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Berkeley Ballet
4.9 ★★★★★ 31 Google reviews · Ballet school in Berkeley, California
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 2–18 — 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
- Pre-professional a serious, conservatory-style track for committed students aiming high
- 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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule berkeleyballet.org — enroll and see the live class schedule
Hours
| Monday | 9 AM–9:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–9:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–9:30 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–9:30 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 8:30 AM–6 PM |
| Sunday | 8:30 AM–6 PM |
The programs they offer
“Wonderful and welcoming place to learn and practice ballet as an adult, they have on-going workshops as well.”
“My daughter trained at BBT before becoming a professional dancer, we loved it then and now”
What families & students say
“They have a variety of Ballet Classes, nice big studios, and great teachers who are knowledgable and welcoming.”
“Wonderful and welcoming place to learn and practice ballet as an adult, they have on-going workshops as well.”
From the reviews
BBT is a gem in the East Bay. They have a variety of Ballet Classes, nice big studios, and great teachers who are knowledgable and welcoming. I finally found my dance home on this side of the bridge! I would like to see live accompaniment in the adult beginning classes, not just the advanced/company classes, however.
Wonderful and welcoming place to learn and practice ballet as an adult, they have on-going workshops as well. 10/10 highly recommend, amazing place with great community
These performances are always well done and so beautiful. I love the direction and design, and the theater is such an intimate space. See them!
We rented a rehearsal room. The price was reasonable and the staff was helpful, bringing us two fans. My daughter trained at BBT before becoming a professional dancer, we loved it then and now
Adult ballet at Berkeley Ballet
Berkeley Ballet runs classes for grown-ups, going by their listing and students’ reviews. 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 Berkeley Ballet
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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