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Berkeley City Ballet
5 ★★★★★ 9 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
- 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 ·
- Phone (510) 841-8913
- Website & schedule berkeleycityballet.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 | Closed |
The programs they offer
“My daughter has been going to Berkeley City Ballet since she was in pre-ballet.”
“Our daughter (now 12) has been enrolled in the pre-professional program since 2021.”
“My daughter has been going to Berkeley City Ballet since she was in pre-ballet.”
What families & students say
“I am so happy we found this school all those years ago, my daughter has loved it from day one.”
“They prioritized her health and never once tried to push her to come back to class before she was ready, even though the spring performance was coming up.”
“Our daughter (now 12) has been enrolled in the pre-professional program since 2021.”
“Our daughter (now 12) has been enrolled in the pre-professional program since 2021.”
From the reviews
My daughter loves dancing at Berkeley City Ballet! We have had the most positive experience there over the last 4 years. The teachers are kind and keep the classes fun, yet inspire the dancers to grow and be the best they can be. The new director is so helpful and does a great job communicating with parents.
We have had a wonderful experience with Berkeley City Ballet. Our daughter (now 12) has been enrolled in the pre-professional program since 2021. She was enrolled in a different ballet school previous to this one, but she wanted something a little more structured.
My daughter has been going to Berkeley City Ballet since she was in pre-ballet. She is now going into ballet 5. I am so happy we found this school all those years ago, my daughter has loved it from day one. The director and teachers are amazing people who teach the kids with joy, humor and compassion.
Adult ballet at Berkeley City Ballet
Berkeley City Ballet 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 Berkeley City 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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