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BlackBox Studios - Ballet & Dance Studio
5 ★★★★★ 41 Google reviews · Ballet school in Oakland, 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
- Pointe pointe and pre-pointe work for dancers who are ready — the pre-pointe strengthening comes first
- Private lessons one-on-one coaching available — ask about rates and availability
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule blackboxstudiosoakland.com — enroll and see the live class schedule
Hours
| Monday | 4:30–7:45 PM |
| Tuesday | 3:40–8:05 PM |
| Wednesday | 4:30–7:35 PM |
| Thursday | 4:30–7:35 PM |
| Friday | 4–7 PM |
| Saturday | 9–11 AM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The programs they offer
“She teaches her adult classes with a level of care and rigor that I’ve often found lacking in other adult programs.”
“I take both her beginner adult ballet class as well as the intermediate/advanced.”
“I strongly believe this is because of Theresa and her attentiveness to making ballet fun for the kids but also really teaching them technique.”
“We’ve taken ballet with Theresa and creative movement/modern dance with Michelle, and my daughter loves both of them.”
“My teen and tween daughters have been studying with Theresa for several years - she's been their nurturing and trusted guide for pointe.”
“My teen and tween daughters have been studying with Theresa for several years - she's been their nurturing and trusted guide for pointe.”
What families & students say
“I strongly believe this is because of Theresa and her attentiveness to making ballet fun for the kids but also really teaching them technique.”
“I would recommend this studio to anyone beginner to advanced wanting to refine their ballet technique.”
“We’ve taken ballet with Theresa and creative movement/modern dance with Michelle, and my daughter loves both of them.”
“Theresa is a joy to interact with - you can tell how passionate she is about what she does - and she is super responsive, kind, and communicates very well.”
“The recitals (we've done 3 so far, in our 18 months at the studio) have all been adorable delights with real costumes and choreography.”
“She teaches her adult classes with a level of care and rigor that I’ve often found lacking in other adult programs.”
From the reviews
I just had my first dance class at BlackBox (Adult/Teen Beginner Ballet). It was pure joy. Theresa is exceptional. She brings humor and light heartedness to a beautiful art form in a way that both respects the history and tradition of ballet and at the same time makes it so accessible to all ages and experience levels.
I started at Black Box Studios a few months ago after a 20 year + hiatus from dance. Teresa’s classes and teaching brought back the joy I had in my early years of dancing… and then some. Her own love of dance and teaching is infectious and her knowledge and skill are extensive.
As an adult with minimal ballet knowledge, it can be intimidating to go into a new studio. But BlackBox studios is so welcoming and judgement free. Theresa does a great job of making the classes fun and challenging, while meeting everyone where they are with their experience and ability.
I have been taking class from Theresa for several months now, and I can say without a doubt that she is a fantastic teacher and mentor. The quality of training at the Blackbox Studios is truly top notch. I would recommend this studio to anyone beginner to advanced wanting to refine their ballet technique.
Adult ballet at BlackBox Studios - Ballet & Dance Studio
BlackBox Studios - Ballet & Dance Studio 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 BlackBox Studios - Ballet & 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.
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