Pointe Private lessons

Plan your first class

  • Free trial / first class new students can usually try a class free or at a discount — call ahead or check their schedule to book your first one
  • Ages classes for ages 3–18 — check the schedule for the right level for your dancer
  • Adult classes classes for grown-ups, including absolute beginners — it's never too late to start at the barre
  • 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
  • Summer intensive holiday and summer intensive programs — these fill early, so ask about dates and auditions
  • Private lessons one-on-one coaching available — ask about rates and availability
  • Phone (530) 767-3777
  • Website & schedule applegatedance.com — enroll and see the live class schedule

The programs they offer

Ballet programs on the schedule at Applegate Dance Studio, confirmed in families' own reviews and the studio's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

💃 Adult Ballet 7 mentions

“As a now 29 year old, I have spent years searching for a studio that's a good fit for an adult dancer with experience.”

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🌱 Adult Beginner Ballet

“A friend recommended Applegate Dance Studio to me for their Very Beginner Adult Ballet class.”

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🌸 Kids Ballet 10 mentions

“It has been a great pleasure in the past ten years to watch my daughter dance and grow at Applegate, and make life-long friends.”

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☀️ Summer Intensives

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🧸 Toddler & Pre-Ballet

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What families & students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 73 Google reviews — with their own words as proof.

🩰 strong technique & training 3 mentions

“I have been taking intermediate ballet classes but recently added a beginning class which helps with technique.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 4 mentions

“She creates a supportive and challenging environment where dancers of all levels can learn, improve and have fun!”

💛 nurturing, non-competitive 13 mentions

“The director and teachers are kind and passionate, going above and beyond to meet each student's individual needs as a person and as a dancer.”

🎭 beautiful recitals & performances 7 mentions

“The quality of the shows put on by Applegate are renowned and unmatched: I will never forget the thrill of being on stage with Applegate.”

serious pre-professional training 2 mentions

“Having danced five years with the company, I can confidently say that dancers that come to Applegate are sure to improve rapidly as dancers and grow as young adults.”

💃 great for adults 4 mentions

“They offer drop-in adult classes in addition to children's classes and put on a performance each year.”

From the reviews

While I only danced with Applegate for about two years in the company, I cannot write enough about how wonderful of a studio this is. The instructors were incredibly knowledgable & supportive, and every day I was so excited to attend class and learn from Lisa.

★★★★★ — Brittany, Sep 2022

Applegate Dance Studio is a lovely, one studio ballet oriented dance studio. They offer drop-in adult classes in addition to children's classes and put on a performance each year.

★★★★★ — Miranda, Jan 2025

My experience at Applegate Dance Studio has been nothing less than magical. The director and teachers are kind and passionate, going above and beyond to meet each student's individual needs as a person and as a dancer. Lisa Applegate has created a family-like atmosphere that is encouraging and motivating.

★★★★★ — Ciera, May 2016

I have been a life long dancer, starting at the age on four. As a now 29 year old, I have spent years searching for a studio that's a good fit for an adult dancer with experience. I finally found it! Applegate is amazing. Such a welcoming feel throughout and excellent teachers.

★★★★★ — Natalie, Oct 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 73 reviews →

Adult ballet at Applegate Dance Studio

Applegate Dance Studio 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.

See their adult schedule

Your first ballet class at Applegate Dance Studio

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.

Ballet is for every age and every body. If you're returning from an injury or have a health concern, mention it to the teacher before class so they can offer modifications.

Where to find Applegate Dance Studio

2657 Portage Bay E, Davis, CA95616

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and student reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this studio? Claim your listing — it's free.