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Dmitri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy

4.1 ★★★★☆ 27 Google reviews · Ballet school in Laguna Hills, California

Ballet school Adult classes Kids & teens Pre-professional

Plan your first class

  • 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 +1 949-360-4233
  • Website & schedule balletdkcba.com — enroll and see the live class schedule

Hours

Monday 2–8 pm
Tuesday 2–8 pm
Wednesday 2–8 pm
Thursday 2–8 pm
Friday 2–8 pm
Saturday 9 am–3 pm
Sunday Closed

Studio hours shift for holidays, recitals, and term schedules — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The programs they offer

Ballet programs on the schedule at Dmitri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy, confirmed in families' own reviews and the studio's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌸 Kids Ballet 19 mentions

“My daughter started at this school this year, and I can truly say how impressed we are with the level of training.”

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Pre-Professional

“We researched to find a high level pre-professional ballet academy for our daughter to train at and can’t be happier.”

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☀️ Summer Intensives

“This year, some students have been accepted to train at Houston Ballet, ABT JKO, and ABT Studio Company, and many attend top summer intensives.”

All studios with summer intensives →

How they train

The training methods and syllabi Dmitri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy teaches, drawn from their own info and students' reviews — the quickest way to tell how a studio approaches classical technique.

🩰 Vaganova Method 2 mentions

“The training is Vaganova-based, and if you are motivated and ready to work hard, you are absolutely in very good hands.”

Other studios teaching vaganova method →

Methods are mined from the studio's own info and reviews — they tell you the approach, not a formal certification or exam board. If a specific syllabus matters to you, confirm it with the studio before enrolling.

What families & students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 27 Google reviews — with their own words as proof.

🩰 strong technique & training 3 mentions

“By prioritizing steady progress, discipline, and proper technique, the studio creates a positive, motivating, and supportive environment for young dancers.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 3 mentions

“The teachers, staff, and students are all so supportive and welcoming.”

🧸 wonderful with young kids 2 mentions

“My daughter loves her classes and the level of technical training is Amazing!”

💛 nurturing, non-competitive 9 mentions

“Our family has had a very positive experience at Dmitri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy, and I wanted to share.”

🎭 beautiful recitals & performances 3 mentions

“The ability for my younger children the perform along side of the older and advanced dancers is impressive and helps them to aspire to continue.”

serious pre-professional training 2 mentions

“This year, some students have been accepted to train at Houston Ballet, ABT JKO, and ABT Studio Company, and many attend top summer intensives.”

From the reviews

My daughter started at this school this year, and I can truly say how impressed we are with the level of training. She has improved so much in a short time and has also made great friends.

★★★★★ — Anna, Jan 2026

Our family has had a very positive experience at Dmitri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy, and I wanted to share. In less than a year, we’ve seen tremendous growth in our daughter, in her strength, control, placement, and confidence. Miss Alina and Mr.

★★★★★ — Michelle, Mar 2026

Incredible dance studio for classical russian ballet as well as other dance genres. Both my daughter and son have been training at DKCBA for over 6 years and 4 years respectively. The instructors teach great technique and with care to the growth of each student.

★★★★★ — Scott, Mar 2017

Our daughter is currently training at DKCBA, and we truly credit the strong, professional, high-quality training she is receiving. The instruction is excellent, and the teachers are dedicated and supportive.

★★★★★ — Morgan, Feb 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 27 reviews →

Adult ballet at Dmitri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy

Dmitri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy 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.

Check adult classes on their site

Your first ballet class at Dmitri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy

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 Dmitri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy

23091 Del Lago Dr, Laguna Hills, CA92653

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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.